Cary, NC Census Data
The 7th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Cary is the 7th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 2nd of 22 for median household income. With 176,686 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 18 other North Carolina cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
176,686
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
39.8
1.1 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$129,399
$50,861 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
70.2%
35.2% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 96.3%
Poverty Rate
5.3%
7.1% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.4%
Broadband Access
98.8%
9.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$525,200
Median rent: $1,621 · 66% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Labor force participation: 66.8%
Per Capita Income
$69,157
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.9%
Disability rate: 7.8%
How Cary Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 7th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 22 | Top 10% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 4th of 22 | Top 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 22 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 22 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Cary, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cary, NC?
The population of Cary, NC is 176,686 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.8 years.
What is the median household income in Cary?
The median household income in Cary, NC is $129,399, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $69,157.
What is the poverty rate in Cary?
The poverty rate in Cary, NC is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Cary residents have a college degree?
70.2% of adults (25+) in Cary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 96.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Cary?
The median home value in Cary, NC is $525,200. Median rent is $1,621 per month, with 66% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Cary?
Cary's population is 60.1% White, 7.6% Black, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 20.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Cary rank among North Carolina cities?
Cary is the 7th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 4th lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Cary?
The unemployment rate in Cary, NC is 3.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.8%. Per capita income is $69,157.
Cities Similar to Cary
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.