Jacksonville, NC
Population 73,507 · North Carolina
About Jacksonville, NC
Jacksonville is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 73,507 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,069 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.3 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 Jacksonville features a median home value of $191,700, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Jacksonville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,268, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25,768 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (8,433 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (14,375 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 Jacksonville shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jacksonville have an average one-way commute time of 14.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Jacksonville 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 8.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Jacksonville Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC
Compared to national averages, Jacksonville has a median household income of $54,069 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $191,700, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,268 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Jacksonville's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 16% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Jacksonville, NC?
Jacksonville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $191,700, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 14.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,069) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Jacksonville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Jacksonville has a population of 73,507 with a median age of 23.3 years. Compare Jacksonville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Jacksonville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Gastonia | 81,632 | $60,554 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
| Burlington | 58,599 | $54,941 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 88,540 | $50,564 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Kannapolis | 56,470 | $70,691 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 54,175 | $52,927 | $148,300 | 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 Jacksonville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jacksonville
What is the population of Jacksonville, NC?
The population of Jacksonville, NC is 73,507 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 Jacksonville?
The median household income in Jacksonville, NC is $54,069 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jacksonville?
The median home value in Jacksonville, NC is $191,700, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Jacksonville?
The median monthly rent in Jacksonville, NC is $1,268, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jacksonville?
The unemployment rate in Jacksonville, NC is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live?
Jacksonville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 73,507 and a median age of 23.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Jacksonville, NC?
25.0% of residents in Jacksonville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jacksonville, NC: median home value is $191,700 (22% below national), median rent is $1,268/month, and median household income is $54,069. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Jacksonville?
The poverty rate in Jacksonville, NC is 13.5%, 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 Jacksonville, NC?
Jacksonville's population is 8.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 15.6% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.