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Population Review

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

Kannapolis covers 34.9 sq mi of land at 1616 people per square mile.

About Kannapolis, NC

Kannapolis is a city in North Carolina with a population of 56,470. It ranks #19 among cities in North Carolina by population. The median age is 37.7, younger than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

The median household income in Kannapolis is $70,691, below the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $245,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,168. The homeownership rate of 65.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Kannapolis reflects 28.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.9 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 61K20102024

60,521

Population (2024)

42,699

Population (2010)

60,521

Peak (2024)

2.54%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201042,699
201143,169
201243,769
201344,385
201445,310
201546,311
201647,577
201748,774
201849,770
201950,841
202055,369
202156,356
202257,685
202359,517
202460,521

Race & Ethnicity

White59.4%
Black or African American23.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management19.7%
Manufacturing11.2%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.1%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.2%
Retail Trade7.4%
Information7.1%
Construction6.6%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.5%
Public Administration3.5%
Transportation & Warehousing1.3%
Agriculture & Mining0.6%

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).

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

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