Cary, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
179,306
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$134,905/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
73,795
1.6% year-over-year change

Cary population

How many people live in Cary

Cary is home to 179,306 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Cary locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
179,306
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
88,627
Female
50.6%
90,679
Value Percent YoY change
Male 88,627 49.4% 1.4%
Female 90,679 50.6% 1.5%
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 Cary is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33,378 18.6% -1.2%
15 to 24 21,743 12.1% 1.0%
25 to 44 48,403 27% 2.6%
45 to 64 50,441 28.1% 1.5%
Over 65 25,341 14.1% 3.4%
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 Cary, 74.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7.8% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.3%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 133,873 74.7% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,663 14.3% 1.9%
Non-citizens 19,770 11% -1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
58.3%
Black or African American
7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 104,480 58.3%
Black or African American 14,084 7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 256 0.1%
Asian 36,530 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 117 0.1%
Two or more races 17,215 9.6%
Other 6,624 3.7%

Households in Cary

A peek inside Cary households

Cary has 69,710 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.4% are families, while the remaining 29.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
69,710
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
20,635
Family households
49,075
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 20,635 29.6% 3.5%
Family households 49,075 70.4% 2.2%
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 Cary

The housing landscape of Cary

Cary's housing consists of 73,795 units, with 59.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.9% 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 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
73,795
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 43,749 59.3%
1 unit, attached 10,275 13.9%
2 units 356 0.5%
3 or 4 units 907 1.2%
5 to 9 units 4,171 5.6%
10 to 19 units 5,428 7.4%
20 to 49 units 3,804 5.2%
50 or more units 4,385 5.9%
Mobile home 634 0.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 86 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,527
76.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cary

In Cary, the median construction year is 1999. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 302 0.4% 38.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 68 0.1% -45.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 680 0.9% -5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,818 2.5% -3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,968 8.1% -4.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,498 14.2% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 18,493 25.1% -2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16,951 23% 1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16,490 22.4% 3.5%
Built in 2020 or later 2,527 3.4% 76.6%
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.

Cary occupancy rates

Out of the 69,710 occupied housing units in Cary, 66.6% are owner-occupied, while 33.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
69,710
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,271
Owner occupied
46,439
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,271 33.4% 1.7%
Owner occupied 46,439 66.6% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Cary housing costs

Housing costs in Cary come to a median of $1,832 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,738.

Median housing costs per month
$1,832/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 Cary
$1,738/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 Cary

Cary education at a glance

About 12.2% of the population in Cary went to high school, while 13.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 35.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,485 1.8% 13.5%
High school diploma 16,767 12.2% -0.9%
College diploma 18,032 13.1% 2.1%
Associate degree 8,626 6.3% 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 49,047 35.7% 0.2%
Graduate degree 42,350 30.8% 5.2%
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 Cary

How much people earn in Cary

The average annual household income in Cary was $170,942 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $134,905, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cary
$170,942/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cary
$134,905/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Cary income by age

In Cary, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $140,009. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $167,915 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,727, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $86,492 in earnings. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,727 -10.3%
25 - 44 $140,009 8.9%
45 - 64 $167,915 1.8%
Over 65 $86,492 5.7%
Above poverty level
166,878
Below poverty level
10,002
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 166,878 94.4% 1.0%
Below poverty level 10,002 5.6% 8.1%

Average renter income in Cary

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cary, their median household income was $77,965 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,965
Rent-to-income ratio
26.8%
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 Cary

Workforce and job types in Cary

The job market in Cary is powered by 95,385 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
95,385
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
87,114
Blue collar
8,271
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 87,114 91.3% 2.2%
Blue collar 8,271 8.7% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,284 8.7% -2.3%
Private companies 68,546 71.9% 2.0%
Governmental workers 10,744 11.3% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 7,811 8.2% 5.7%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cary stands at 3.4%, 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 Cary

How people get around in Cary

In Cary, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 60.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 57,112 60.8% -3.8%
Taxicab 142 0.2% 36.5%
Bus or trolleybus 220 0.2% -37.3%
Railroad 16 0% -15.8%
Ferryboat 21 0% -8.7%
Motorcycle 93 0.1% 6.9%
Bicycle 101 0.1% -30.8%
Walk 904 1% -15.6%
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 Cary by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27511 33,221 13,557 $107,860 $137,590
27513 46,979 19,966 $121,989 $162,818
27518 19,735 8,567 $123,488 $158,727
27519 69,836 24,513 $165,586 $196,025

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FAQs about Cary demographics 

What is the total population of Cary?

Cary has a total population of 179,306 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 +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cary?

The gender ratio in Cary is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (88,627 residents)
  • 50.6% females (90,679 residents)

What is the median age in Cary?

The median age in Cary is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cary?

The age distribution in Cary is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (33,378 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (21,743 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (48,403 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (50,441 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (25,341 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cary?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cary is as follows:
  • White: 58.3% (104,480 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.8% (14,084 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (256 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (36,530 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (117 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (17,215 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (6,624 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.7% of the population in Cary.

How many housing units are there in Cary?

There are 73,795 housing units in Cary, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cary has a total of 69,710 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cary?

Cary has a median household income of $134,905, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.6% in Cary, with a workforce of 95,385 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.3% (87,114 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.7% (8,271 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (8,284 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (68,546 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (10,744 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (7,811 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