North CarolinaPop. 903,844Large cities
Is Charlotte a Good Place to Live? Charlotte, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Charlotte ranks #623 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 37 large cities and #11 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #1 of 37) and low poverty (11.7%, #7 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Charlotte by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Charlotte's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Charlotte?
Charlotte's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,612/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $392,573, 17% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Charlotte | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $392,573#610 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,744/mo#544 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $385,700#757 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,612/mo#797 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Charlotte housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Charlotte is in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Charlotte safe?
Charlotte recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 69% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #887 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Property crime runs 3,418 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Charlotte | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 559#887 of 1,085 | 330 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,418#1001 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Charlotte?
The median household in Charlotte earns $82,068, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Charlotte | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $82,068#577 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.2%#85 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Charlotte?
The median resident of Charlotte is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 48% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #295 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Charlotte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.5 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 48%#295 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 51% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Charlotte's schools and health?
Charlotte's 164 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $12,122 spent per pupil. 30.1% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Charlotte | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 86.1%#643 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.7#705 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,122#929 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 30.1%#398 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.4%#816 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 123,761 students are enrolled in Charlotte's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Charlotte?
The average commute in Charlotte is 24.7 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1.9% of workers take transit and 28.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Charlotte scores 10.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.4°F and winters 44.2°F, with 43.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Charlotte | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 57.4% | 71.6% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.9% | 0.8% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 28.8% | 15.4% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.9#599 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.3 | 31.8 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 56.6 | 34.9 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 41.2 | 4 |
| Apr | 73.2 | 49.1 | 3.8 |
| May | 80.1 | 58 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 86.9 | 66.2 | 4 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 69.9 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 68.7 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 62.6 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 73.3 | 50.4 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 62.9 | 39.8 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 54.9 | 34.5 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charlotte Douglas Airport.
| Measure | Charlotte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 61.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 78.4°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 44.2°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 43.6 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charlotte Douglas Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Charlotte?
Mecklenburg County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mecklenburg County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Charlotte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#551 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Mecklenburg County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mecklenburg County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 59% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0016% | 55% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 42% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0045% | 35% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Charlotte compare with similar-size cities?
Charlotte is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 903,844.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #745 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 | 27.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 | 30.4 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Charlotte compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Charlotte ranks #11 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 11% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 69% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Charlotte's score calculated?
Charlotte scores 56.3 out of 100, #623 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Charlotte. Similar-size median 50.4.
55.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Charlotte's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
46.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Charlotte. Similar-size median 52.4.
63.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Charlotte's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
50.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Charlotte's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
63.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Charlotte. Similar-size median 43.4.
54.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Charlotte. Similar-size median 40.4.
63.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Charlotte. Similar-size median 56.6.
65.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Charlotte's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
52.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
49.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Charlotte's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Charlotte has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Charlotte
Is Charlotte, NC a good place to live?
Charlotte ranks #623 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 37 large cities and #11 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #1 of 37) and low poverty (11.7%, #7 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte?
Charlotte's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,612/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $392,573, 17% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Charlotte?
Charlotte recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 69% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #887 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Property crime runs 3,418 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Charlotte?
The median household in Charlotte earns $82,068, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Charlotte?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,612/mo (Census), #797 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,744/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Charlotte?
The typical home value in Charlotte is $392,573, down 1.1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $385,700.
How are the public schools in Charlotte?
Charlotte's 164 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $12,122 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Charlotte?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Charlotte?
Charlotte averages 61.4°F over the year, 78.4°F in summer and 44.2°F in winter, with 43.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Charlotte walkable?
Charlotte scores 10.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Charlotte at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mecklenburg County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Charlotte?
Mecklenburg County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Charlotte?
Charlotte has 903,844 residents. The median resident of Charlotte is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 48% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #295 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Charlotte compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Charlotte ranks #11 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 11% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 69% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Charlotte?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Charlotte's population of 903,844 are Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Fort Worth, TX (#745 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall), and San Francisco, CA (#213 overall). Charlotte is #623.