Matthews, NC
Population 29,959 · North Carolina
About Matthews, NC
Matthews is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 29,959 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,579 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Matthews features a median home value of $406,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Matthews in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,670, 44% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,945 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (7,378 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (3,882 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Matthews shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Matthews have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.9% of Matthews 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, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 13.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Matthews Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Matthews, NC
Compared to national averages, Matthews has a median household income of $105,579 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $406,800, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,670 is 44% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Matthews's income is 64% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 78% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Matthews, NC?
Matthews offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,579, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 53.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $406,800. However, Matthews’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Matthews has a population of 29,959 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Matthews with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Matthews
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Clayton | 28,043 | $73,348 | $292,400 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| Kernersville | 27,439 | $69,923 | $264,000 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | 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 Matthews With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Matthews
What is the population of Matthews, NC?
The population of Matthews, NC is 29,959 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 Matthews?
The median household income in Matthews, NC is $105,579 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Matthews?
The median home value in Matthews, NC is $406,800, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Matthews?
The median monthly rent in Matthews, NC is $1,670, which is 44% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Matthews?
The unemployment rate in Matthews, NC is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Matthews, NC a good place to live?
Matthews offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 29,959 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Matthews, NC?
53.9% of residents in Matthews 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 Matthews?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Matthews, NC: median home value is $406,800 (66% above national), median rent is $1,670/month, and median household income is $105,579. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Matthews?
The poverty rate in Matthews, NC is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Matthews, NC?
Matthews's population is 2.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 13.2% two or more races. 13.9% of residents are foreign-born.