Kannapolis, NC
Population 56,470 · North Carolina
About Kannapolis, NC
Kannapolis is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 56,470 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,691 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kannapolis features a median home value of $245,500, which is 0% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kannapolis in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,168, 0% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,969 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (13,672 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (7,236 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kannapolis shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kannapolis have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.1% of Kannapolis 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 6.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kannapolis Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Kannapolis, NC
Compared to national averages, Kannapolis has a median household income of $70,691 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $245,500, which is 0% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,168 is 0% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kannapolis's income is 10% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 7% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kannapolis, NC?
Kannapolis offers a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,691) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Kannapolis provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Kannapolis has a population of 56,470 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Kannapolis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kannapolis
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 58,599 | $54,941 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 54,175 | $52,927 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Wilson | 47,740 | $47,294 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | 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 Kannapolis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kannapolis
What is the population of Kannapolis, NC?
The population of Kannapolis, NC is 56,470 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 Kannapolis?
The median household income in Kannapolis, NC is $70,691 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kannapolis?
The median home value in Kannapolis, NC is $245,500, which is 0% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kannapolis?
The median monthly rent in Kannapolis, NC is $1,168, which is 0% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kannapolis?
The unemployment rate in Kannapolis, NC is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kannapolis, NC a good place to live?
Kannapolis offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 56,470 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kannapolis, NC?
28.1% of residents in Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kannapolis, NC: median home value is $245,500 (0% above national), median rent is $1,168/month, and median household income is $70,691. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kannapolis?
The poverty rate in Kannapolis, NC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kannapolis, NC?
Kannapolis's population is 6.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 23.1% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.