Fayetteville, NC Census Data
The 6th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Fayetteville is the 6th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 18th of 22 for median household income. With 209,692 residents, its poverty rate of 18.1% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. 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
209,692
50.9% male · 49.1% female
Median Age
30.7
8.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,395
$22,143 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.6%
6.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.4%
Poverty Rate
18.1%
5.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.8%
Broadband Access
93.8%
4.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$171,900
Median rent: $1,179 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
8.2%
Labor force participation: 46.0%
Per Capita Income
$35,332
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
18.3%
Disability rate: 16.2%
How Fayetteville Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 18th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 18th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 18th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 21st of 22 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Fayetteville, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fayetteville, NC?
The population of Fayetteville, NC is 209,692 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 30.7 years.
What is the median household income in Fayetteville?
The median household income in Fayetteville, NC is $56,395, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,332.
What is the poverty rate in Fayetteville?
The poverty rate in Fayetteville, NC is 18.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Fayetteville residents have a college degree?
28.6% of adults (25+) in Fayetteville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.4% 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 Fayetteville?
The median home value in Fayetteville, NC is $171,900. Median rent is $1,179 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's population is 38.3% White, 42.3% Black, 13.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Fayetteville rank among North Carolina cities?
Fayetteville is the 6th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 18th highest for median household income, the 18th lowest for poverty rate, the 18th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Fayetteville?
The unemployment rate in Fayetteville, NC is 8.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 46.0%. Per capita income is $35,332.
Cities Similar to Fayetteville
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.