Graham, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,048
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,239/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,946
5.0% year-over-year change

Graham population

How many people live in Graham

Graham is home to 18,048 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Graham locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
18,048
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
8,696
Female
51.8%
9,352
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,696 48.2% 3.0%
Female 9,352 51.8% 2.8%
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 Graham is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.6% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
30.6%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,220 17.8% 2.4%
15 to 24 1,663 9.2% -5.1%
25 to 44 5,521 30.6% 1.6%
45 to 64 4,429 24.5% 3.6%
Over 65 3,215 17.8% 9.7%
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 Graham, 88% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56% of locals are Caucasian, 22% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,873 88% 5.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,094 6.1% -0.6%
Non-citizens 1,081 6% -23.4%
Racial breakdown
White
56%
Black or African American
22%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
11.2%
Value Percent
White 10,107 56%
Black or African American 3,977 22%
American Indian and Alaska Native 31 0.2%
Asian 126 0.7%
Two or more races 1,776 9.8%
Other 2,031 11.2%

Households in Graham

A peek inside Graham households

Graham has 8,095 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,095
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,303
Family households
4,792
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,303 40.8% -2.2%
Family households 4,792 59.2% 9.5%
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 Graham

The housing landscape of Graham

Graham's housing consists of 8,946 units, with 65.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,946
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,887 65.8%
1 unit, attached 260 2.9%
2 units 238 2.7%
3 or 4 units 671 7.5%
5 to 9 units 654 7.3%
10 to 19 units 511 5.7%
20 to 49 units 342 3.8%
50 or more units 82 0.9%
Mobile home 301 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
280
65.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Graham

In Graham, the median construction year is 1987. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 476 5.3% 24.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 543 6.1% 3.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,162 13% 9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 904 10.1% -4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 907 10.1% -8.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 694 7.8% -15.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,270 14.2% 7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,289 14.4% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,421 15.9% 18.9%
Built in 2020 or later 280 3.1% 65.7%
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.

Graham occupancy rates

Out of the 8,095 occupied housing units in Graham, 53.2% are owner-occupied, while 46.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,095
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,790
Owner occupied
4,305
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,790 46.8% 2.3%
Owner occupied 4,305 53.2% 6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
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.

Graham housing costs

Housing costs in Graham come to a median of $1,038 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,071.

Median housing costs per month
$1,038/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 Graham
$1,071/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 Graham

Graham education at a glance

About 41.3% of the population in Graham went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 12.6% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 435 3% -33.5%
High school diploma 5,897 41.3% 0.3%
College diploma 2,835 19.8% 0.6%
Associate degree 1,806 12.6% 16.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,414 16.9% 8.6%
Graduate degree 897 6.3% 9.4%
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 Graham

How much people earn in Graham

The average annual household income in Graham was $69,868 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,239, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Graham
$69,868/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Graham
$56,239/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Graham income by age

In Graham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,564. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,594 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,847, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,462 in earnings. Overall, 83.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,847 11.2%
25 - 44 $64,564 -6.9%
45 - 64 $53,594 -0.4%
Over 65 $46,462 3.0%
Above poverty level
14,573
Below poverty level
2,962
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,573 83.1% 5.1%
Below poverty level 2,962 16.9% -4.5%

Average renter income in Graham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Graham, their median household income was $40,196 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,196
Rent-to-income ratio
32%
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 Graham

Workforce and job types in Graham

The job market in Graham is powered by 8,721 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 72.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,721
4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
6,034
Blue collar
2,687
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,034 69.2% 8.0%
Blue collar 2,687 30.8% -3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
72.3%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 462 5.3% -14.9%
Private companies 6,309 72.3% 4.8%
Governmental workers 1,176 13.5% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 774 8.9% 20.4%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
-11.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Graham stands at 6.8%, 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 Graham

How people get around in Graham

Commuting methods vary: 87.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 7,326 87.3% 0.8%
Walk 58 0.7% 190.0%
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 Graham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27253 33,114 14,136 $62,774 $78,334

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Graham demographics 

What is the total population of Graham?

Graham has a total population of 18,048 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 +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Graham?

The gender ratio in Graham is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (8,696 residents)
  • 51.8% females (9,352 residents)

What is the median age in Graham?

The median age in Graham is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Graham?

The age distribution in Graham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (3,220 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (1,663 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.6% (5,521 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (4,429 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (3,215 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Graham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Graham is as follows:
  • White: 56% (10,107 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22% (3,977 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (31 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (126 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (1,776 residents)
  • Other: 11.2% (2,031 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88% of the population in Graham.

How many housing units are there in Graham?

There are 8,946 housing units in Graham, reflecting a +5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Graham has a total of 8,095 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Graham?

Graham has a median household income of $56,239, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.2% in Graham, with a workforce of 8,721 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (6,034 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (2,687 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (462 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.3% (6,309 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (1,176 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (774 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