Monroe, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Monroe, North Carolina is 35,596 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $67,265, the median home value is $270,600, and the median age is 36.5.
The population has grown 21.4% since 2010 (32,986 → 40,054).
35,596
Population
1106
People / sq mi
$67,265
Median Income
$270,600
Median Home Value
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Monroe covers 32.2 sq mi of land at 1106 people per square mile.
About Monroe, NC
Remote work is unusually rare in Monroe: 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 35,596 residents, Monroe is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #29 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,265 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $270,600, with typical rent around $1,216.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 21.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Monroe city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Monroe city had a population of 32,986 in 2010 and 40,054 in 2024, a 21.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,054 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.41%.
40,054
Population (2024)
32,986
Population (2010)
40,054
Peak (2024)
1.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,986 |
| 2011 | 33,288 |
| 2012 | 33,591 |
| 2013 | 33,820 |
| 2014 | 34,192 |
| 2015 | 34,423 |
| 2016 | 34,779 |
| 2017 | 35,225 |
| 2018 | 35,415 |
| 2019 | 35,540 |
| 2020 | 34,685 |
| 2021 | 35,059 |
| 2022 | 36,078 |
| 2023 | 37,950 |
| 2024 | 40,054 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.2% |
| Black or African American | 21.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,265
Median Household Income
$29,277
Per Capita Income
11.0%
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$270,600
Median Home Value
$1,216
Median Rent
58.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.5%
High School+
21.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
74.9%
Public Transit
5.5%
Work From Home
29.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.3%
Foreign Born
69.5%
Non-English at Home
6.3%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
82.2%
Health Insurance
92.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Construction | 15.6% |
| Manufacturing | 15.1% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 15.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.8% |
| Retail Trade | 6.1% |
| Information | 4.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Monroe, North Carolina has a population of 35,596 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Monroe, North Carolina is $67,265, with 11.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Monroe, North Carolina is $270,600, with median monthly rent at $1,216 and a homeownership rate of 58.4%.
The median age in Monroe, North Carolina is 36.5 years. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The population has grown 21.4% since 2010 (32,986 → 40,054).
Monroe city, NC Climate
Monroe city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 1207 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
1207
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 111 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 95 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 120 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 76 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 94 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 106 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 117 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 111 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 104 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 102 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 83 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 88 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 Monroe city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Monroe city, NC are typically May, September 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 -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Monroe
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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.