Largest cities in North Carolina

North Carolina, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 10.5 million, it ranks as the 9th most populated state in the U.S. North Carolina has experienced rapid population growth, driven by its attractive living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 553 cities and towns.

Living in North Carolina provides residents with numerous benefits, including a mild climate, excellent schools, and abundant natural beauty. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. North Carolina's economy is diverse, with strengths in technology, healthcare, and finance. The state's rapid population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in North Carolina, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of North Carolina cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Charlotte Population: 873,570 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 793 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,826 Med. Household Income: $65,359

Living in Charlotte, NC, known as 'The Queen City,' offers a dynamic urban experience combined with Southern charm. Located in southern North Carolina, Charlotte is a large city that serves as a major economic and cultural hub. Major nearby cities like Raleigh and Greensboro enhance its status as a central point in the region. Charlotte's blend of modern amenities, historic sites, and a strong sense of community creates a distinctive living experience.

Raleigh Population: 469,698 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 376 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,193 Med. Household Income: $69,720

Raleigh, NC, known as 'The City of Oaks,' offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Located in central North Carolina, Raleigh is a large city that serves as the state capital and a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Durham and Chapel Hill enhance its status as a central point in the Research Triangle region. Raleigh's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Greensboro Population: 294,395 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 333 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,260 Med. Household Income: $49,492

Greensboro, NC, known as 'The Gate City,' offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern urban amenities. Located in central North Carolina, Greensboro is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Winston-Salem and Raleigh enhance its status as a central point in the region. Greensboro's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Durham Population: 276,341 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 286 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,434 Med. Household Income: $61,962

Durham, NC, known as 'The Bull City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in central North Carolina, Durham is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Raleigh and Chapel Hill enhance its status as a central point in the region. Durham's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Winston-Salem Population: 245,787 Livability Score: 63

Area Size: 343 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,847 Med. Household Income: $47,269

Winston-Salem, NC, known as 'The Twin City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Greensboro and High Point enhance its status as a central point in the region. Winston-Salem's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Fayetteville Population: 211,201 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 383 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,424 Med. Household Income: $46,321

Fayetteville, NC, known as 'A City of History and Heroes,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in southeastern North Carolina, Fayetteville is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Raleigh and Wilmington enhance its status as a central point in the region. Fayetteville's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Cary Population: 169,177 Livability Score: 90

Area Size: 146 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,851 Med. Household Income: $107,463

Cary, NC, known as "A Great Place to Live," is a thriving community with a rich history and a high quality of life. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Cary is approximately 12 miles west of Raleigh and 20 miles east of Chapel Hill. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community.

Wilmington Population: 122,162 Livability Score: 70

Area Size: 134 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,376 Med. Household Income: $51,137

Wilmington, North Carolina, known as "The Port City," is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Located along the Cape Fear River and near the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities. The city's dynamic growth and strong sense of community make living in Wilmington an attractive option.

High Point Population: 112,434 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 144 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,991 Med. Household Income: $49,649

High Point, North Carolina, known as "The Furniture Capital of the World," is a vibrant city with a rich history and a strong sense of community. With its world-renowned furniture industry, excellent schools, and thriving cultural scene, High Point offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in High Point an attractive option for families and professionals.

Concord Population: 94,147 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 163 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,479 Med. Household Income: $70,973

Concord, NC - The City of Speed"; echo "

Full list of the largest cities in North Carolina

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Charlotte	873,570	793	$65,359	80
2	Raleigh	469,698	376	$69,720	84
3	Greensboro	294,395	333	$49,492	83
4	Durham	276,341	286	$61,962	82
5	Winston-Salem	245,787	343	$47,269	63
6	Fayetteville	211,201	383	$46,321	73
7	Cary	169,177	146	$107,463	90
8	Wilmington	122,162	134	$51,137	70
9	High Point	112,434	144	$49,649	76
10	Concord	94,147	163	$70,973	81
11	Greenville	92,826	91	$42,612	76
12	Asheville	92,328	118	$53,621	72
13	Gastonia	76,635	134	$50,266	60
14	Jacksonville	74,313	121	$45,754	72
15	Chapel Hill	61,912	56	$75,249	87
16	Huntersville	57,288	105	$100,789	75
17	Apex	55,220	45	$112,549	87
18	Burlington	54,534	76	$45,587	71
19	Rocky Mount	54,330	114	$42,691	71
20	Kannapolis	49,788	84	$55,923	64
21	Wilson	49,310	80	$43,126	64
22	Wake Forest	44,068	42	$100,162	84
23	Hickory	41,067	76	$48,653	70
24	Indian Trail	39,644	57	$86,512	64
25	Mooresville	38,498	62	$70,625	74
26	Holly Springs	36,595	42	$110,758	85
27	Monroe	35,339	77	$53,064	56
28	Goldsboro	34,610	74	$37,556	61
29	Salisbury	33,961	58	$43,364	65
30	Matthews	32,682	44	$89,881	83
31	Garner	30,345	39	$67,571	77
32	New Bern	29,985	73	$43,406	69
33	Cornelius	29,836	30	$90,377	72
34	Sanford	29,758	69	$47,017	71
35	Fuquay-Varina	29,110	34	$81,914	80
36	Morrisville	27,582	22	$100,495	77
37	Mint Hill	27,258	63	$80,093	72
38	Statesville	27,114	63	$42,004	58
39	Thomasville	26,834	43	$42,257	79
40	Asheboro	25,877	49	$37,171	72
41	Kernersville	24,876	46	$56,991	69
42	Clayton	23,179	38	$61,954	70
43	Leland	21,903	51	$73,125	66
44	Carrboro	21,254	17	$67,469	78
45	Lumberton	20,704	46	$36,846	61
46	Clemmons	20,574	31	$74,679	81
47	Kinston	20,173	48	$32,094	58
48	Shelby	20,046	55	$39,398	75
49	Havelock	19,927	44	$49,893	71
50	Boone	19,466	16	$25,535	84

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in North Carolina, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.