Monroe, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,759
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,540/yr
7.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,469
3.7% year-over-year change

Monroe population

How many people live in Monroe

Monroe is home to 36,759 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Monroe locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
36,759
3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
18,534
Female
49.6%
18,225
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,534 50.4% 4.9%
Female 18,225 49.6% 1.7%
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 Monroe is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 16.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
16.7%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,151 19.4% 0.2%
15 to 24 6,129 16.7% -1.9%
25 to 44 9,643 26.2% 9.8%
45 to 64 8,356 22.7% 0.5%
Over 65 5,480 14.9% 7.1%
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 Monroe, 81.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.6% of locals are Caucasian, 19.7% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,955 81.5% 3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,179 5.9% 20.4%
Non-citizens 4,625 12.6% -3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
47.6%
Black or African American
19.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12%
Other
18.2%
Value Percent
White 17,488 47.6%
Black or African American 7,257 19.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 545 1.5%
Asian 363 1%
Two or more races 4,411 12%
Other 6,695 18.2%

Households in Monroe

A peek inside Monroe households

Monroe has 12,620 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.6% are families, while the remaining 33.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,620
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,215
Family households
8,405
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,215 33.4% 7.3%
Family households 8,405 66.6% 3.1%
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 Monroe

The housing landscape of Monroe

Monroe's housing consists of 13,469 units, with 71.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,469
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,610 71.4%
1 unit, attached 640 4.8%
2 units 635 4.7%
3 or 4 units 586 4.4%
5 to 9 units 953 7.1%
10 to 19 units 462 3.4%
20 to 49 units 51 0.4%
50 or more units 192 1.4%
Mobile home 340 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
563
177.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Monroe

In Monroe, the median construction year is 1989. About 6.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 925 6.9% 17.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 357 2.6% 4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,067 7.9% -14.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,115 8.3% 15.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,853 13.8% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,567 11.6% -5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,659 19.7% -4.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,330 17.3% 8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,033 7.7% 8.6%
Built in 2020 or later 563 4.2% 177.3%
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.

Monroe occupancy rates

Out of the 12,620 occupied housing units in Monroe, 61.6% are owner-occupied, while 38.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,620
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,849
Owner occupied
7,771
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,849 38.4% -3.4%
Owner occupied 7,771 61.6% 10.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Monroe housing costs

Housing costs in Monroe come to a median of $1,268 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,246.

Median housing costs per month
$1,268/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 Monroe
$1,246/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 Monroe

Monroe education at a glance

About 39.4% of the population in Monroe went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,967 7.1% -3.2%
High school diploma 10,952 39.4% -0.6%
College diploma 6,392 23% 1.1%
Associate degree 2,543 9.2% 15.4%
Bachelor's degree 4,048 14.6% 15.8%
Graduate degree 1,859 6.7% 31.3%
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 Monroe

How much people earn in Monroe

The average annual household income in Monroe was $88,429 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,540, reflecting a +7.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Monroe
$88,429/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Monroe
$72,540/year
7.8% year-over-year change

Monroe income by age

In Monroe, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,083. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,975 overall. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $76,083 7.7%
45 - 64 $82,975 5.3%
Over 65 $49,729 -0.8%
Above poverty level
30,926
Below poverty level
4,672
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,926 86.9% 3.9%
Below poverty level 4,672 13.1% -1.3%

Average renter income in Monroe

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Monroe, their median household income was $45,398 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,398
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
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 Monroe

Workforce and job types in Monroe

The job market in Monroe is powered by 17,749 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 76% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,749
5.9% year-over-year change
White collar
12,070
Blue collar
5,679
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,070 68% 10.7%
Blue collar 5,679 32% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
76%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,365 7.7% -5.1%
Private companies 13,488 76% 6.7%
Governmental workers 2,140 12.1% 5.2%
Not for profit companies 756 4.3% 16.3%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-11.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Monroe stands at 4.6%, 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 Monroe

How people get around in Monroe

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% 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 15,643 89.9% 2.3%
Taxicab 43 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 26 0.2% 30.0%
Bicycle 14 0.1% 7.7%
Walk 126 0.7% -10.6%
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 Monroe by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28110 56,971 19,464 $83,480 $98,957
28112 28,461 10,215 $80,495 $91,672

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FAQs about Monroe demographics 

What is the total population of Monroe?

Monroe has a total population of 36,759 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 +3.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Monroe?

The gender ratio in Monroe is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (18,534 residents)
  • 49.6% females (18,225 residents)

What is the median age in Monroe?

The median age in Monroe is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Monroe?

The age distribution in Monroe is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (7,151 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.7% (6,129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (9,643 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (8,356 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (5,480 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Monroe?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Monroe is as follows:
  • White: 47.6% (17,488 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.7% (7,257 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (545 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (363 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (4,411 residents)
  • Other: 18.2% (6,695 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.5% of the population in Monroe.

How many housing units are there in Monroe?

There are 13,469 housing units in Monroe, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Monroe has a total of 12,620 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Monroe?

Monroe has a median household income of $72,540, representing a +7.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Monroe, with a workforce of 17,749 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68% (12,070 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32% (5,679 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (1,365 residents)
  • Private companies: 76% (13,488 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (2,140 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.3% (756 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