Kernersville, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
27,830
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,918/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,134
3.9% year-over-year change

Kernersville population

How many people live in Kernersville

Kernersville is home to 27,830 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Kernersville locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
27,830
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
13,411
Female
51.8%
14,419
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,411 48.2% 2.9%
Female 14,419 51.8% 0.1%
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 Kernersville is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,218 18.8% 5.5%
15 to 24 3,500 12.6% -3.1%
25 to 44 7,092 25.5% -3.0%
45 to 64 7,113 25.6% 3.9%
Over 65 4,907 17.6% 3.9%
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 Kernersville, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.8% of locals are Caucasian, 17.8% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,498 91.6% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,097 3.9% -3.0%
Non-citizens 1,235 4.4% 17.5%
Racial breakdown
White
65.8%
Black or African American
17.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 18,303 65.8%
Black or African American 4,940 17.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 132 0.5%
Asian 561 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 25 0.1%
Two or more races 1,646 5.9%
Other 2,223 8%

Households in Kernersville

A peek inside Kernersville households

Kernersville has 12,630 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.2% are families, while the remaining 43.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,630
4.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,536
Family households
7,094
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,536 43.8% 6.3%
Family households 7,094 56.2% 3.3%
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 Kernersville

The housing landscape of Kernersville

Kernersville's housing consists of 13,134 units, with 52.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.4% 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 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,134
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,876 52.4%
1 unit, attached 966 7.4%
2 units 284 2.2%
3 or 4 units 612 4.7%
5 to 9 units 773 5.9%
10 to 19 units 1,714 13%
20 to 49 units 753 5.7%
50 or more units 663 5%
Mobile home 433 3.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 60 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
466
109.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kernersville

In Kernersville, the median construction year is 1995. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 408 3.1% 9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 169 1.3% -6.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 476 3.6% 1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 650 5% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,687 12.8% -4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,060 15.7% 3.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,342 17.8% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,743 20.9% 14.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,133 16.2% -0.6%
Built in 2020 or later 466 3.6% 109.9%
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.

Kernersville occupancy rates

Out of the 12,630 occupied housing units in Kernersville, 60.5% are owner-occupied, while 39.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,630
4.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,989
Owner occupied
7,641
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,989 39.5% -5.8%
Owner occupied 7,641 60.5% 12.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Kernersville housing costs

Housing costs in Kernersville come to a median of $1,161 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,082.

Median housing costs per month
$1,161/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 Kernersville
$1,082/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 Kernersville

Kernersville education at a glance

About 30% of the population in Kernersville went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 21.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 526 2.4% -17.7%
High school diploma 6,480 30% -1.8%
College diploma 4,566 21.2% 7.3%
Associate degree 2,426 11.2% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 4,731 21.9% 1.0%
Graduate degree 2,863 13.3% 3.0%
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 Kernersville

How much people earn in Kernersville

The average annual household income in Kernersville was $91,581 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,918, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kernersville
$91,581/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kernersville
$71,918/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Kernersville income by age

In Kernersville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,252. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,263 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,244 in earnings. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,375 18.1%
25 - 44 $74,252 2.9%
45 - 64 $97,263 3.1%
Over 65 $43,244 7.6%
Above poverty level
23,968
Below poverty level
3,428
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,968 87.5% 0.2%
Below poverty level 3,428 12.5% 10.9%

Average renter income in Kernersville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Kernersville, their median household income was $44,922 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,922
Rent-to-income ratio
28.9%
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 Kernersville

Workforce and job types in Kernersville

The job market in Kernersville is powered by 14,142 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 74.5% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,142
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
11,140
Blue collar
3,002
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,140 78.8% 1.9%
Blue collar 3,002 21.2% -4.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
74.5%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 914 6.5% 12.0%
Private companies 10,533 74.5% 0.5%
Governmental workers 1,400 9.9% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 1,295 9.2% -5.8%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
-29.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kernersville stands at 2.7%, 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 Kernersville

How people get around in Kernersville

In Kernersville, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.5% 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.

Commute time
23 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,968 85.5% -2.0%
Taxicab 44 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 61 0.4% 117.9%
Walk 92 0.7% -49.5%
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 Kernersville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27101 22,973 10,982 $44,198 $69,668
27107 50,769 19,173 $60,729 $80,433
27235 5,237 2,282 $101,173 $121,596
27265 48,798 21,161 $73,981 $103,025
27284 58,065 24,410 $82,461 $103,433
27310 8,622 2,959 $165,898 $207,132

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Kernersville demographics 

What is the total population of Kernersville?

Kernersville has a total population of 27,830 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kernersville?

The gender ratio in Kernersville is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (13,411 residents)
  • 51.8% females (14,419 residents)

What is the median age in Kernersville?

The median age in Kernersville is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kernersville?

The age distribution in Kernersville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (5,218 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (3,500 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (7,092 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (7,113 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (4,907 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kernersville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kernersville is as follows:
  • White: 65.8% (18,303 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.8% (4,940 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (132 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (561 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (25 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (1,646 residents)
  • Other: 8% (2,223 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Kernersville.

How many housing units are there in Kernersville?

There are 13,134 housing units in Kernersville, reflecting a +3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kernersville has a total of 12,630 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kernersville?

Kernersville has a median household income of $71,918, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.3% in Kernersville, with a workforce of 14,142 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (11,140 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (3,002 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (914 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.5% (10,533 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (1,400 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (1,295 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