Moving to North Carolina statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to North Carolina?

Approximately 339,255 people moved to North Carolina in 2023, while 232,663 moved out. This represents a positive net migration of 106,592 residents. The state saw an impressive influx of roughly 347 movers per day between 2022 and 2023, driven mostly by domestic migration.

Overall, the Tar Heel State attracted the third-highest number of movers in 2023, making it one of the most popular move-in destinations. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, it ranked as the No. 1 most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in North Carolina

North Carolina’s high quality of life allowed it to rank as the 24th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. A poor safety ranking is the primary issue holding it back, but access to professional job opportunities in major cities is still more of a draw than any supposed safety risk.

For example, a majority of those moving to the Tar Heel State are choosing either major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham or nearby suburbs. Charlotte attracted the most new residents, adding 36,682 (4.2% growth) between 2020 and 2023. However, two Raleigh suburbs — Fuquay-Varina and Apex — experienced the highest population growth, growing by 27.9% and 12.5%, respectively.

Overall, the top five cities in North Carolina people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to North Carolina?

While there’s no true “Goldilocks” state, North Carolina’s geographical, economic and political balance make it appealing for many movers. New residents can enjoy everything from mountain views to sunny beaches, all while being able to meet like-minded people.

The state’s diverse collection of cities and small towns also offer job opportunities for young professionals. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and professional and business services. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 49% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is education and health services, growing by 4.3% between July 2023 and July 2024.

North Carolina housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,727.45 and a median home sale price of $381,000, North Carolina renters and homeowners can expect to pay up to 9.4% less than the national median for housing.

North Carolina has the 19th lowest property tax rate in the country at 0.82%. The tax rate is half or less than that of seven states, including Nebraska. Other states with a similar property tax rate include Kentucky and Indiana.

Many North Carolina residents pay low property taxes compared to other states, but costs still vary greatly by county. In 2021, the average property owner in Orange County paid $3,784 in annual property taxes, while those in Bertie County paid as little as $701 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in North Carolina

North Carolina’s cost-of-living index is 96.1, landing it perfectly in the middle of all 50 states. Similarly, the cost of gas is equivalent to the national average, at $3.28 per gallon on average. This is the case despite a lack of oil and gas production compared to Southern states on the Gulf Coast. In fact, North Carolina is also one of the more eco-friendly states to live in, ranking as the 14th most green state in the country.

Though North Carolina only has a moderate cost-of-living index, the state’s median household income of $66,986 can pose challenges. The typical household here earns nearly 11% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is also lower (3.6%) than the national average (4.2%).

Overall, North Carolina offers middle-of-the-road costs with a slightly below-average median household income. Would-be residents should carefully evaluate job opportunities before making the move.

Who lives in North Carolina?

An estimated 10,835,491 people live in North Carolina as of 2023, making it the 9th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 139,526 people compared to 2022, mostly due to domestic migration.

North Carolina’s population skews female, with women accounting for 51.1% and men accounting for 48.9% of residents. In 2023, approximately 5.5 million North Carolina residents were female, and 5.3 million were male.

On average, North Carolina’s population is also slightly older (39.3 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 26.2% of the population, or 2.84 million people.

White residents account for the largest share of North Carolinians, representing 69.8% of the population (7.56 million people). The state also has a large Black population compared to other states, representing 22.1% of residents (about 1.39 million people). This is followed by Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 11.4% and 3.7% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to North Carolina

Not sure how to start your move to North Carolina? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

North Carolina’s cost-of-living index falls perfectly in the middle of all fifty states, meaning it's neither particularly expensive nor affordable. However, costs can still vary greatly depending on where you choose to live. Urban hubs like Charlotte and Raleigh tend to be more expensive, while rural regions offer low property taxes and affordable housing. Before making the move, we recommend using resources like NC.gov to examine local cost trends.

2. Learn about the job market

From agriculture and manufacturing in rural areas to technology and health care in major cities, North Carolina’s job market offers something for everyone. Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known as “The Research Triangle,” making them a premier destination for tech and biotech jobs. Though, whether you work in tech or not, you can explore relevant, local opportunities on job boards at NCWorks.gov.

3. Prepare for diverse climates

North Carolina’s geographical location creates a diverse climate where hot, humid summers are just as likely as cold, snowy winters. The coastal and Eastern parts of the state are generally more humid and experience less snow but have a higher risk of hurricanes, while the Western Appalachian region sees cooler temperatures. Check out the National Weather Service website to stay updated on the latest local weather conditions.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

As shown by the 2024 disaster in Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina is prone to hurricanes and floods. These storms can be particularly dangerous in mountainous regions, where excess rain and wind can trigger landslides and flash flooding. Hurricane season generally runs from June through November, so it’s important to stay prepared through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website.

5. Understand transportation options

While North Carolina’s major hubs offer some public transportation options, including buses and occasionally light-rail, most residents rely on personal vehicles. Major highways along the Eastern portion of the state make commuting easy, but rural, mountainous areas may have limited transit access. If you do plan on moving to a metro area, consider local transit systems like GoTriangle in Raleigh or CATS in Charlotte.

6. Embrace the high quality of life

Whether you’re hiking scenic trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains or enjoying world-class barbecue on the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers a rich history, culture and outdoor activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore what allowed this state to rank so highly for quality of life. Check out Visit NC for tips and ideas.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to North Carolina, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.