Raleigh, NC Census Data
The 2nd largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Raleigh is the 2nd largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 8th of 22 for median household income. With 470,763 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 15 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
470,763
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
34.7
4.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$82,424
$3,886 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
52.9%
17.9% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 92.5%
Poverty Rate
11.4%
1.0% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.1%
Broadband Access
97.7%
8.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$377,800
Median rent: $1,468 · 51% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Labor force participation: 67.3%
Per Capita Income
$47,892
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.8%
Disability rate: 9.6%
How Raleigh Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 22 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 22 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 7th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 7th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 7th of 22 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Raleigh, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Raleigh, NC?
The population of Raleigh, NC is 470,763 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.7 years.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household income in Raleigh, NC is $82,424, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $47,892.
What is the poverty rate in Raleigh?
The poverty rate in Raleigh, NC is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Raleigh residents have a college degree?
52.9% of adults (25+) in Raleigh hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 92.5% 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 Raleigh?
The median home value in Raleigh, NC is $377,800. Median rent is $1,468 per month, with 51% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Raleigh?
Raleigh's population is 53.8% White, 27.5% Black, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Raleigh rank among North Carolina cities?
Raleigh is the 2nd largest city in North Carolina by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 7th lowest for poverty rate, the 7th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Raleigh?
The unemployment rate in Raleigh, NC is 4.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 67.3%. Per capita income is $47,892.