Kannapolis, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kannapolis, North Carolina is 56,470 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $70,691, the median home value is $245,500, and the median age is 37.7.
The population has grown 41.7% since 2010 (42,699 → 60,521).
56,470
Population
1616
People / sq mi
$70,691
Median Income
$245,500
Median Home Value
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Kannapolis covers 34.9 sq mi of land at 1616 people per square mile.
About Kannapolis, NC
Kannapolis is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 36.4% of the population. Kannapolis is a city in North Carolina with a population of 56,470. It ranks #19 among cities in North Carolina by population.
The typical household here earns about $70,691, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $245,500, with typical rent around $1,168.
Roughly 28.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 12.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Kannapolis, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Kannapolis city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kannapolis city had a population of 42,699 in 2010 and 60,521 in 2024, a 41.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 60,521 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.54%.
60,521
Population (2024)
42,699
Population (2010)
60,521
Peak (2024)
2.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,699 |
| 2011 | 43,169 |
| 2012 | 43,769 |
| 2013 | 44,385 |
| 2014 | 45,310 |
| 2015 | 46,311 |
| 2016 | 47,577 |
| 2017 | 48,774 |
| 2018 | 49,770 |
| 2019 | 50,841 |
| 2020 | 55,369 |
| 2021 | 56,356 |
| 2022 | 57,685 |
| 2023 | 59,517 |
| 2024 | 60,521 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.4% |
| Black or African American | 23.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$70,691
Median Household Income
$34,271
Per Capita Income
8.0%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$245,500
Median Home Value
$1,168
Median Rent
65.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.6%
High School+
28.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
77.6%
Public Transit
12.1%
Work From Home
25.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
36.4%
Foreign Born
87.4%
Non-English at Home
8.1%
Veterans
13.1%
With Disability
90.5%
Health Insurance
93.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.7% |
| Manufacturing | 11.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.2% |
| Retail Trade | 7.4% |
| Information | 7.1% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.5% |
| Public Administration | 3.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kannapolis, North Carolina has a population of 56,470 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Kannapolis, North Carolina is $70,691, with 8.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kannapolis, North Carolina is $245,500, with median monthly rent at $1,168 and a homeownership rate of 65.4%.
The median age in Kannapolis, North Carolina is 37.7 years. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The population has grown 41.7% since 2010 (42,699 → 60,521).
Where to stay in Kannapolis
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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.