Morganton, NC
Population 17,541 · North Carolina
About Morganton, NC
Morganton is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 17,541 residents. The median household income is $49,434 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Morganton is 38.5 years.
Housing in Morganton has a median home value of $208,300 and median monthly rent of $909. Of the 7,328 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,462 owner-occupied and 3,220 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Morganton is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 29.9%. 23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.4 minutes.
Cost of Living in Morganton, NC
Compared to national averages, Morganton has a median household income of $49,434 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $208,300, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $909 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Morganton's income is 23% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 9% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Morganton, NC?
Morganton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $208,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $909/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,434) that falls below the national average. However, Morganton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Morganton has a population of 17,541 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Morganton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Morganton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Murraysville | 17,307 | $75,720 | $281,600 | Compare |
| Hope Mills | 17,823 | $60,671 | $176,300 | Compare |
| Mount Holly | 17,928 | $75,928 | $286,400 | Compare |
| Pinehurst | 17,992 | $104,955 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Albemarle | 16,527 | $52,825 | $186,100 | Compare |
| Stallings | 16,495 | $106,074 | $381,700 | 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 Morganton
What is the population of Morganton, NC?
The population of Morganton, NC is 17,541 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Morganton?
The median household income in Morganton, NC is $49,434 per year.
What is the median home value in Morganton?
The median home value in Morganton, NC is $208,300.
What is the average rent in Morganton?
The median monthly rent in Morganton, NC is $909.
What is the unemployment rate in Morganton?
The unemployment rate in Morganton, NC is 3.6%.