Morganton, NC
Population 17,541 · North Carolina
About Morganton, NC
Morganton is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 17,541 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,434 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Morganton features a median home value of $208,300, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Morganton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $909, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,328 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (3,462 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (3,220 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Morganton shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 29.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Morganton have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Morganton 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 4.0% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 16.8% Asian residents, with 12.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Morganton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Morganton
What is the population of Morganton, NC?
The population of Morganton, NC is 17,541 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 Morganton?
The median household income in Morganton, NC is $49,434 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Morganton?
The median home value in Morganton, NC is $208,300, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Morganton?
The median monthly rent in Morganton, NC is $909, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Morganton?
The unemployment rate in Morganton, NC is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Morganton, NC a good place to live?
Morganton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,541 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Morganton, NC?
23.0% of residents in Morganton 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 Morganton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Morganton, NC: median home value is $208,300 (15% below national), median rent is $909/month, and median household income is $49,434. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Morganton?
The poverty rate in Morganton, NC is 29.9%, 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 Morganton, NC?
Morganton's population is 4.0% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 16.8% Asian, and 13.2% two or more races. 12.4% of residents are foreign-born.