100 Biggest Cities In North Carolina For 2025

Using the latest Census data, we detail the 100 biggest cities in North Carolina. You can all see a comprehensive list of all 440 cities and places in North Carolina.

We all love the biggest cities that the Tar Heel State has to offer. You know the places like Charlotte and Raleigh which make all the headlines.

But there are a bunch of other great large cities in North Carolina that don't get as much love.

We're going to change that right now.

Using the most recent Census data, we can tell you about all the places in North Carolina with a focus on the biggest. We update the data each year and this is our fourth time doing this.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table

You can click here to see a full table of the full of the 100 biggest cities in North Carolina, along with every other place over 1,000 people big. It is sortable by clicking on the headers.

Read on below to see more on the biggest cities. Or for more reading on places to live in North Carolina, check out:

The 10 Biggest Cities In North Carolina

Charlotte, NC
Source: Wikipedia User Greengrass090 | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility
7.5
/10

Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Population: 886,283.0
Population 2010: 705,896
Growth: 25.6%
More on Charlotte: Data | Real Estate

Raleigh, NC
Source: Wikipedia User Atlpedia | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility
8
/10

Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)
Population: 470,763.0
Population 2010: 382,729
Growth: 23.0%
More on Raleigh: Data | Real Estate

Greensboro, NC
Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility
5
/10

Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
Population: 298,564.0
Population 2010: 263,358
Growth: 13.4%
More on Greensboro: Data | Real Estate

Durham, NC
Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility
6
/10

Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Population: 288,465.0
Population 2010: 220,324
Growth: 30.9%
More on Durham: Data | Real Estate

Winston-Salem, NC
Source: Wikipedia User tweber1 | CC BY-SA 2.0
Overall SnackAbility
7
/10

Rank Last Year: 5 (No Change)
Population: 250,887.0
Population 2010: 224,769
Growth: 11.6%
More on Winston-Salem: Data | Real Estate

Fayetteville, NC
Source: Wikipedia User Hegemanc | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility
4
/10

Rank Last Year: 6 (No Change)
Population: 209,692.0
Population 2010: 198,875
Growth: 5.4%
More on Fayetteville: Data | Real Estate

Cary, NC
Source: Flickr User James Willamor | CC BY-SA 2.0
Overall SnackAbility
9.5
/10

Rank Last Year: 7 (No Change)
Population: 176,686.0
Population 2010: 127,587
Growth: 38.5%
More on Cary: Data | Real Estate

Wilmington, NC
Source: Wikipedia User Jason W. Smith | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility
6
/10

Rank Last Year: 8 (No Change)
Population: 118,578.0
Population 2010: 104,730
Growth: 13.2%
More on Wilmington: Data | Real Estate

High Point, NC
Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility
5
/10

Rank Last Year: 9 (No Change)
Population: 115,263.0
Population 2010: 100,903
Growth: 14.2%
More on High Point: Data | Real Estate

Concord, NC
Source: Wikipedia User AlexiusHoratius | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility
7
/10

Rank Last Year: 10 (No Change)
Population: 106,518.0
Population 2010: 75,172
Growth: 41.7%
More on Concord: Data | Real Estate

How We Determined The Largest Cities In North Carolina

We've been ranking and dissecting cities in the Tar Heel State for over 4 years now -- making this actually the fourth time we've run the numbers. We always use the best data, the US Census. In this case, that means we are using the American Community Survey.

It what is probably the most simple analysis we run each year, we ranked every place in North Carolina from biggest to smallest. The biggest city this year? That would be Charlotte.

The smallest? Jackson Heights, although there are places smaller than 1,000 people not listed here, so keep that in mind as we take a look at the top ten.

Now on to numbers 11-100 Biggest in North Carolina

We hope that you find the big city, or really any city, that's right for you. Below is a list of the rest of the biggest cities along with every other place in North Carolina.

Have fun snacking around in the Tar Heel State!

For more reading on North Carolina, check out:

Detailed List Of The Biggest Cities In North Carolina

RankCityCurrent Population2010Growth
1Charlotte886,283.0705,89625.6%
2Raleigh470,763.0382,72923.0%
3Greensboro298,564.0263,35813.4%
4Durham288,465.0220,32430.9%
5Winston-Salem250,887.0224,76911.6%
6Fayetteville209,692.0198,8755.4%
7Cary176,686.0127,58738.5%
8Wilmington118,578.0104,73013.2%
9High Point115,263.0100,90314.2%
10Concord106,518.075,17241.7%
11Asheville94,369.081,97015.1%
12Greenville88,540.080,43910.1%
13Gastonia81,632.070,70915.4%
14Jacksonville73,507.068,9896.5%
15Apex67,765.034,42796.8%
16Huntersville62,458.043,10644.9%
17Chapel Hill59,889.055,1808.5%
18Burlington58,599.048,73620.2%
19Kannapolis56,470.041,66335.5%
20Rocky Mount54,175.057,776-6.2%
21Mooresville51,447.030,58268.2%
22Wake Forest51,199.026,79091.1%
23Wilson47,740.048,219-1.0%
24Hickory43,747.039,9329.6%
25Holly Springs43,429.021,96897.7%
26Indian Trail41,146.030,36235.5%
27Fuquay-Varina37,749.016,152133.7%
28Salisbury35,730.033,0188.2%
29Monroe35,596.032,29710.2%
30Goldsboro33,448.036,816-9.1%
31Garner32,543.024,41733.3%
32Cornelius32,009.022,97039.4%
33New Bern31,563.028,07312.4%
34Sanford30,833.026,89714.6%
35Morrisville30,471.016,14788.7%
36Matthews29,959.026,55612.8%
37Statesville29,161.024,61918.4%
38Clayton28,043.014,71490.6%
39Kernersville27,439.022,33722.8%
40Asheboro27,353.024,47811.7%
41Thomasville27,261.026,3193.6%
42Mint Hill26,954.021,94022.9%
43Leland26,307.011,925120.6%
44Shelby21,868.020,4177.1%
45Clemmons21,574.018,14518.9%
46Waxhaw21,565.08,754146.3%
47Carrboro21,170.019,07411.0%
48Lexington19,691.019,1552.8%
49Kinston19,576.021,998-11.0%
50Boone19,534.016,56617.9%
51Knightdale19,532.010,47786.4%
52Lumberton19,220.021,448-10.4%
53Harrisburg19,203.010,32885.9%
54Mebane18,899.010,40181.7%
55Elizabeth City18,740.018,6470.5%
56Lenoir18,282.018,2250.3%
57Pinehurst17,992.012,52143.7%
58Mount Holly17,928.012,91438.8%
59Hope Mills17,823.014,41623.6%
60Morganton17,541.016,9723.4%
61Graham17,537.013,92126.0%
62Murraysville17,307.013,29330.2%
63Albemarle16,527.015,9123.9%
64Stallings16,495.012,68230.1%
65Havelock16,471.020,624-20.1%
66Southern Pines16,052.012,11632.5%
67Eden15,353.015,602-1.6%
68Hendersonville15,253.012,90018.2%
69Belmont15,140.09,82954.0%
70Laurinburg15,079.016,067-6.1%
71Roanoke Rapids15,024.015,865-5.3%
72Henderson14,922.015,540-4.0%
73Davidson14,852.010,32043.9%
74Reidsville14,547.014,5110.2%
75Piney Green14,205.013,8482.6%
76Lewisville13,655.012,5189.1%
77Weddington13,468.09,20746.3%
78Newton13,223.012,9672.0%
79Myrtle Grove12,404.08,62843.8%
80Archdale11,992.010,9649.4%
81Smithfield11,798.010,9727.5%
82Spring Lake11,613.011,829-1.8%
83Wendell11,585.05,563108.3%
84Lincolnton11,503.010,44010.2%
85Kings Mountain11,472.010,6317.9%
86Elon11,325.08,93326.8%
87Summerfield11,031.09,61514.7%
88Pineville10,780.07,25148.7%
89Tarboro10,705.011,424-6.3%
90Mount Airy10,631.010,5201.1%
91Winterville10,624.08,46225.5%
92Waynesville10,408.09,9344.8%
93Rolesville10,200.03,289210.1%
94Washington9,754.09,7080.5%
95Morehead City9,696.08,52313.8%
96Hillsborough9,656.05,97261.7%
97St. Stephens9,409.09,3440.7%
98Lake Norman Of Catawba9,308.06,93134.3%
99Gibsonville9,289.06,06353.2%
100Hampstead9,129.03,707146.3%
101Rockingham9,094.09,524-4.5%
102Kings Grant9,061.08,3488.5%
103Aberdeen8,969.05,88452.4%
104Wesley Chapel8,923.06,70233.1%
105Oxford8,897.08,4904.8%
106Oak Island8,888.06,81830.4%
107Dunn8,512.09,123-6.7%
108Conover8,491.07,9287.1%
109Black Mountain8,462.07,8098.4%
110Ogden8,363.06,65225.7%
111Clinton8,336.08,584-2.9%
112Roxboro8,144.08,490-4.1%
113Fletcher8,022.06,68819.9%
114Butner7,996.07,4147.9%
115Zebulon7,961.04,36882.3%
116Woodfin7,957.05,91334.6%
117Siler City7,905.07,8011.3%
118Brevard7,795.07,4894.1%
119Half Moon7,780.08,162-4.7%
120Etowah7,765.06,47919.8%
121Kill Devil Hills7,727.06,63016.5%
122Oak Ridge7,660.05,80532.0%
123Marion7,594.08,062-5.8%
124Forest City7,368.07,487-1.6%
125King7,345.06,66010.3%
126Cullowhee7,300.04,74853.7%
127Mills River7,214.06,6338.8%
128Porters Neck7,102.04,98842.4%
129Trinity7,066.06,6286.6%
130St. James6,901.02,790147.3%
131Unionville6,826.05,85316.6%
132Carolina Beach6,665.05,66517.7%
133Selma6,611.06,0728.9%
134Marvin6,542.04,88933.8%
135East Flat Rock6,468.05,75312.4%
136Silver Lake6,242.05,42615.0%
137Boiling Spring Lakes6,206.04,98224.6%
138Cherryville6,154.05,6978.0%
139Swannanoa6,043.04,20043.9%
140Dallas6,012.04,35238.1%
141Mocksville6,001.04,95221.2%
142Hamlet6,000.06,420-6.5%
143Stokesdale5,943.04,73225.6%
144Northchase5,879.02,938100.1%
145Walke5,793.04,58126.5%
146Angier5,746.04,14038.8%
147Nashville5,672.05,2108.9%
148Moyock5,669.03,98742.2%
149Locust5,529.02,95986.9%
150Bessemer City5,508.05,3333.3%
151Wrightsboro5,434.05,3321.9%
152Cramerton5,376.03,94536.3%
153Williamston5,157.05,514-6.5%
154Whispering Pines5,081.02,77283.3%
155Westport5,079.03,30653.6%
156Archer Lodge5,036.04,04924.4%
157Ayden5,035.04,8623.6%
158Sawmills5,027.05,193-3.2%
159Pleasant Garden4,989.04,53110.1%
160Long View4,967.04,7724.1%
161Wadesboro4,966.05,882-15.6%
162Creedmoor4,957.03,82029.8%
163Granite Falls4,921.04,7214.2%
164James City4,859.06,236-22.1%
165Carolina Shores4,843.02,86369.2%
166Midway4,826.04,6663.4%
167Seven Lakes4,823.04,6603.5%
168Ahoskie4,798.05,109-6.1%
169Midland4,758.02,97859.8%
170Whiteville4,721.05,255-10.2%
171Valdese4,689.04,5343.4%
172Lillington4,683.03,17847.4%
173Pittsboro4,640.03,55530.5%
174Boiling Springs4,625.04,4972.8%
175Weaverville4,618.03,10648.7%
176Erwin4,617.04,3476.2%
177Beaufort4,613.03,99715.4%
178Randleman4,611.04,00515.1%
179Ranlo4,556.03,22141.4%
180Raeford4,545.04,4422.3%
181Holly Ridge4,532.0667579.5%
182Royal Pines4,528.04,2047.7%
183Farmville4,493.04,614-2.6%
184China Grove4,487.03,58625.1%
185Edenton4,480.05,111-12.3%
186Shallotte4,465.03,36132.8%
187Newport4,428.03,98111.2%
188Canton4,417.04,2434.1%
189North Wilkesboro4,348.04,3001.1%
190Sunset Beach4,326.03,33329.8%
191Spindale4,244.04,268-0.6%
192Franklin4,221.03,8489.7%
193Mount Olive4,204.04,588-8.4%
194Wingate4,169.03,39822.7%
195Surf City4,160.01,727140.9%
196Benson4,144.03,25027.5%
197Southport4,143.02,77849.1%
198Forest Oaks4,095.03,39820.5%
199Trent Woods4,086.04,118-0.8%
200Elkin4,025.04,193-4.0%
201Stanley4,014.03,47015.7%
202Bethlehem3,928.04,249-7.6%
203Emerald Isle3,915.03,6208.1%
204Swansboro3,887.02,41061.3%
205Skippers Corner3,834.02,29567.1%
206Dana3,824.03,884-1.5%
207Troutman3,813.02,39259.4%
208Rockfish3,807.03,27016.4%
209Hudson3,777.03,6643.1%
210Maiden3,777.03,32513.6%
211Lowesville3,737.02,63042.1%
212Landis3,726.03,10420.0%
213Kitty Hawk3,721.03,26514.0%
214Lowell3,711.03,36810.2%
215Gamewell3,701.04,025-8.0%
216Tabor City3,695.02,51247.1%
217Jame3,685.03,30311.6%
218Glen Raven3,684.02,66338.3%
219Rutherfordton3,669.04,202-12.7%
220Eastover3,666.03,5981.9%
221Wilkesboro3,664.03,4057.6%
222Welcome3,649.04,484-18.6%
223Tyro3,635.03,925-7.4%
224Buies Creek3,613.03,723-3.0%
225Brices Creek3,592.02,76729.8%
226Fairview3,549.03,3236.8%
227Mountain Home3,518.03,2039.8%
228River Road3,518.04,762-26.1%
229Elroy3,507.03,890-9.8%
230Flat Rock3,502.03,04914.9%
231Wallace3,438.03,777-9.0%
232Rural Hall3,421.02,85319.9%
233Windsor3,417.03,3282.7%
234Enochville3,392.02,57931.5%
235Red Oak3,372.03,2952.3%
236Lake Park3,365.03,2433.8%
237Spencer3,305.03,2880.5%
238Elizabet3,294.03,636-9.4%
239Plymouth3,264.03,912-16.6%
240Burgaw3,249.03,831-15.2%
241Mineral Springs3,244.02,55327.1%
242Belville3,183.01,88468.9%
243Green Level3,179.02,02257.2%
244East Rockingham3,177.03,988-20.3%
245Bermuda Run3,166.01,66789.9%
246Nags Head3,164.02,78513.6%
247Louisburg3,128.03,328-6.0%
248Southern Shores3,119.02,65617.4%
249Norwood3,110.02,12246.6%
250Red Springs3,107.03,439-9.7%
251Wallburg3,104.03,0172.9%
252Mountain View3,068.03,489-12.1%
253Granite Quarry3,015.02,7878.2%
254Avery Creek2,998.02,26732.2%
255Yadkinville2,986.02,9451.4%
256Lake Royale2,959.02,49218.7%
257Troy2,905.03,219-9.8%
258Lake Junaluska2,903.02,7176.8%
259Fairfield Harbour2,898.02,7644.8%
260River Bend2,896.03,041-4.8%
261Bayshore2,870.04,230-32.2%
262Carthage2,840.01,402102.6%
263Pembroke2,823.02,931-3.7%
264Murfreesboro2,814.02,7701.6%
265Mar-Mac2,802.03,401-17.6%
266Jonesville2,782.02,39716.1%
267Polkton2,759.03,270-15.6%
268Mars Hill2,738.02,7260.4%
269Warsaw2,728.03,066-11.0%
270Brogden2,712.02,4908.9%
271Edneyville2,698.01,93039.8%
272Cajah's Mountain2,696.02,790-3.4%
273La Grange2,692.02,860-5.9%
274Rockwell2,688.01,71656.6%
275Wrightsville Beach2,679.02,5873.6%
276Liberty2,678.02,688-0.4%
277Wentworth2,670.02,788-4.2%
278Grifton2,661.02,5165.8%
279Wilson's Mills2,652.02,11425.4%
280Tobaccoville2,632.02,34612.2%
281St. Pauls2,628.02,05128.1%
282Sylva2,600.02,5711.1%
283Cape Carteret2,598.01,96832.0%
284Marshville2,586.02,3918.2%
285Haw River2,581.01,84839.7%
286Youngsville2,581.01,108132.9%
287Franklinton2,562.02,07023.8%
288Sneads Ferry2,556.02,12820.1%
289Valley Hill2,540.02,626-3.3%
290Fearrington Village2,535.02,3507.9%
291South Rosemary2,522.03,118-19.1%
292Cricket2,512.02,13117.9%
293Denver2,483.01,92329.1%
294Oakboro2,453.01,91228.3%
295Swepsonville2,452.01,209102.8%
296Mayodan2,446.02,506-2.4%
297Fruitland2,417.01,57553.5%
298Neuse Forest2,406.01,52158.2%
299Maxton2,398.03,162-24.2%
300Calabash2,397.01,86428.6%
301Laurel Park2,391.02,2944.2%
302Richlands2,387.01,49459.8%
303Taylorsville2,386.01,90225.4%
304Spruce Pine2,381.02,2525.7%
305Yanceyville2,376.02,516-5.6%
306Four Oaks2,372.01,86627.1%
307Kenly2,351.01,69738.5%
308Connelly Springs2,342.01,58947.4%
309Fairmont2,326.02,657-12.5%
310Kure Beach2,323.01,61743.7%
311Maggie Valley2,311.01,069116.2%
312Icard2,291.02,716-15.6%
313Biscoe2,259.02,493-9.4%
314Madison2,198.02,506-12.3%
315Bladenboro2,181.02,226-2.0%
316Badin2,163.01,77421.9%
317Navassa2,148.01,80918.7%
318Burnsville2,143.02,156-0.6%
319Mulberry2,134.02,152-0.8%
320Snow Hill2,102.01,90710.2%
321Scotland Neck2,087.02,317-9.9%
322Hemby Bridge2,079.01,57032.4%
323Pine Level2,072.01,53135.3%
324Ramseur2,061.01,67123.3%
325Claremont2,051.01,38548.1%
326Walnut Cove2,046.01,38347.9%
327Salem2,035.02,214-8.1%
328Coats2,029.02,118-4.2%
329Cedar Point2,005.01,26558.5%
330Glen Alpine1,995.01,58525.9%
331Andrews1,976.02,117-6.7%
332Enfield1,967.02,560-23.2%
333Broad Creek1,963.02,236-12.2%
334Sparta1,957.01,69415.5%
335Fairplains1,876.02,143-12.5%
336Mount Pleasant1,866.01,7278.0%
337Drexel1,862.01,907-2.4%
338Hildebran1,860.01,37835.0%
339Bent Creek1,854.01,42729.9%
340Manteo1,853.01,7177.9%
341Jefferson1,852.01,60315.5%
342Wanchese1,793.01,7522.3%
343Pumpkin Center1,753.01,907-8.1%
344Sea Breeze1,731.01,947-11.1%
345Foxfire1,730.0779122.1%
346Pinebluff1,723.01,51913.4%
347Tryon1,713.01,777-3.6%
348Atlantic Beach1,705.01,919-11.2%
349Hertford1,703.01,848-7.8%
350Horse Shoe1,699.02,800-39.3%
351Walnut Creek1,684.095077.3%
352Bryson City1,676.01,5428.7%
353Lake Waccamaw1,666.01,02362.9%
354Plain View1,647.01,895-13.1%
355Cherokee1,631.03,182-48.7%
356Sharpsburg1,629.02,156-24.4%
357Hoopers Creek1,623.01,08050.3%
358Vander1,614.099562.2%
359Stedman1,613.01,07749.8%
360Pilot Mountain1,584.01,690-6.3%
361West Jefferson1,567.01,4359.2%
362Stanfield1,554.01,573-1.2%
363Advance1,544.01,14834.5%
364Princeton1,543.01,30418.3%
365Biltmore Forest1,536.01,562-1.7%
366Cove Creek1,533.01,4823.4%
367Bethel1,528.01,15332.5%
368Weldon1,522.01,716-11.3%
369Clyde1,522.01,00152.0%
370Dobson1,521.01,867-18.5%
371Princeville1,502.02,455-38.8%
372Boonville1,502.01,571-4.4%
373Rose Hill1,501.01,3997.3%
374Saxapahaw1,501.01,12833.1%
375Lake Lure1,488.01,24020.0%
376Millers Creek1,469.01,595-7.9%
377Northlakes1,462.01,744-16.2%
378Buxton1,451.095851.5%
379Gorman1,447.0663118.3%
380Beulaville1,438.01,675-14.1%
381Star1,430.01,03038.8%
382Broadway1,429.01,17821.3%
383Belhaven1,421.01,937-26.6%
384Robbins1,398.01,11924.9%
385Pine Knoll Shores1,387.01,501-7.6%
386West Canton1,369.01,15618.4%
387Bonnetsville1,368.0556146.0%
388Alamance1,358.080967.9%
389Murphy1,356.02,181-37.8%
390Hays1,355.01,601-15.4%
391Chadbourn1,347.02,361-42.9%
392Cordova1,343.01,05727.1%
393Banner Elk1,338.093143.7%
394Spring Hope1,334.01,2536.5%
395Rutherford College1,327.01,18412.1%
396Pinetops1,323.01,2634.8%
397Robersonville1,319.01,547-14.7%
398Dortches1,317.078966.9%
399East Spencer1,309.01,717-23.8%
400Stony Point1,301.01,441-9.7%
401Southmont1,293.01,330-2.8%
402Candor1,284.086348.8%
403Bayboro1,282.01,405-8.8%
404Highlands1,276.098429.7%
405South Henderson1,274.01,339-4.9%
406Denton1,271.01,661-23.5%
407Foscoe1,257.081953.5%
408Stoneville1,213.01,03816.9%
409Elm City1,173.01,370-14.4%
410Columbus1,166.01,299-10.2%
411Mount Gilead1,166.01,834-36.4%
412Kenansville1,157.01,0826.9%
413Mcadenville1,139.0508124.2%
414Balfour1,132.01,0824.6%
415Franklinville1,129.01,168-3.3%
416Hayesville1,110.068163.0%
417Magnolia1,109.01,824-39.2%
418Lucama1,108.096115.3%
419Five Points1,096.084629.6%
420Vass1,092.060680.2%
421Faith1,090.090520.4%
422Chocowinity1,090.065366.9%
423Harkers Island1,080.01,093-1.2%
424Camden1,072.0534100.7%
425Ellerbe1,070.091417.1%
426Maury1,069.0499114.2%
427Toast1,066.01,771-39.8%
428Efland1,064.059180.0%
429Stem1,064.078835.0%
430Rhodhiss1,062.01,272-16.5%
431Cleveland1,053.064962.2%
432Norlina1,050.09995.1%
433Holden Beach1,047.076037.8%
434Rocky Point1,045.01,815-42.4%
435Barker Heights1,025.01,479-30.7%
436West Marion1,018.02,012-49.4%
437Moravian Falls1,015.01,633-37.8%
438Roseboro1,007.01,555-35.2%
439Middlesex1,005.075832.6%
440Jackson Heights1,002.09861.6%

USA Cities By State

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