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).
Where to stay in Graham
Visiting or relocating to Graham, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.