Center City, Charlotte, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
187,096
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,838/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
98,404
3.1% year-over-year change

Center City population

How many people live in Center City

Center City is home to 187,096 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Center City locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
187,096
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
93,956
Female
49.8%
93,140
Value Percent YoY change
Male 93,956 50.2% 2.1%
Female 93,140 49.8% 1.3%
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 Center City is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 41% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
41%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,632 15.8% -2.8%
15 to 24 23,865 12.8% 1.6%
25 to 44 76,631 41% 2.6%
45 to 64 39,063 20.9% 2.1%
Over 65 17,905 9.6% 4.9%
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 Center City, 83.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.7% of locals are Caucasian, 27.3% are African American and 4.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 156,232 83.5% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13,026 7% 5.0%
Non-citizens 17,838 9.5% 4.7%
Racial breakdown
White
50.7%
Black or African American
27.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 94,881 50.7%
Black or African American 51,057 27.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,119 0.6%
Asian 8,565 4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 37 0%
Two or more races 15,820 8.5%
Other 15,618 8.4%

Households in Center City

A peek inside Center City households

Center City has 88,988 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40.7% are families, while the remaining 59.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
88,988
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
52,765
Family households
36,223
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 52,765 59.3% 5.4%
Family households 36,223 40.7% 0.5%
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 Center City

The housing landscape of Center City

Center City's housing consists of 98,404 units, with 36.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
98,404
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,339 36.9%
1 unit, attached 7,654 7.8%
2 units 1,700 1.7%
3 or 4 units 3,935 4%
5 to 9 units 7,283 7.4%
10 to 19 units 6,134 6.2%
20 to 49 units 5,558 5.6%
50 or more units 28,880 29.4%
Mobile home 841 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 80 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
3,881
93.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Center City

In Center City, the median construction year is 1996. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 26.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,004 7.1% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,679 5.8% 5.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,720 8.9% -6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,576 8.7% -4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,254 8.4% 0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,934 7% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,267 8.4% -3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 15,148 15.4% 6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25,943 26.4% 5.9%
Built in 2020 or later 3,881 3.9% 93.5%
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.

Center City occupancy rates

Out of the 88,988 occupied housing units in Center City, 41.3% are owner-occupied, while 58.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
88,988
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
52,265
Owner occupied
36,723
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 52,265 58.7% 3.7%
Owner occupied 36,723 41.3% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
9.6%
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.

Center City housing costs

Housing costs in Center City come to a median of $1,646 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,629.

Median housing costs per month
$1,646/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 Center City
$1,629/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 Center City

Center City education at a glance

About 21% of the population in Center City went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 35.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,577 5% 9.3%
High school diploma 32,009 21% 3.0%
College diploma 22,518 14.7% -3.3%
Associate degree 8,353 5.5% -3.9%
Bachelor's degree 54,263 35.5% 4.6%
Graduate degree 28,060 18.4% 4.0%
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 Center City

How much people earn in Center City

The average annual household income in Center City was $123,229 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,838, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Center City
$123,229/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Center City
$83,838/year
3.7% year-over-year change

Center City income by age

In Center City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,380. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,234 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,833, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,178 in earnings. Overall, 86.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,833 1.5%
25 - 44 $95,380 1.9%
45 - 64 $86,234 11.4%
Over 65 $56,178 10.2%
Above poverty level
157,012
Below poverty level
24,368
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 157,012 86.6% 2.4%
Below poverty level 24,368 13.4% -1.8%

Employment in Center City

Workforce and job types in Center City

84.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 77.3% are employed by private companies, and 7.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
95,970
Blue collar
18,162
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 95,970 84.1% 2.6%
Blue collar 18,162 15.9% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
77.3%
Governmental workers
7.3%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,501 9.2% 0.6%
Private companies 88,182 77.3% 2.6%
Governmental workers 8,353 7.3% 3.9%
Not for profit companies 7,097 6.2% 4.8%

Transportation in Center City

How people get around in Center City

In Center City, the average commute time is 102 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
102 min
3.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 70,323 90.6% -1.6%
Taxicab 313 0.4% 21.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1,548 2% -25.2%
Railroad 10 0% -33.3%
Motorcycle 85 0.1% -11.5%
Bicycle 538 0.7% 2.7%
Walk 4,838 6.2% 6.6%
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 Center City 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
28211 33,925 13,602 $132,917 $227,389
28213 45,904 18,636 $58,146 $77,742

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FAQs about Center City demographics 

What is the total population of Center City?

Center City has a total population of 187,096 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 +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Center City?

The gender ratio in Center City is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (93,956 residents)
  • 49.8% females (93,140 residents)

What is the median age in Center City?

The median age in Center City is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Center City?

The age distribution in Center City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (29,632 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (23,865 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 41% (76,631 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (39,063 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.6% (17,905 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Center City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Center City is as follows:
  • White: 50.7% (94,881 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.3% (51,057 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (1,119 residents)
  • Asian: 4.6% (8,565 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (37 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (15,820 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (15,618 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.5% of the population in Center City.

How many housing units are there in Center City?

There are 98,404 housing units in Center City, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Center City has a total of 88,988 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Center City?

Center City has a median household income of $83,838, representing a +3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Center City?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.1% (95,970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.9% (18,162 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (10,501 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.3% (88,182 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.3% (8,353 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (7,097 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