Carrboro, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Carrboro, North Carolina is 21,170 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $85,927, the median home value is $507,100, and the median age is 34.0.
The population has grown 7.6% since 2010 (19,585 → 21,079).
21,170
Population
3266
People / sq mi
$85,927
Median Income
$507,100
Median Home Value
Get Carrboro's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Carrboro covers 6.5 sq mi of land at 3266 people per square mile.
About Carrboro, NC
Carrboro is defined demographically by education — 70.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 21,170 residents, Carrboro is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #47 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $85,927, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.2%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $507,100, with typical rent around $1,337.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US cities: 70.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 23.9% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Carrboro usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Carrboro town Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Carrboro town had a population of 19,585 in 2010 and 21,079 in 2024, a 7.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,452 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.53%.
21,079
Population (2024)
19,585
Population (2010)
21,452
Peak (2017)
0.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,585 |
| 2011 | 19,874 |
| 2012 | 20,300 |
| 2013 | 20,681 |
| 2014 | 20,878 |
| 2015 | 21,074 |
| 2016 | 21,198 |
| 2017 | 21,452 |
| 2018 | 21,220 |
| 2019 | 21,190 |
| 2020 | 21,281 |
| 2021 | 21,182 |
| 2022 | 21,286 |
| 2023 | 21,253 |
| 2024 | 21,079 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.3% |
| Black or African American | 13.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$85,927
Median Household Income
$53,514
Per Capita Income
5.2%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$507,100
Median Home Value
$1,337
Median Rent
43.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.0%
High School+
70.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
7.7%
Drive Alone
52.5%
Public Transit
23.9%
Work From Home
23.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
54.0%
Foreign Born
82.9%
Non-English at Home
4.7%
Veterans
8.0%
With Disability
93.6%
Health Insurance
97.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 47.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 15.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.4% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.3% |
| Public Administration | 4.0% |
| Manufacturing | 2.8% |
| Construction | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Retail Trade | 0.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carrboro, North Carolina has a population of 21,170 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Carrboro, North Carolina is $85,927, with 5.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Carrboro, North Carolina is $507,100, with median monthly rent at $1,337 and a homeownership rate of 43.6%.
The median age in Carrboro, North Carolina is 34.0 years. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The population has grown 7.6% since 2010 (19,585 → 21,079).
Carrboro town, NC Climate
Carrboro town, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1168 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1168
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 101 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 108 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 80 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 109 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 107 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 111 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 99 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 92 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 86 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 83 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carrboro town, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Carrboro town, NC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carrboro
Visiting or relocating to Carrboro, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Carrboro
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Carrboro?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Carrboro, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from North Carolina
Population 886,283
Population 470,763
Population 298,564
Population 288,465
Population 250,887
Full rankings of North Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.