Metro areas in North Carolina: income, rent and home values
North Carolina has 16 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Charlotte, NC with 2.9 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Raleigh, NC ($101,695). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Greenville, NC (26.8%) and the largest in Wilmington, NC (33.3%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Wilmington, NC (+68.9%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 2,938,830 | $89,067 | $1,641 | $415,300 | 30.7% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 1,795,250 | $87,126 | $1,643 | $374,200 | 32.5% |
| Raleigh, NC | 1,595,720 | $101,695 | $1,713 | $465,500 | 29.0% |
| Greensboro, NC | 805,945 | $71,087 | $1,223 | $284,700 | 29.3% |
| Winston, NC | 712,206 | $70,675 | $1,180 | $279,000 | 30.0% |
| Durham, NC | 625,485 | $91,715 | $1,632 | $458,100 | 30.3% |
| Wilmington, NC | 492,772 | $84,837 | $1,625 | $416,600 | 33.3% |
| Asheville, NC | 422,345 | $77,010 | $1,535 | $428,100 | 32.3% |
| Fayetteville, NC | 395,412 | $65,382 | $1,391 | $247,700 | 32.5% |
| Hickory, NC | 376,890 | $62,089 | $979 | $268,200 | 29.2% |
| Jacksonville, NC | 217,175 | $78,573 | $1,514 | $268,800 | 28.5% |
| Burlington, NC | 186,177 | $75,630 | $1,346 | $300,000 | 29.2% |
| Greenville, NC | 182,936 | $67,258 | $1,135 | $265,400 | 26.8% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 148,486 | $58,796 | $1,048 | $207,000 | 29.0% |
| Goldsboro, NC | 122,278 | $67,587 | $1,029 | $214,400 | 28.1% |
| Pinehurst, NC | 110,619 | $84,611 | $1,771 | $410,800 | 31.8% |
Includes 2 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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North Carolina at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in North Carolina for renters?+
Greenville, NC, where renters spend a median 26.8% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in North Carolina has the highest income?+
Raleigh, NC, with a median household income of $101,695 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in North Carolina?+
16 metropolitan statistical areas in North Carolina have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.