Cornelius, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Cornelius, North Carolina is 32,009 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $114,688, the median home value is $512,400, and the median age is 44.8.
The population has grown 37.4% since 2010 (25,009 → 34,366).
32,009
Population
2522
People / sq mi
$114,688
Median Income
$512,400
Median Home Value
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Cornelius covers 12.7 sq mi of land at 2522 people per square mile.
About Cornelius, NC
Cornelius is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 60.1% of the population. Cornelius is a city in North Carolina with a population of 32,009. It ranks #32 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Households take in a median $114,688, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 3.8%, is on the lower side for US cities and below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $512,400, with typical rent around $1,571.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 59.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. An unusually large 26.5% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Cornelius, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Cornelius town Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Cornelius town had a population of 25,009 in 2010 and 34,366 in 2024, a 37.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,366 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.30%.
34,366
Population (2024)
25,009
Population (2010)
34,366
Peak (2024)
2.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,009 |
| 2011 | 25,582 |
| 2012 | 26,240 |
| 2013 | 26,906 |
| 2014 | 27,470 |
| 2015 | 28,113 |
| 2016 | 28,724 |
| 2017 | 29,342 |
| 2018 | 29,780 |
| 2019 | 30,257 |
| 2020 | 31,523 |
| 2021 | 31,729 |
| 2022 | 32,747 |
| 2023 | 33,485 |
| 2024 | 34,366 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$114,688
Median Household Income
$81,937
Per Capita Income
3.8%
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$512,400
Median Home Value
$1,571
Median Rent
69.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.9%
High School+
59.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.7%
Drive Alone
66.2%
Public Transit
26.5%
Work From Home
25.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
60.1%
Foreign Born
91.7%
Non-English at Home
6.1%
Veterans
6.2%
With Disability
95.2%
Health Insurance
98.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.8% |
| Information | 14.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 14.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.3% |
| Manufacturing | 8.2% |
| Construction | 6.3% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.9% |
| Public Administration | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornelius, North Carolina has a population of 32,009 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Cornelius, North Carolina is $114,688, with 3.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Cornelius, North Carolina is $512,400, with median monthly rent at $1,571 and a homeownership rate of 69.7%.
The median age in Cornelius, North Carolina is 44.8 years. The population is 47.1% male and 52.9% female.
The population has grown 37.4% since 2010 (25,009 → 34,366).
Where to stay in Cornelius
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Statewide data for North Carolina
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.