Harrisburg, NC
Population 19,203 · North Carolina
About Harrisburg, NC
Harrisburg is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 19,203 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $143,393 per year, which is 91% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harrisburg features a median home value of $431,900, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Harrisburg in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,407, 107% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,111 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (5,367 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (437 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harrisburg shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Harrisburg have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
55.7% of Harrisburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 6.7% Asian residents, with 15.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Harrisburg Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Harrisburg, NC
Compared to national averages, Harrisburg has a median household income of $143,393 (91% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $431,900, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,407 is 107% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Harrisburg's income is 122% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 89% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Harrisburg, NC?
Harrisburg offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $143,393, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 55.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $431,900. However, Harrisburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harrisburg has a population of 19,203 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Harrisburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Harrisburg
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | 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 Harrisburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisburg
What is the population of Harrisburg, NC?
The population of Harrisburg, NC is 19,203 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 Harrisburg?
The median household income in Harrisburg, NC is $143,393 per year, which is 91% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg, NC is $431,900, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harrisburg?
The median monthly rent in Harrisburg, NC is $2,407, which is 107% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisburg, NC is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Harrisburg, NC a good place to live?
Harrisburg offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 19,203 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Harrisburg, NC?
55.7% of residents in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harrisburg, NC: median home value is $431,900 (76% above national), median rent is $2,407/month, and median household income is $143,393. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harrisburg?
The poverty rate in Harrisburg, NC is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Harrisburg, NC?
Harrisburg's population is 2.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, and 13.2% two or more races. 15.8% of residents are foreign-born.