Salisbury, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Salisbury, North Carolina is 35,730 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $51,058, the median home value is $215,200, and the median age is 36.5.
The population has grown 9.3% since 2010 (33,481 → 36,579).
35,730
Population
1547
People / sq mi
$51,058
Median Income
$215,200
Median Home Value
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Salisbury covers 23.1 sq mi of land at 1547 people per square mile.
About Salisbury, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Salisbury from the typical city: 19.1% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Salisbury is a city in North Carolina with a population of 35,730. It ranks #28 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,058, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 19.1%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $215,200, with typical rent around $1,030.
26.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Salisbury: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Salisbury city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Salisbury city had a population of 33,481 in 2010 and 36,579 in 2024, a 9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,579 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.64%.
36,579
Population (2024)
33,481
Population (2010)
36,579
Peak (2024)
0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,481 |
| 2011 | 33,364 |
| 2012 | 33,196 |
| 2013 | 33,281 |
| 2014 | 33,492 |
| 2015 | 33,510 |
| 2016 | 33,606 |
| 2017 | 33,695 |
| 2018 | 33,830 |
| 2019 | 33,988 |
| 2020 | 35,328 |
| 2021 | 35,206 |
| 2022 | 35,705 |
| 2023 | 36,314 |
| 2024 | 36,579 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 51.8% |
| Black or African American | 35.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$51,058
Median Household Income
$30,932
Per Capita Income
19.1%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$215,200
Median Home Value
$1,030
Median Rent
49.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.6%
High School+
26.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
74.0%
Public Transit
7.8%
Work From Home
20.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
29.3%
Foreign Born
88.2%
Non-English at Home
7.6%
Veterans
15.0%
With Disability
90.3%
Health Insurance
91.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.9% |
| Manufacturing | 12.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.0% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Information | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.5% |
| Public Administration | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 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
Salisbury, North Carolina has a population of 35,730 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Salisbury, North Carolina is $51,058, with 19.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Salisbury, North Carolina is $215,200, with median monthly rent at $1,030 and a homeownership rate of 49.7%.
The median age in Salisbury, North Carolina is 36.5 years. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The population has grown 9.3% since 2010 (33,481 → 36,579).
Where to stay in Salisbury
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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.