Charlotte, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
903,844
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,068/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
399,305
2.2% year-over-year change

Charlotte population

How many people live in Charlotte

Charlotte is home to 903,844 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Charlotte locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
903,844
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
437,219
Female
51.6%
466,625
Value Percent YoY change
Male 437,219 48.4% 2.2%
Female 466,625 51.6% 1.8%
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 Charlotte is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.3% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
33.3%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 170,741 18.9% 0.7%
15 to 24 123,595 13.7% 3.1%
25 to 44 300,781 33.3% 2.4%
45 to 64 209,245 23.2% 0.7%
Over 65 99,482 11% 4.3%
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 Charlotte, 79.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.9% of locals are Caucasian, 33.6% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.5%
Non-citizens
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 720,151 79.7% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 76,454 8.5% 1.1%
Non-citizens 107,239 11.9% 7.6%
Racial breakdown
White
39.9%
Black or African American
33.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.9%
Other
9.5%
Value Percent
White 361,025 39.9%
Black or African American 304,069 33.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,336 0.5%
Asian 59,090 6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 379 0%
Two or more races 89,378 9.9%
Other 85,567 9.5%

Households in Charlotte

A peek inside Charlotte households

Charlotte has 368,788 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.4% are families, while the remaining 44.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
368,788
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
164,432
Family households
204,356
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 164,432 44.6% 3.2%
Family households 204,356 55.4% 1.2%
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 Charlotte

The housing landscape of Charlotte

Charlotte's housing consists of 399,305 units, with 51.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.2% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
399,305
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 203,927 51.1%
1 unit, attached 36,806 9.2%
2 units 3,743 0.9%
3 or 4 units 11,139 2.8%
5 to 9 units 25,258 6.3%
10 to 19 units 40,512 10.2%
20 to 49 units 26,185 6.6%
50 or more units 46,339 11.6%
Mobile home 5,256 1.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 140 0%
Homes built since 2020
13,997
96.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charlotte

In Charlotte, the median construction year is 1995. About 2.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,177 2.6% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9,739 2.4% 3.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21,717 5.4% -4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 31,055 7.8% -2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 38,752 9.7% -3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 52,285 13.1% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 65,610 16.4% -2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 84,157 21.1% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71,816 18% 8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 13,997 3.5% 96.9%
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.

Charlotte occupancy rates

Out of the 368,788 occupied housing units in Charlotte, 51% are owner-occupied, while 49% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
368,788
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
180,679
Owner occupied
188,109
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 180,679 49% 3.2%
Owner occupied 188,109 51% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

Charlotte housing costs

Housing costs in Charlotte come to a median of $1,571 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,612.

Median housing costs per month
$1,571/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 Charlotte
$1,612/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 Charlotte

Charlotte education at a glance

About 24% of the population in Charlotte went to high school, while 18.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 29.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 36,413 5.2% 3.5%
High school diploma 168,005 24% 3.9%
College diploma 129,518 18.5% -2.3%
Associate degree 54,561 7.8% 1.8%
Bachelor's degree 203,450 29.1% 3.1%
Graduate degree 106,575 15.3% 3.9%
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 Charlotte

How much people earn in Charlotte

The average annual household income in Charlotte was $123,732 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,068, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charlotte
$123,732/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charlotte
$82,068/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Charlotte income by age

In Charlotte, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,039. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,634 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,995, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,690 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,995 -0.4%
25 - 44 $89,039 5.9%
45 - 64 $94,634 4.9%
Over 65 $56,690 3.2%
Above poverty level
774,589
Below poverty level
102,035
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 774,589 88.4% 1.9%
Below poverty level 102,035 11.6% 1.7%

Average renter income in Charlotte

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Charlotte, their median household income was $56,525 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,525
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
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 Charlotte

Workforce and job types in Charlotte

The job market in Charlotte is powered by 497,984 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 75.5% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
497,984
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
401,550
Blue collar
96,434
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 401,550 80.6% 1.9%
Blue collar 96,434 19.4% 3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
75.5%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46,453 9.3% 1.8%
Private companies 375,926 75.5% 1.9%
Governmental workers 41,279 8.3% 2.1%
Not for profit companies 34,326 6.9% 7.3%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charlotte stands at 4.6%, 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 Charlotte

How people get around in Charlotte

In Charlotte, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 66% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-1.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 321,418 66% -2.5%
Taxicab 1,238 0.2% 11.5%
Bus or trolleybus 5,585 1.2% -13.8%
Subway or elevated 558 0.1% N/A
Railroad 97 0% 34.7%
Ferryboat 39 0% -37.1%
Motorcycle 243 0% 24.6%
Bicycle 980 0.2% 20.7%
Walk 8,258 1.7% 4.4%
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 Charlotte by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28202 17,653 9,980 $105,889 $130,913
28203 18,823 11,038 $104,696 $157,058
28204 9,314 5,582 $92,054 $143,284
28205 51,806 23,357 $75,622 $115,812
28206 15,375 7,126 $61,818 $81,365
28207 9,527 4,129 $217,204 $413,008
28208 40,197 16,548 $55,431 $80,985
28209 24,331 12,793 $101,873 $161,585
28210 47,359 20,684 $100,824 $146,135
28211 33,925 13,602 $132,917 $227,389

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Charlotte demographics 

What is the total population of Charlotte?

Charlotte has a total population of 903,844 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 Charlotte?

The gender ratio in Charlotte is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (437,219 residents)
  • 51.6% females (466,625 residents)

What is the median age in Charlotte?

The median age in Charlotte is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charlotte?

The age distribution in Charlotte is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (170,741 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (123,595 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.3% (300,781 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (209,245 residents)
  • Over 65: 11% (99,482 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charlotte?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charlotte is as follows:
  • White: 39.9% (361,025 residents)
  • Black or African American: 33.6% (304,069 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (4,336 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (59,090 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (379 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.9% (89,378 residents)
  • Other: 9.5% (85,567 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.7% of the population in Charlotte.

How many housing units are there in Charlotte?

There are 399,305 housing units in Charlotte, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Charlotte has a total of 368,788 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charlotte?

Charlotte has a median household income of $82,068, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Charlotte, with a workforce of 497,984 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (401,550 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (96,434 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (46,453 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.5% (375,926 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (41,279 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (34,326 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