Waxhaw, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,275
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$131,894/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,084
3.5% year-over-year change

Waxhaw population

How many people live in Waxhaw

Waxhaw is home to 22,275 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Waxhaw locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
22,275
3.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
10,697
Female
52%
11,578
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,697 48% 3.9%
Female 11,578 52% 2.7%
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 Waxhaw is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 25% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
25%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,578 25% 0.9%
15 to 24 3,384 15.2% 8.4%
25 to 44 5,377 24.1% 3.7%
45 to 64 6,075 27.3% 4.7%
Over 65 1,861 8.4% -3.6%
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 Waxhaw, 82.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.7% of locals are Caucasian, 9.3% are African American and 7.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.9%
Non-citizens
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,440 82.8% 4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,656 11.9% 2.0%
Non-citizens 1,179 5.3% -4.1%
Racial breakdown
White
70.7%
Black or African American
9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
7.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 15,753 70.7%
Black or African American 2,068 9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.1%
Asian 1,644 7.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 2,236 10%
Other 556 2.5%

Households in Waxhaw

A peek inside Waxhaw households

Waxhaw has 6,815 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 84.9% are families, while the remaining 15.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,815
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,030
Family households
5,785
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,030 15.1% 6.6%
Family households 5,785 84.9% 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 Waxhaw

The housing landscape of Waxhaw

Waxhaw's housing consists of 7,084 units, with 87% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,084
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,165 87%
1 unit, attached 492 7%
5 to 9 units 124 1.8%
10 to 19 units 26 0.4%
20 to 49 units 66 0.9%
50 or more units 138 2%
Mobile home 73 1%
Homes built since 2020
585
20.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waxhaw

In Waxhaw, the median construction year is 2010. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 32.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 40.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 8.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 59 0.8% 3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 13 0.2% -13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 68 1% 79.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 50 0.7% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 314 4.4% -11.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 279 3.9% -9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 560 7.9% -7.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,282 32.2% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,874 40.6% 7.6%
Built in 2020 or later 585 8.3% 20.4%
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.

Waxhaw occupancy rates

Out of the 6,815 occupied housing units in Waxhaw, 83% are owner-occupied, while 17% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,815
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,159
Owner occupied
5,656
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,159 17% -1.1%
Owner occupied 5,656 83% 4.7%
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.

Waxhaw housing costs

Housing costs in Waxhaw come to a median of $1,909 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,840.

Median housing costs per month
$1,909/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 Waxhaw
$1,840/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 Waxhaw

Waxhaw education at a glance

About 20.3% of the population in Waxhaw went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 32.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 231 1.6% -15.7%
High school diploma 3,032 20.3% -3.6%
College diploma 2,670 17.9% 24.4%
Associate degree 1,362 9.1% 3.0%
Bachelor's degree 4,873 32.7% 3.9%
Graduate degree 2,742 18.4% 4.0%
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 Waxhaw

How much people earn in Waxhaw

The average annual household income in Waxhaw was $156,987 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $131,894, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waxhaw
$156,987/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waxhaw
$131,894/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Waxhaw income by age

In Waxhaw, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $132,236. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $147,381 overall. Overall, 95.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $132,236 -10.3%
45 - 64 $147,381 6.0%
Over 65 $79,936 7.6%
Above poverty level
21,014
Below poverty level
953
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,014 95.7% 3.1%
Below poverty level 953 4.3% 7.7%

Average renter income in Waxhaw

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waxhaw, their median household income was $85,203 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$85,203
Rent-to-income ratio
25.9%
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 Waxhaw

Workforce and job types in Waxhaw

The job market in Waxhaw is powered by 10,754 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 10.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,754
3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
9,425
Blue collar
1,329
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,425 87.6% 3.8%
Blue collar 1,329 12.4% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
16%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
10.2%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,718 16% 3.2%
Private companies 7,146 66.4% 4.3%
Governmental workers 1,094 10.2% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 796 7.4% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
43.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waxhaw stands at 4.9%, 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 Waxhaw

How people get around in Waxhaw

Commuting methods vary: 70.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 7,503 70.8% 3.4%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.1% 10.0%
Bicycle 13 0.1% 8.3%
Walk 63 0.6% -8.7%
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 Waxhaw by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28173 65,274 20,430 $150,597 $200,570

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FAQs about Waxhaw demographics 

What is the total population of Waxhaw?

Waxhaw has a total population of 22,275 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 Waxhaw?

The gender ratio in Waxhaw is as follows:
  • 48% males (10,697 residents)
  • 52% females (11,578 residents)

What is the median age in Waxhaw?

The median age in Waxhaw is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waxhaw?

The age distribution in Waxhaw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25% (5,578 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (3,384 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (5,377 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (6,075 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.4% (1,861 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waxhaw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waxhaw is as follows:
  • White: 70.7% (15,753 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.3% (2,068 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 7.4% (1,644 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (2,236 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (556 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.8% of the population in Waxhaw.

How many housing units are there in Waxhaw?

There are 7,084 housing units in Waxhaw, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waxhaw has a total of 6,815 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waxhaw?

Waxhaw has a median household income of $131,894, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Waxhaw, with a workforce of 10,754 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.6% (9,425 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.4% (1,329 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16% (1,718 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (7,146 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.2% (1,094 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (796 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