Goldsboro city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Goldsboro city, North Carolina has a total population of 33,448, the 30th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $47,005, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Goldsboro city Quick Facts
How Goldsboro city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Goldsboro city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Goldsboro city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury city | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | 26.9% | 24.3% |
| New Bern city | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | 29.6% | 16.3% |
| Sanford city | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | 22.4% | 20.3% |
| Asheboro city | 27,353 | $48,628 | $162,800 | 20.1% | 20.2% |
| Statesville city | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | 27.0% | 16.4% |
Population Overview
Goldsboro city is a mid-sized community located in North Carolina. The total population is 33,448. It ranks as the 30th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Goldsboro city is 36.7 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Goldsboro city is $47,005. This is 33% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%. This is 58% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.4%. This is 53% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $173,700. Housing costs are 33% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 39.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 41% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Goldsboro city is Black or African American, making up 53.1% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 34.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (53.1% vs 20.3%).
Education
21.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% 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 88.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Goldsboro city, 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 Goldsboro city, North Carolina?
Goldsboro city, North Carolina has a population of 33,448 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Goldsboro city, NC?
The median household income in Goldsboro city is $47,005, which is 40% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Goldsboro city, NC?
The poverty rate in Goldsboro city is 20.8%. This means approximately 6,666 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Goldsboro city, North Carolina?
Goldsboro city's population is 34.3% White, 53.1% Black, 5.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Goldsboro city, NC?
The median home value in Goldsboro city is $173,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Goldsboro city, North Carolina?
21.4% of adults (25+) in Goldsboro city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.