Kernersville, NC
Population 27,439 · North Carolina
About Kernersville, NC
Kernersville is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 27,439 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,923 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kernersville features a median home value of $264,000, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kernersville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,052, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,647 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (6,777 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (5,297 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kernersville shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kernersville have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.2% of Kernersville 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 6.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kernersville Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Kernersville, NC
Compared to national averages, Kernersville has a median household income of $69,923 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $264,000, which is 8% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,052 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kernersville's income is 8% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 15% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kernersville, NC?
Kernersville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,052/month, and a well-educated community where 36.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,923) that falls below the national average. However, Kernersville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kernersville has a population of 27,439 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Kernersville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kernersville
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheboro | 27,353 | $48,628 | $162,800 | Compare |
| Thomasville | 27,261 | $58,246 | $163,200 | Compare |
| Mint Hill | 26,954 | $99,272 | $386,900 | Compare |
| Clayton | 28,043 | $73,348 | $292,400 | Compare |
| Leland | 26,307 | $88,576 | $358,800 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | 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 Kernersville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kernersville
What is the population of Kernersville, NC?
The population of Kernersville, NC is 27,439 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 Kernersville?
The median household income in Kernersville, NC is $69,923 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kernersville?
The median home value in Kernersville, NC is $264,000, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kernersville?
The median monthly rent in Kernersville, NC is $1,052, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kernersville?
The unemployment rate in Kernersville, NC is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kernersville, NC a good place to live?
Kernersville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,439 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kernersville, NC?
36.2% of residents in Kernersville 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 Kernersville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kernersville, NC: median home value is $264,000 (8% above national), median rent is $1,052/month, and median household income is $69,923. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kernersville?
The poverty rate in Kernersville, NC is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kernersville, NC?
Kernersville's population is 6.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 17.1% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.