Monroe, NC
Population 35,596 · North Carolina
About Monroe, NC
Monroe is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 35,596 residents. The median household income is $67,265 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Monroe is 36.5 years.
Housing in Monroe has a median home value of $270,600 and median monthly rent of $1,216. Of the 12,994 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 7,061 owner-occupied and 5,020 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Monroe is 5.5% and the poverty rate is 13.9%. 21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 29.9 minutes.
How Monroe Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Monroe, NC
Compared to national averages, Monroe has a median household income of $67,265 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $270,600, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,216 is 5% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Monroe's income is 4% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Monroe, NC?
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,265) that falls below the national average. However, Monroe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monroe has a population of 35,596 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Monroe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Monroe
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Fuquay-Varina | 37,749 | $111,447 | $410,600 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Monroe
What is the population of Monroe, NC?
The population of Monroe, NC is 35,596 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe, NC is $67,265 per year.
What is the median home value in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe, NC is $270,600.
What is the average rent in Monroe?
The median monthly rent in Monroe, NC is $1,216.
What is the unemployment rate in Monroe?
The unemployment rate in Monroe, NC is 5.5%.