Graham, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Graham, North Carolina is 17,537 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 61st-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $54,783, the median home value is $200,600, and the median age is 36.4.
The population has grown 34.8% since 2010 (14,327 → 19,311).
17,537
Population
1587
People / sq mi
$54,783
Median Income
$200,600
Median Home Value
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Graham covers 11.0 sq mi of land at 1587 people per square mile.
About Graham, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Graham from the typical city: 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 17,537 residents, Graham is a city in North Carolina.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $54,783, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $200,600, with typical rent around $990.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 23.5%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Graham: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Graham city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Graham city had a population of 14,327 in 2010 and 19,311 in 2024, a 34.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,311 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.19%.
19,311
Population (2024)
14,327
Population (2010)
19,311
Peak (2024)
2.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,327 |
| 2011 | 14,328 |
| 2012 | 14,322 |
| 2013 | 14,369 |
| 2014 | 14,407 |
| 2015 | 14,503 |
| 2016 | 14,599 |
| 2017 | 14,778 |
| 2018 | 15,065 |
| 2019 | 15,646 |
| 2020 | 17,160 |
| 2021 | 17,283 |
| 2022 | 18,014 |
| 2023 | 18,431 |
| 2024 | 19,311 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.0% |
| Black or African American | 23.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$54,783
Median Household Income
$30,718
Per Capita Income
14.8%
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$200,600
Median Home Value
$990
Median Rent
52.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.0%
High School+
23.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
83.4%
Public Transit
7.7%
Work From Home
24.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.7%
Foreign Born
80.3%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
87.8%
Health Insurance
93.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.3% |
| Manufacturing | 14.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.8% |
| Construction | 8.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.5% |
| Retail Trade | 6.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Information | 2.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 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
Graham, North Carolina has a population of 17,537 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 61st-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Graham, North Carolina is $54,783, with 14.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Graham, North Carolina is $200,600, with median monthly rent at $990 and a homeownership rate of 52.2%.
The median age in Graham, North Carolina is 36.4 years. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
The population has grown 34.8% since 2010 (14,327 → 19,311).
Graham city, NC Climate
Graham city, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 1135 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
1135
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 95 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 102 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 78 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 107 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 101 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 114 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 107 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 89 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 78 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 86 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 Graham city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Graham city, NC are typically September, May and June, 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). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Graham
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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.