Canton town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Canton town, North Carolina has a total population of 4,417, the 193rd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $64,034, which is 8% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%.
Canton town Quick Facts
How Canton town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Canton town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Canton town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsboro town | 4,640 | $64,792 | $342,800 | 42.6% | 10.4% |
| Lillington town | 4,683 | $63,393 | $219,600 | 21.0% | 6.3% |
| Wingate town | 4,169 | $65,208 | $217,700 | 32.5% | 17.7% |
| Benson town | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | 20.8% | 32.9% |
| Valdese town | 4,689 | $61,250 | $171,300 | 37.9% | 8.8% |
Population Overview
Canton town is a small community located in North Carolina. The total population is 4,417. It ranks as the 193rd most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Canton town is 36.3 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Canton town is $64,034. This is 8% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 1.2%. This is 76% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $226,400. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Canton town has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (91.8% vs 60.7%). The Black or African American population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.5%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.
Education
15.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Canton town, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Canton town, North Carolina?
Canton town, North Carolina has a population of 4,417 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Canton town, NC?
The median household income in Canton town is $64,034, which is 18% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Canton town, NC?
The poverty rate in Canton town is 11.8%. This means approximately 511 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Canton town, North Carolina?
Canton town's population is 91.8% White, 1.4% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Canton town, NC?
The median home value in Canton town is $226,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Canton town, North Carolina?
15.0% of adults (25+) in Canton town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.