Cornelius, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,783
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,767/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,956
1.2% year-over-year change

Cornelius population

How many people live in Cornelius

Cornelius is home to 32,783 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Cornelius locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
32,783
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
15,537
Female
52.6%
17,246
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,537 47.4% 3.2%
Female 17,246 52.6% 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 Cornelius is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,679 17.3% 3.6%
15 to 24 3,412 10.4% -3.0%
25 to 44 7,901 24.1% 11.2%
45 to 64 9,237 28.2% -4.2%
Over 65 6,554 20% 4.7%
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 Cornelius, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 3.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,407 89.7% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,684 5.1% 12.8%
Non-citizens 1,692 5.2% -3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
83.2%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
3.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 27,263 83.2%
Black or African American 1,150 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 214 0.6%
Asian 1,043 3.2%
Two or more races 2,621 8%
Other 492 1.5%

Households in Cornelius

A peek inside Cornelius households

Cornelius has 13,884 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66% are families, while the remaining 34% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,884
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,720
Family households
9,164
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,720 34% 5.4%
Family households 9,164 66% 0.3%
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 Cornelius

The housing landscape of Cornelius

Cornelius's housing consists of 14,956 units, with 60.5% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,956
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,042 60.5%
1 unit, attached 1,375 9.2%
2 units 88 0.6%
3 or 4 units 534 3.6%
5 to 9 units 799 5.3%
10 to 19 units 1,388 9.3%
20 to 49 units 669 4.5%
50 or more units 948 6.3%
Mobile home 113 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
341
5.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cornelius

In Cornelius, the median construction year is 2002. About 0.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 32.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 0.9% -1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 1.1% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 288 1.9% 26.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 162 1.1% 46.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 421 2.8% -20.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,869 12.5% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,598 24.1% -2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,861 32.5% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,118 20.8% -0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 341 2.3% 5.9%
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.

Cornelius occupancy rates

Out of the 13,884 occupied housing units in Cornelius, 69.5% are owner-occupied, while 30.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,884
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,234
Owner occupied
9,650
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,234 30.5% 2.5%
Owner occupied 9,650 69.5% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
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.

Cornelius housing costs

Housing costs in Cornelius come to a median of $1,774 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,722.

Median housing costs per month
$1,774/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 Cornelius
$1,722/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 Cornelius

Cornelius education at a glance

About 13.9% of the population in Cornelius went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 38.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 367 1.4% -12.6%
High school diploma 3,561 13.9% -5.7%
College diploma 4,429 17.3% -2.4%
Associate degree 2,049 8% -5.2%
Bachelor's degree 9,944 38.8% 6.5%
Graduate degree 5,272 20.6% 10.2%
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 Cornelius

How much people earn in Cornelius

The average annual household income in Cornelius was $180,188 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,767, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cornelius
$180,188/year
-5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cornelius
$113,767/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

Cornelius income by age

In Cornelius, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,017. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $155,338 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $85,259, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $82,364 in earnings. Overall, 94.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $85,259 -16.9%
25 - 44 $120,017 5.6%
45 - 64 $155,338 -0.6%
Over 65 $82,364 -2.0%
Above poverty level
30,703
Below poverty level
1,763
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,703 94.6% 1.0%
Below poverty level 1,763 5.4% 24.9%

Average renter income in Cornelius

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cornelius, their median household income was $61,644 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,644
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Cornelius

Workforce and job types in Cornelius

The job market in Cornelius is powered by 16,967 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.8% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 7.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,967
3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
15,258
Blue collar
1,709
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,258 89.9% 3.2%
Blue collar 1,709 10.1% 7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
12.8%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
7.8%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,177 12.8% 1.1%
Private companies 11,748 69.2% 0.5%
Governmental workers 1,328 7.8% 23.9%
Not for profit companies 1,714 10.1% 17.3%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
-31.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cornelius stands at 2.4%, 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 Cornelius

How people get around in Cornelius

Commuting methods vary: 68.7% 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 11,537 68.7% 1.6%
Taxicab 17 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 139 0.8% 18.8%
Bicycle 70 0.4% -53.3%
Walk 186 1.1% 45.3%
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 Cornelius by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28031 31,733 13,425 $113,368 $181,873

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FAQs about Cornelius demographics 

What is the total population of Cornelius?

Cornelius has a total population of 32,783 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cornelius?

The gender ratio in Cornelius is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (15,537 residents)
  • 52.6% females (17,246 residents)

What is the median age in Cornelius?

The median age in Cornelius is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cornelius?

The age distribution in Cornelius is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (5,679 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (3,412 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (7,901 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (9,237 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (6,554 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cornelius?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cornelius is as follows:
  • White: 83.2% (27,263 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (1,150 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (214 residents)
  • Asian: 3.2% (1,043 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (2,621 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (492 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Cornelius.

How many housing units are there in Cornelius?

There are 14,956 housing units in Cornelius, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cornelius has a total of 13,884 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cornelius?

Cornelius has a median household income of $113,767, representing a -0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.6% in Cornelius, with a workforce of 16,967 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (15,258 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (1,709 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.8% (2,177 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (11,748 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.8% (1,328 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (1,714 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