Carthage, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,896
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,695/yr
33.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,378
3.5% year-over-year change

Carthage population

How many people live in Carthage

Carthage is home to 2,896 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Carthage locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
2,896
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
1,346
Female
53.5%
1,550
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,346 46.5% -1.2%
Female 1,550 53.5% 4.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Carthage is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20% of the population, while another 30.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
20%
45 to 64
30.3%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 501 17.3% 1.4%
15 to 24 374 12.9% 14.7%
25 to 44 578 20% 4.9%
45 to 64 878 30.3% 6.9%
Over 65 565 19.5% -12.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Carthage, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.7% of locals are Caucasian, 18.1% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,790 96.3% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 86 3% 79.2%
Non-citizens 20 0.7% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
75.7%
Black or African American
18.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 2,193 75.7%
Black or African American 524 18.1%
Asian 18 0.6%
Two or more races 151 5.2%
Other 10 0.4%

Households in Carthage

A peek inside Carthage households

Carthage has 1,146 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73% are families, while the remaining 27% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,146
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
309
Family households
837
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 309 27% -17.2%
Family households 837 73% 10.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Carthage

The housing landscape of Carthage

Carthage's housing consists of 1,378 units, with 70.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 14.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,378
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 971 70.5%
1 unit, attached 52 3.8%
2 units 50 3.6%
3 or 4 units 24 1.7%
10 to 19 units 42 3%
20 to 49 units 6 0.4%
50 or more units 28 2%
Mobile home 205 14.9%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carthage

In Carthage, the median construction year is 1993. About 16.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 233 16.9% 8.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 5.2% -16.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 94 6.8% 1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 60 4.4% 76.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 4.2% -12.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 110 8% 1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 204 14.8% -25.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 323 23.4% 7.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 210 15.2% 36.4%
Built in 2020 or later 14 1% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Carthage occupancy rates

Out of the 1,146 occupied housing units in Carthage, 81.6% are owner-occupied, while 18.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,146
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
211
Owner occupied
935
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 211 18.4% -0.5%
Owner occupied 935 81.6% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
16.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Carthage housing costs

Housing costs in Carthage come to a median of $943 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $904.

Median housing costs per month
$943/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Carthage
$904/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Carthage

Carthage education at a glance

About 29.1% of the population in Carthage went to high school, while 29.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.9% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 2% 36.4%
High school diploma 658 29.1% 1.1%
College diploma 663 29.4% 10.5%
Associate degree 269 11.9% -17.5%
Bachelor's degree 260 11.5% -24.4%
Graduate degree 363 16.1% 33.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Carthage

How much people earn in Carthage

The average annual household income in Carthage was $90,965 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,695, reflecting a +33% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carthage
$90,965/year
10.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carthage
$82,695/year
33.0% year-over-year change

Carthage income by age

In Carthage, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,472. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,177 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,667 in earnings. Overall, 86.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,250 11.6%
25 - 44 $84,472 3.8%
45 - 64 $107,177 6.3%
Over 65 $31,667 -2.4%
Above poverty level
2,328
Below poverty level
358
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,328 86.7% -0.1%
Below poverty level 358 13.3% 7.2%

Average renter income in Carthage

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carthage, their median household income was $23,042 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,042
Rent-to-income ratio
47.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Carthage

Workforce and job types in Carthage

The job market in Carthage is powered by 1,427 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 59.4% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,427
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,210
Blue collar
217
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,210 84.8% 7.4%
Blue collar 217 15.2% -19.9%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
59.4%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 210 14.7% 1.0%
Private companies 848 59.4% 6.3%
Governmental workers 299 21% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 70 4.9% -30.7%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
73.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carthage stands at 2.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Carthage

How people get around in Carthage

Commuting methods vary: 80.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,100 80.4% 4.2%
Railroad 21 1.5% 0.0%
Walk 15 1.1% 87.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Carthage by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28327 19,386 7,208 $87,434 $101,886

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FAQs about Carthage demographics 

What is the total population of Carthage?

Carthage has a total population of 2,896 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carthage?

The gender ratio in Carthage is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (1,346 residents)
  • 53.5% females (1,550 residents)

What is the median age in Carthage?

The median age in Carthage is 44.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carthage?

The age distribution in Carthage is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (501 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (374 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20% (578 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.3% (878 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (565 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is as follows:
  • White: 75.7% (2,193 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.1% (524 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (18 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (151 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (10 residents)

What percentage of the population in Carthage are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Carthage.

How many housing units are there in Carthage?

There are 1,378 housing units in Carthage, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Carthage and what is the average household size?

Carthage has a total of 1,146 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carthage?

Carthage has a median household income of $82,695, representing a +33.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carthage?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Carthage, with a workforce of 1,427 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.8% (1,210 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.2% (217 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (210 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.4% (848 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (299 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (70 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025