Greenville, NC
Population 88,540 · North Carolina
About Greenville, NC
Greenville is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 88,540 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,564 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Greenville features a median home value of $213,100, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Greenville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $983, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,334 total housing units, 33% are owner-occupied (12,837 units) and 67% are renter-occupied (26,587 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Greenville shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Greenville have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.3% of Greenville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Greenville Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Greenville, NC
Compared to national averages, Greenville has a median household income of $50,564 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,100, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $983 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Greenville's income is 22% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 7% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Greenville, NC?
Greenville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $213,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $983/month, and a well-educated community where 39.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,564) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Greenville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Greenville has a population of 88,540 with a median age of 28 years. Compare Greenville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Greenville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | 94,369 | $67,221 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Gastonia | 81,632 | $60,554 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 73,507 | $54,069 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Greenville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenville
What is the population of Greenville, NC?
The population of Greenville, NC is 88,540 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Greenville?
The median household income in Greenville, NC is $50,564 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Greenville?
The median home value in Greenville, NC is $213,100, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Greenville?
The median monthly rent in Greenville, NC is $983, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Greenville?
The unemployment rate in Greenville, NC is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Greenville, NC a good place to live?
Greenville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 88,540 and a median age of 28, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Greenville, NC?
39.3% of residents in Greenville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Greenville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Greenville, NC: median home value is $213,100 (13% below national), median rent is $983/month, and median household income is $50,564. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Greenville?
The poverty rate in Greenville, NC is 24.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Greenville, NC?
Greenville's population is 2.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 40.3% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.