Waxhaw, NC
Population 21,565 · North Carolina
About Waxhaw, NC
Waxhaw is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 21,565 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,115 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waxhaw features a median home value of $506,300, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waxhaw in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,770, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,846 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (5,404 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (1,172 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waxhaw 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 4.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waxhaw have an average one-way commute time of 31.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.9% of Waxhaw 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 3.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 16.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waxhaw Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Waxhaw, NC
Compared to national averages, Waxhaw has a median household income of $128,115 (70% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $506,300, which is 107% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,770 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Waxhaw's income is 99% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 121% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Waxhaw, NC?
Waxhaw offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,115, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $506,300. However, Waxhaw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waxhaw has a population of 21,565 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Waxhaw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Waxhaw
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemmons | 21,574 | $84,326 | $306,900 | Compare |
| Shelby | 21,868 | $50,705 | $185,400 | Compare |
| Carrboro | 21,170 | $85,927 | $507,100 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | 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 Waxhaw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waxhaw
What is the population of Waxhaw, NC?
The population of Waxhaw, NC is 21,565 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 Waxhaw?
The median household income in Waxhaw, NC is $128,115 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waxhaw?
The median home value in Waxhaw, NC is $506,300, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waxhaw?
The median monthly rent in Waxhaw, NC is $1,770, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waxhaw?
The unemployment rate in Waxhaw, 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 Waxhaw, NC a good place to live?
Waxhaw offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,565 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waxhaw, NC?
54.9% of residents in Waxhaw 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 Waxhaw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waxhaw, NC: median home value is $506,300 (107% above national), median rent is $1,770/month, and median household income is $128,115. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waxhaw?
The poverty rate in Waxhaw, NC is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waxhaw, NC?
Waxhaw's population is 3.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 16.3% of residents are foreign-born.