Monroe, NC
Population 35,596 · North Carolina
About Monroe, NC
Monroe is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 35,596 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,265 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Monroe features a median home value of $270,600, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Monroe in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,216, 5% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,994 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (7,061 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (5,020 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monroe shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Monroe have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Monroe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 21.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 8.6% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Monroe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monroe
What is the population of Monroe, NC?
The population of Monroe, NC is 35,596 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 Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe, NC is $67,265 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe, NC is $270,600, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Monroe?
The median monthly rent in Monroe, NC is $1,216, which is 5% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monroe?
The unemployment rate in Monroe, NC is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Monroe, NC a good place to live?
Monroe offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,596 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Monroe, NC?
21.6% of residents in Monroe 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 Monroe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monroe, NC: median home value is $270,600 (10% above national), median rent is $1,216/month, and median household income is $67,265. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Monroe?
The poverty rate in Monroe, NC is 13.9%, 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 Monroe, NC?
Monroe's population is 21.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 8.6% Asian, and 21.5% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.