Cary, NC Census Data
Key demographic and economic indicators for Cary, North Carolina from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-03-23 · 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
50,861.0 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%
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).