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Population Review

Fayetteville, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Fayetteville, North Carolina is 209,692 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $56,395, the median home value is $171,900, and the median age is 30.7.

The population has grown 0.6% since 2010 (208,337 → 209,496).

209,692

Population

1414

People / sq mi

$56,395

Median Income

$171,900

Median Home Value

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Fayetteville covers 148.3 sq mi of land at 1414 people per square mile.

About Fayetteville, NC

Age is the most distinctive thing about Fayetteville: a median age of 30.7, younger than the national median. Fayetteville is a city in North Carolina with a population of 209,692. It is the #6-largest of all cities in North Carolina nationally.

Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $56,395, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.5%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $171,900, with typical rent around $1,179.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 28.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.

Fayetteville city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Fayetteville city had a population of 208,337 in 2010 and 209,496 in 2024, a 0.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 212,265 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.04%.

2021 · 212K20102024
Fayetteville city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

209,496

Population (2024)

208,337

Population (2010)

212,265

Peak (2021)

0.04%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010208,337
2011208,745
2012208,884
2013211,069
2014210,076
2015209,596
2016211,065
2017209,091
2018210,748
2019211,657
2020210,894
2021212,265
2022211,425
2023209,873
2024209,496

Race & Ethnicity

White38.3%
Black or African American42.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.2%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$56,395

Median Household Income

$31,467

Per Capita Income

14.5%

Poverty Rate

4.1%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$171,900

Median Home Value

$1,179

Median Rent

46.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.4%

High School+

28.6%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.6%

Drive Alone

74.2%

Public Transit

6.6%

Work From Home

18.9 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

47.0%

Foreign Born

86.2%

Non-English at Home

18.3%

Veterans

16.2%

With Disability

89.2%

Health Insurance

93.8%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management25.9%
Education, Health Care & Social Services11.8%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate9.7%
Manufacturing8.5%
Public Administration6.8%
Retail Trade6.0%
Construction5.5%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.3%
Information3.9%
Transportation & Warehousing1.2%
Agriculture & Mining0.4%

Largest cities in North Carolina

Largest counties in North Carolina

Part of North Carolina

Metro areas in North Carolina

City rankings

Common questions about Fayetteville, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville, North Carolina has a population of 209,692 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in North Carolina.

The median household income in Fayetteville, North Carolina is $56,395, with 14.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Fayetteville, North Carolina is $171,900, with median monthly rent at $1,179 and a homeownership rate of 46.5%.

The median age in Fayetteville, North Carolina is 30.7 years. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

The population has grown 0.6% since 2010 (208,337 → 209,496).

Where to stay in Fayetteville

Visiting or relocating to Fayetteville, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.