Kannapolis, NC Census Data
The 19th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Kannapolis is the 19th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 11th of 22 for median household income. With 56,470 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 12 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
56,470
51.1% male · 48.9% female
Median Age
37.7
1.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$70,691
$7,847 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.1%
6.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.6%
Poverty Rate
12.2%
0.2% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.5%
Broadband Access
93.8%
4.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$245,500
Median rent: $1,168 · 65% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Labor force participation: 62.6%
Per Capita Income
$41,696
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
8.1%
Disability rate: 13.1%
How Kannapolis Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 19th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 11th of 22 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 19th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 14th of 22 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Kannapolis, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kannapolis, NC?
The population of Kannapolis, NC is 56,470 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.7 years.
What is the median household income in Kannapolis?
The median household income in Kannapolis, NC is $70,691, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,696.
What is the poverty rate in Kannapolis?
The poverty rate in Kannapolis, NC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Kannapolis residents have a college degree?
28.1% of adults (25+) in Kannapolis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.6% 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 Kannapolis?
The median home value in Kannapolis, NC is $245,500. Median rent is $1,168 per month, with 65% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Kannapolis?
Kannapolis's population is 59.4% White, 23.9% Black, 12.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Kannapolis rank among North Carolina cities?
Kannapolis is the 19th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 11th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 19th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Kannapolis?
The unemployment rate in Kannapolis, NC is 4.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.6%. Per capita income is $41,696.
Cities Similar to Kannapolis
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.