Cherokee, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,059
26.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,972/yr
16.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,093
18.4% year-over-year change

Cherokee population

How many people live in Cherokee

Cherokee is home to 2,059 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Cherokee locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
2,059
26.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
985
Female
52.2%
1,074
Value Percent YoY change
Male 985 47.8% 24.8%
Female 1,074 52.2% 27.6%
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 Cherokee is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 15.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.1% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 44
30.1%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 433 21% 33.6%
15 to 24 327 15.9% 14.3%
25 to 44 620 30.1% 160.5%
45 to 64 460 22.3% 2.0%
Over 65 219 10.6% -34.0%
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 Cherokee, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 9.9% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 4.8% have Asian roots. Another 70.3% are Indigenous American, 1.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,924 93.4% 22.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 45 2.2% 2.3%
Non-citizens 90 4.4% 400.0%
Racial breakdown
White
9.9%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
70.3%
Asian
4.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.7%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 203 9.9%
Black or African American 40 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,448 70.3%
Asian 98 4.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 35 1.7%
Two or more races 219 10.6%
Other 16 0.8%

Households in Cherokee

A peek inside Cherokee households

Cherokee has 937 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
937
21.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
377
Family households
560
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 377 40.2% 18.9%
Family households 560 59.8% 23.1%
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 Cherokee

The housing landscape of Cherokee

Cherokee's housing consists of 1,093 units, with 58.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 26.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,093
18.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 635 58.1%
3 or 4 units 38 3.5%
5 to 9 units 70 6.4%
10 to 19 units 42 3.8%
20 to 49 units 15 1.4%
Mobile home 293 26.8%
Homes built since 2020
26
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cherokee

In Cherokee, the median construction year is 1988. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11 1% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 4 0.4% -50.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4 0.4% -91.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 109 10% 14.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 108 9.9% -27.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 403 36.9% 29.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 123 11.2% 7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 200 18.3% 27.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 105 9.6% 156.1%
Built in 2020 or later 26 2.4% 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.

Cherokee occupancy rates

Out of the 937 occupied housing units in Cherokee, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
937
21.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
350
Owner occupied
587
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 350 37.4% 22.8%
Owner occupied 587 62.6% 20.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.3%
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.

Cherokee housing costs

Housing costs in Cherokee come to a median of $382 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,075.

Median housing costs per month
$382/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 Cherokee
$1,075/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 Cherokee

Cherokee education at a glance

About 51% of the population in Cherokee went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 1.3% 31.2%
High school diploma 806 51% 6.5%
College diploma 325 20.5% 2.2%
Associate degree 112 7.1% N/A
Bachelor's degree 131 8.3% 12.9%
Graduate degree 187 11.8% 105.5%
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 Cherokee

How much people earn in Cherokee

The average annual household income in Cherokee was $61,382 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +21.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,972, reflecting a +16.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cherokee
$61,382/year
21.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cherokee
$55,972/year
16.2% year-over-year change

Cherokee income by age

In Cherokee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,781. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,625 overall. Overall, 78.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,781 11.7%
45 - 64 $50,625 5.9%
Over 65 $46,507 0.6%
Above poverty level
1,537
Below poverty level
426
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,537 78.3% 30.8%
Below poverty level 426 21.7% 8.1%

Employment in Cherokee

Workforce and job types in Cherokee

The job market in Cherokee is powered by 924 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.7% run their own businesses, 55% are employed by private companies, and 38.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
924
41.5% year-over-year change
White collar
716
Blue collar
208
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 716 77.5% 27.2%
Blue collar 208 22.5% 131.1%
Employer type
Self employees
2.7%
Private companies
55%
Governmental workers
38.7%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 25 2.7% 13.6%
Private companies 508 55% 39.6%
Governmental workers 358 38.7% 59.8%
Not for profit companies 33 3.6% -23.3%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
36.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cherokee stands at 1.6%, 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 Cherokee

How people get around in Cherokee

Commuting methods vary: 94% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% 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 857 94% 46.8%
Walk 47 5.2% 51.6%
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 Cherokee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28719 6,786 2,820 $60,658 $66,998

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FAQs about Cherokee demographics 

What is the total population of Cherokee?

Cherokee has a total population of 2,059 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 +26.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cherokee?

The gender ratio in Cherokee is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (985 residents)
  • 52.2% females (1,074 residents)

What is the median age in Cherokee?

The median age in Cherokee is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cherokee?

The age distribution in Cherokee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (433 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.9% (327 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.1% (620 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (460 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.6% (219 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is as follows:
  • White: 9.9% (203 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (40 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 70.3% (1,448 residents)
  • Asian: 4.8% (98 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.7% (35 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (219 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (16 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Cherokee.

How many housing units are there in Cherokee?

There are 1,093 housing units in Cherokee, reflecting a +18.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cherokee has a total of 937 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cherokee?

Cherokee has a median household income of $55,972, representing a +16.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.4% in Cherokee, with a workforce of 924 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.5% (716 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.5% (208 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.7% (25 residents)
  • Private companies: 55% (508 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 38.7% (358 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (33 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