Kernersville, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kernersville, North Carolina is 27,439 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $69,923, the median home value is $264,000, and the median age is 38.7.
The population has grown 24.3% since 2010 (23,139 → 28,760).
27,439
Population
1433
People / sq mi
$69,923
Median Income
$264,000
Median Home Value
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Kernersville covers 19.1 sq mi of land at 1433 people per square mile.
About Kernersville, NC
Kernersville is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 37.7% of the population. With 27,439 residents, Kernersville is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #39 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $69,923, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $264,000, with typical rent around $1,052.
36.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Kernersville, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Kernersville town Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kernersville town had a population of 23,139 in 2010 and 28,760 in 2024, a 24.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,760 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.58%.
28,760
Population (2024)
23,139
Population (2010)
28,760
Peak (2024)
1.58%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,139 |
| 2011 | 23,301 |
| 2012 | 23,413 |
| 2013 | 23,497 |
| 2014 | 23,673 |
| 2015 | 23,732 |
| 2016 | 24,061 |
| 2017 | 24,312 |
| 2018 | 24,742 |
| 2019 | 24,660 |
| 2020 | 26,579 |
| 2021 | 26,893 |
| 2022 | 27,856 |
| 2023 | 28,146 |
| 2024 | 28,760 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.7% |
| Black or African American | 17.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$69,923
Median Household Income
$39,468
Per Capita Income
7.1%
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$264,000
Median Home Value
$1,052
Median Rent
56.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.6%
High School+
36.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
80.8%
Public Transit
9.6%
Work From Home
23.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
37.7%
Foreign Born
89.1%
Non-English at Home
7.4%
Veterans
12.6%
With Disability
90.6%
Health Insurance
96.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.3% |
| Manufacturing | 17.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.8% |
| Information | 8.7% |
| Retail Trade | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Construction | 4.1% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kernersville, North Carolina has a population of 27,439 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Kernersville, North Carolina is $69,923, with 7.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kernersville, North Carolina is $264,000, with median monthly rent at $1,052 and a homeownership rate of 56.1%.
The median age in Kernersville, North Carolina is 38.7 years. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The population has grown 24.3% since 2010 (23,139 → 28,760).
Where to stay in Kernersville
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.