North Carolina Cities by Population 2026

City
Rank
2026 Pop. ↓
2025 Pop.
Annual Change
Density (/mi²)
Area (mi²)
Type
Charlotte1982,070964,7841.79%3,147312 City
Raleigh2514,482506,3061.61%3,379152 City
Greensboro3311,293308,6670.85%2,310135 City
Durham4310,342305,5611.56%2,587120 City
Winston-Salem5258,880257,2710.63%1,938134 City
Fayetteville6208,675209,120-0.21%1,407148 City
Cary7185,432183,5821.01%3,03561 Town
Wilmington8129,181126,8091.87%2,51351 City
High Point9121,475120,5710.75%2,11357 City
Concord10116,559114,5981.71%1,79865 City
Greenville1197,52096,4431.12%2,54438 City
Asheville1293,71693,5230.21%2,06145 City
Gastonia1388,39287,0671.52%1,61255 City
Apex1483,04780,4193.27%3,05227 Town
Jacksonville1572,60672,732-0.17%1,45550 City
Huntersville1669,89268,5351.98%1,66142 Town
Chapel Hill1765,14963,5652.49%3,00822 Town
Kannapolis1863,05361,7082.18%1,79635 City
Burlington1962,48661,4961.61%1,99931 City
Wake Forest2059,86958,1472.96%3,00120 Town
Mooresville2157,07855,8422.21%2,07128 Town
Rocky Mount2255,19755,1200.14%1,22045 City
Holly Springs2352,02250,2883.45%2,63320 Town
Fuquay2451,44948,5366%2,59620 Town
Wilson2549,67449,5720.21%1,56432 City
Hickory2646,35345,9750.82%1,39633 City
Indian Trail2745,20144,3032.03%1,98323 Town
Monroe2844,00742,6443.2%1,33733 City
Garner2943,51541,5624.7%2,10121 Town
Leland3038,03235,7316.44%1,34028 Town
Salisbury3137,23936,8790.98%1,60423 City
Cornelius3235,79635,0942%2,82413 Town
New Bern3335,44034,7242.06%1,22529 City
Goldsboro3435,12335,0120.32%1,21529 City
Sanford3534,86134,1382.12%1,05133 City
Clayton3633,87132,6333.79%1,96617 Town
Matthews3733,40632,7691.94%1,95217 Town
Morrisville3833,07532,4661.88%3,6079 Town
Statesville3932,80932,1811.95%1,08030 City
Mint Hill4030,05429,4761.96%1,22225 Town
Kernersville4129,65829,1281.82%1,54519 Town
Asheboro4228,18627,9900.7%1,24423 City
Thomasville4327,87527,7330.51%1,65217 City
Waxhaw4423,74623,1402.62%1,83713 Town
Knightdale4523,71923,1442.48%2,33010 Town
Shelby4623,53123,3090.95%1,05322 City
Clemmons4723,11322,8081.34%1,92912 Village
Mebane4822,55921,9522.77%1,84912 City
Wendell4921,38419,6878.62%2,20610 Town
Harrisburg5021,10620,7421.75%1,68213 Town
Carrboro5120,88120,962-0.39%3,2256 Town
Graham5220,66920,1312.67%1,87111 City
Lexington5320,34020,2380.5%1,05819 City
Boone5420,05219,9290.62%3,1416 Town
Elizabeth City5519,77819,6220.8%1,69012 City
Kinston5619,66419,705-0.21%1,07618 City
Mount Holly5719,28719,0331.33%1,71211 City
Lumberton5818,96718,9550.06%1,04518 City
Pinehurst5918,87218,6701.08%1,12917 Village
Hope Mills6018,37918,3240.3%2,0339 Town
Lenoir6118,36618,372-0.03%88221 City
Stallings6218,11717,7602.01%2,1628 Town
Albemarle6318,02717,7691.45%99118 City
Murraysville6418,02117,7831.34%2,0929 CDP
Morganton6517,93117,8490.46%93319 City
Southern Pines6617,68717,3571.9%96318 Town
Havelock6717,31717,430-0.65%1,01417 City
Anderson Creek6817,25716,1786.67%85320 CDP
Davidson6917,02316,6622.17%2,6236 Town
Belmont7016,67216,4151.57%1,36712 City
Hendersonville7115,99515,8670.81%1,9998 City
Eden7215,51315,5000.08%1,09114 City
Henderson7314,98615,013-0.18%1,7389 City
Weddington7414,80714,5172%84518 Town
Reidsville7514,72014,6920.19%96715 City
Lewisville7614,61514,4211.35%1,00715 Town
Laurinburg7714,54014,582-0.29%1,15913 City
Piney Green7814,41514,3450.49%1,07913 CDP
Roanoke Rapids7914,23314,386-1.06%1,43610 City
Newton8013,93513,8220.82%1,01014 City
Lake Norman of Iredell8113,66913,2782.94%1,35310 CDP
Spout Springs8213,62812,7776.66%1,31610 CDP
Smithfield8313,47013,1142.71%1,06013 Town
Rolesville8413,36812,8394.12%1,8967 Town
Myrtle Grove8513,21812,9472.09%1,9717 CDP
Zebulon8612,79211,9337.2%1,9257 Town
Lincolnton8712,76912,4652.44%1,4489 City
Archdale8812,32612,2540.59%1,3959 City
Kings Mountain8912,27912,1171.34%82515 City
Pineville9012,08911,8512.01%1,8207 Town
Lake Norman of Catawba9111,45610,7406.67%47524 CDP
Elon9211,45211,3660.76%2,7444 Town
Summerfield9311,40611,3270.7%43226 Town
Spring Lake9411,16611,252-0.76%47324 Town
Waynesville9511,13111,0061.14%1,2469 Town
Winterville9611,06810,9730.87%2,2445 Town
Tarboro9711,04810,9790.63%98011 Town
Mount Airy9810,68510,6820.03%91212 City
Morehead City9910,52910,4340.91%1,4217 Town
Aberdeen10010,30710,0662.39%94411 Town
Hampstead10110,2939,9053.92%50920 CDP
Angier10210,0589,4106.89%2,1895 Town
Gibsonville10310,0249,8761.5%2,2964 Town
Washington1049,8889,910-0.22%1,2558 City
Hillsborough1059,7999,7780.21%1,7076 Town
Wesley Chapel1069,7599,5662.02%1,00410 Village
Oak Island1079,5689,3372.47%51319 Town
St. Stephens1089,5599,5090.53%1,0509 CDP
Kings Grant1099,2809,2070.79%2,0445 CDP
Oxford1109,0468,9850.68%1,3637 City
Conover1119,0228,9380.94%76812 City
Dunn1128,9028,8141%1,2587 City
Ogden1138,7328,6091.43%1,9295 CDP
Rockingham1148,7308,815-0.96%1,1428 City
Black Mountain1158,5238,4910.38%1,2637 Town
Clinton1168,4828,4660.19%1,1038 City
Fletcher1178,4538,3730.96%1,3356 Town
Roxboro1188,4238,3800.51%1,0718 City
Woodfin1198,2908,2290.74%87010 Town
Siler City1208,2378,1551.01%1,2217 Town
Brevard1218,1698,0980.88%1,5215 City
Butner1228,1538,1120.51%59114 Town
King1238,1147,9771.72%1,2846 City
Etowah1247,9547,8910.8%45018 CDP
Oak Ridge1257,9517,8960.7%47517 Town
Kill Devil Hills1267,7547,7310.3%1,3836 Town
Half Moon1277,6487,692-0.57%1,0317 CDP
Selma1287,6217,4062.9%1,4095 Town
Mills River1297,5767,5040.96%33922 Town
Cullowhee1307,5477,4651.1%1,9824 CDP
St. James1317,5077,3182.58%8249 Town
Briar Chapel1327,4887,0206.67%3,5832 CDP
Unionville1337,4717,3222.03%25529 Town
Forest City1347,4197,4100.12%8669 Town
Marion1357,4027,440-0.51%1,0807 City
Trinity1367,3217,2740.65%43417 City
Porters Neck1377,3097,2400.95%1,3515 CDP
Barbecue1387,3026,8466.66%1,2886 CDP
Marvin1397,1827,0402.02%1,1986 Village
Boiling Spring Lakes1407,0756,8752.91%29924 City
Carolina Beach1416,9456,8701.09%2,8322 Town
East Flat Rock1426,8086,6951.69%1,6184 CDP
Cherryville1436,6066,5231.27%1,1386 City
Dallas1446,4806,3921.38%2,1093 Town
Locust1456,4096,1204.72%7409 City
Silver Lake1466,3916,3410.79%2,5922 CDP
Swannanoa1476,3826,2691.8%1,0016 CDP
Northchase1486,3716,2072.64%3,7042 CDP
Mocksville1496,3626,2821.27%8058 Town
Holly Ridge1506,2895,9086.45%1,4304 Town
Walkertown1516,2026,1201.34%9267 Town
Stokesdale1526,1776,1330.72%32519 Town
Moyock1536,1105,9632.47%58610 CDP
Nashville1545,9645,9110.9%1,2705 Town
Bessemer City1555,9105,8341.3%1,0476 City
Hamlet1565,8375,870-0.56%1,1085 City
Archer Lodge1575,8195,6493.01%6429 Town
Cramerton1585,7885,7131.31%1,2465 Town
Carolina Shores1595,7605,5403.97%2,0063 Town
Whispering Pines1605,6075,5051.85%1,4794 Village
Shallotte1615,5855,3354.69%56210 Town
Wrightsboro1625,5585,5170.74%49911 CDP
Long View1635,4365,3870.91%1,3514 Town
Surf City1645,4085,1425.17%7048 Town
Westport1655,3225,2411.55%1,4504 CDP
Ayden1665,2965,2630.63%1,3894 Town
Midland1675,2405,1511.73%39313 Town
Pleasant Garden1685,2015,1650.7%34615 Town
Midway1695,1775,1041.43%6648 Town
Pittsboro1705,1585,0542.06%5799 Town
Sawmills1715,1155,1050.2%7747 Town
Creedmoor1725,0835,0460.73%9345 City
Lillington1735,0665,0400.52%6248 Town
Williamston1745,0525,086-0.67%1,1205 Town
Erwin1755,0454,9561.8%1,1994 Town
Wadesboro1765,0265,035-0.18%7627 Town
Beaufort1775,0184,9122.16%9865 Town
Granite Falls1784,9654,9640.02%1,0065 Town
Ranlo1794,9134,8481.34%2,3852 Town
Weaverville1804,8384,7901%1,1704 Town
Boiling Springs1814,8164,7990.35%1,0754 Town
Seven Lakes1824,8084,813-0.1%5738 CDP
Benson1834,7954,6602.9%1,5173 Town
Randleman1844,7944,7670.57%1,0245 City
Whiteville1854,7624,765-0.06%8576 City
Sunset Beach1864,7304,6421.9%7346 Town
Raeford1874,7194,7030.34%1,1024 City
Valdese1884,7194,7120.15%6008 Town
Wingate1894,7024,6281.6%1,7933 Town
China Grove1904,6944,6500.95%1,0385 Town
James City1914,6194,699-1.7%5998 CDP
Farmville1924,6024,5770.55%1,4373 Town
Royal Pines1934,5874,5670.44%1,6903 CDP
Edenton1944,5634,5460.37%8495 Town
Ahoskie1954,5524,608-1.22%1,0344 Town
Mount Olive1964,5434,5210.49%1,6593 Town
Newport1974,5414,5000.91%5918 Town
Southport1984,5204,4341.94%1,1294 City
Franklin1994,4504,4031.07%9005 Town
Canton2004,4274,4180.2%1,5403 Town
Troutman2014,4274,3362.1%5019 Town
North Wilkesboro2024,3614,369-0.18%6587 Town
Stanley2034,2904,2371.25%1,4043 Town
Swansboro2044,2734,1742.37%1,9122 Town
Spindale2054,2014,1800.5%7775 Town
Forest Oaks2064,1424,1270.36%8635 CDP
Elkin2074,1314,1300.02%6077 Town
Skippers Corner2084,0763,9952.03%5827 CDP
Trent Woods2094,0644,070-0.15%1,3673 Town
Emerald Isle2104,0053,9700.88%8145 Town
Lowell2113,9943,9391.4%1,0874 City
Maiden2123,9633,9221.05%5967 Town
Dana2133,9383,9000.97%4429 CDP
Burgaw2143,9333,9030.77%8305 Town
Rockfish2153,9243,8851%7925 CDP
Landis2163,9213,8850.93%1,1533 Town
Lowesville2173,9203,8591.58%5777 CDP
Glen Raven2183,9003,8281.88%1,1783 CDP
Fairview2193,8803,8051.97%12930 Town
Tabor City2203,8703,886-0.41%1,1513 Town
Bethlehem2213,8623,884-0.57%5068 CDP
Jamestown2223,8283,8030.66%1,2773 Town
Hudson2233,7853,786-0.03%1,0354 Town
Buies Creek2243,7683,7161.4%1,2463 CDP
Eastover2253,7583,7430.4%33211 Town
Rutherfordton2263,7363,7230.35%9024 Town
Gamewell2273,7153,7130.05%4588 Town
Brices Creek2283,7123,6721.09%4738 CDP
Lake Park2293,6803,6091.97%5,0071 Village
Flat Rock2303,6743,6430.85%4548 Village
Kitty Hawk2313,6673,670-0.08%4528 Town
Rural Hall2323,6533,6071.28%1,2813 Town
Wilkesboro2333,6123,618-0.17%5487 Town
Wallace2343,6093,5701.09%1,1303 Town
Mineral Springs2353,5853,5142.02%4248 Town
Tyro2363,5793,597-0.5%27913 CDP
Red Oak2373,5563,5230.94%18220 Town
Louisburg2383,5543,4802.13%1,1403 Town
Welcome2393,5313,570-1.09%3799 CDP
Enochville2403,5003,4641.04%9134 CDP
Mountain Home2413,4943,502-0.23%9274 CDP
Windsor2423,4843,4690.43%1,2383 Town
Spencer2433,4783,4500.81%1,0023 Town
Green Level2443,4623,4091.55%2,3062 Town
Elroy2453,4233,451-0.81%5247 CDP
Belville2463,4153,1996.75%2,0042 Town
Emma2473,3933,1816.66%3,1211 CDP
Bermuda Run2483,3643,3231.23%1,3482 Town
River Road2493,3163,383-1.98%4687 CDP
Elizabethtown2503,3073,3060.03%6215 Town
Calabash2513,3053,0697.69%4537 Town
Wallburg2523,3023,2551.44%5916 Town
Red Springs2533,2483,2161%9284 Town
Avery Creek2543,2403,1592.56%1,8712 CDP
Granite Quarry2553,1573,1290.89%1,0343 Town
Plymouth2563,1383,170-1.01%7794 Town
Carthage2573,1283,0701.89%4657 Town
Southern Shores2583,1163,1100.19%7904 Town
Nags Head2593,1063,117-0.35%4697 Town
Four Oaks2603,0822,9783.49%9953 Town
Wilson's Mills2613,0762,9872.98%4657 Town
Yadkinville2623,0693,0550.46%1,0473 Town
Troy2633,0653,0201.49%8374 Town
Lake Royale2643,0643,0291.16%4717 CDP
East Rockingham2653,0483,091-1.39%8913 CDP
La Grange2663,0322,9472.88%1,3172 Town
Grandy2673,0072,8196.67%4447 CDP
Franklinton2682,9772,8903.01%1,6282 Town
Mountain View2692,9562,994-1.27%6345 CDP
Lake Junaluska2702,9422,9290.44%5565 CDP
Pembroke2712,9052,8880.59%9143 Town
Fairfield Harbour2722,8862,890-0.14%1,0033 CDP
River Bend2732,8852,890-0.17%1,1483 Town
Warsaw2742,8792,8530.91%8953 Town
Dudley2752,8552,6776.65%1,0343 CDP
Tobaccoville2762,8082,7701.37%3678 Village
Wentworth2772,7982,7740.87%19714 Town
Marshville2782,7842,7391.64%1,3122 Town
Edneyville2792,7742,7490.91%25811 CDP
Liberty2802,7552,7390.58%8803 Town
Bayshore2812,7492,790-1.47%1,1672 CDP
Brogden2822,7302,7240.22%1,2322 CDP
Sylva2832,7172,6910.97%8573 Town
Cajah's Mountain2842,7002,702-0.07%7973 Town
Swepsonville2852,6692,6321.41%1,8591 Town
Cricket2862,6642,6131.95%7534 CDP
Valley Hill2872,6482,6121.38%1,1412 CDP
Governors Village2882,6442,4786.7%5,9420 CDP
Mar-Mac2892,6142,677-2.35%5755 CDP
Norwood2902,6072,5681.52%5625 Town
Fearrington Village2912,5802,5650.58%1,4452 CDP
Grifton2922,5562,5390.67%9533 Town
Youngsville2932,5372,4613.09%9823 Town
Sneads Ferry2942,5352,542-0.28%6674 CDP
Denver2952,5232,5100.52%4266 CDP
Richlands2962,5232,4851.53%1,2452 Town
Mayodan2972,5202,5030.68%8763 Town
Fruitland2982,5062,4761.21%3118 CDP
Neuse Forest2992,4992,4681.26%7913 CDP
Pine Level3002,4742,4052.87%9623 Town
Haw River3012,4602,4251.44%7943 Town
South Rosemary3022,4502,474-0.97%4006 CDP
Rockwell3032,4392,4170.91%1,3202 Town
Coats3042,4142,3701.86%1,5632 Town
Laurel Park3052,3832,3600.97%8463 Town
Wrightsville Beach3062,3832,397-0.58%1,7081 Town
Jonesville3072,3682,3560.51%8213 Town
Oakboro3082,3532,3161.6%9293 Town
Taylorsville3092,3392,3330.26%9762 Town
Mars Hill3102,3382,2802.54%1,1122 Town
Cape Carteret3112,2872,2730.62%9063 Town
Fairview3122,2462,273-1.19%3616 CDP
Fairmont3132,2412,2310.45%8123 Town
Spruce Pine3142,2192,2110.36%5474 Town
Icard3152,2052,234-1.3%5764 CDP
Madison3162,2022,1900.55%6224 Town
Governors Club3172,1812,0456.65%9262 CDP
Maxton3182,1602,1490.51%8013 Town
Murfreesboro3192,1542,242-3.93%9492 Town
Kure Beach3202,1372,145-0.37%2,4281 Town
St. Pauls3212,1222,1090.62%1,3032 Town
Mulberry3222,0882,104-0.76%4105 CDP
Hertford3232,0282,0110.85%7093 Town
Salem3241,9932,007-0.7%4644 CDP
Navassa3251,9871,8895.19%14913 Town
Bent Creek3261,9851,9412.27%8982 CDP
Nebo3271,9791,8556.68%3745 CDP
Sparta3281,9371,9180.99%8252 Town
Biscoe3291,8971,8870.53%6523 Town
Badin3301,8841,915-1.62%1,0392 Town
Broad Creek3311,8771,906-1.52%6043 CDP
Murphy3321,8521,8082.43%7203 Town
Mount Pleasant3331,8451,8161.6%5094 Town
Yanceyville3341,8451,850-0.27%2737 Town
Cedar Point3351,8381,8250.71%8232 Town
Wanchese3361,8281,8160.66%3925 CDP
Andrews3371,8231,7991.33%1,1082 Town
Fairplains3381,8201,838-0.98%4334 CDP
Ramseur3391,8121,8060.33%9062 Town
Sharpsburg3401,8121,7980.78%1,7891 Town
Claremont3411,8051,7900.84%6323 City
Hemby Bridge3421,7981,7641.93%7852 Town
Stanfield3431,7731,7441.66%3974 Town
Drexel3441,7691,7640.28%1,2801 Town
Kenly3451,7681,7222.67%9412 Town
Enfield3461,7611,777-0.9%1,3541 Town
Hoopers Creek3471,7541,7102.57%2537 CDP
Maggie Valley3481,7521,7480.23%5063 Town
Cherry Branch3491,7301,6226.66%1,5071 CDP
Brandywine Bay3501,7281,6206.67%2,1571 CDP
Vander3511,7221,6862.14%4644 CDP
Hildebran3521,6931,6910.12%5993 Town
Jefferson3531,6911,6800.65%8002 Town
Sea Breeze3541,6761,694-1.06%8992 CDP
East Spencer3551,6641,6500.85%6792 Town
Burnsville3561,6631,6550.48%1,0392 Town
Bladenboro3571,6581,6560.12%7492 Town
Tryon3581,6511,6341.04%8272 Town
Pumpkin Center3591,6451,681-2.14%1,2981 CDP
Advance3601,6381,6061.99%2297 CDP
Denton3611,6321,6101.37%7762 Town
Cove Creek3621,6171,5891.76%1899 CDP
Walnut Cove3631,6111,6090.12%6393 Town
Princeton3641,5901,5442.98%1,2331 Town
Pinebluff3651,5881,5711.08%6073 Town
Snow Hill3661,5861,588-0.13%1,0312 Town
Manteo3671,5841,585-0.06%8442 Town
Bonnetsville3681,5811,5104.7%4783 CDP
Plain View3691,5751,599-1.5%9517 CDP
Scotland Neck3701,5741,586-0.76%1,3251 Town
Arrowhead Beach3711,5721,4736.72%2,5691 CDP
Connelly Springs3721,5561,5500.39%3125 Town
Glen Alpine3731,5531,5520.06%7232 Town
Horse Shoe3741,5491,599-3.13%2087 CDP
Gorman3751,5481,5142.25%5463 CDP
Polkton3761,5411,722-10.51%5053 Town
Chadbourn3771,5351,539-0.26%5903 Town
Bryson City3781,5211,525-0.26%6962 Town
Cherokee3791,5141,553-2.51%12512 CDP
Buxton3801,4921,4780.95%1908 CDP
Biltmore Forest3811,4841,4691.02%5103 Town
New Hope3821,4771,3856.64%5833 CDP
Dobson3831,4761,4740.14%7262 Town
Saxapahaw3841,4671,478-0.74%2835 CDP
Foxfire3851,4521,4261.82%2057 Village
Northlakes3861,4451,451-0.41%9681 CDP
Rose Hill3871,4421,4290.91%9981 Town
Pilot Mountain3881,4371,4370%7062 Town
Pine Knoll Shores3891,4351,4230.84%6502 Town
Bethel3901,4311,4220.63%1,3601 Town
Atlantic Beach3911,4181,4080.71%5952 Town
Belhaven3921,4141,4140%8892 Town
Broadway3931,4021,3801.59%1,0831 Town
West Canton3941,3971,3880.65%1,0391 CDP
Lake Lure3951,3961,3910.36%10613 Town
Spring Hope3961,3961,3830.94%9232 Town
Springdale3971,3781,2926.66%1,9441 CDP
Stoneville3981,3751,3640.81%9621 Town
Weldon3991,3611,374-0.95%4673 Town
Clyde4001,3581,3550.22%1,5701 Town
West Jefferson4011,3541,3480.45%6292 Town
Robbins4021,3301,3051.92%8352 Town
Millers Creek4031,3211,370-3.58%2954 CDP
Stedman4041,3181,3120.46%7812 Town
Blowing Rock4051,3121,324-0.91%4053 Town
Stony Point4061,2971,299-0.15%4353 CDP
Princeville4071,2881,2860.16%8552 Town
South Henderson4081,2881,2830.39%7152 CDP
Cypress Landing4091,2761,1976.6%5422 CDP
Banner Elk4101,2721,2422.42%6632 Town
Franklinville4111,2671,2560.88%7502 Town
Elm City4121,2531,2500.24%5832 Town
Southmont4131,2521,266-1.11%2755 CDP
Fremont4141,2441,2370.57%9171 Town
Bayboro4151,2431,2420.08%6692 Town
Cordova4161,2431,277-2.66%5832 CDP
Hays4171,2411,279-2.97%2026 CDP
Foscoe4181,2311,240-0.73%2136 CDP
Robersonville4191,2281,237-0.73%1,0131 Town
Lake Waccamaw4201,2261,239-1.05%4373 Town
Rutherford College4211,2211,2200.08%5322 Town
Boonville4221,2091,2030.5%1,0081 Town
Roseboro4231,1971,1890.67%8271 Town
Pinetops4241,1961,198-0.17%1,1661 Town
Five Points4251,1901,1592.67%1448 CDP
Mount Gilead4261,1901,1870.25%3413 Town
Beulaville4271,1891,1761.11%7702 Town
Camden4281,1811,1453.14%7482 CDP
Northwest4291,1811,0967.76%1747 City
Efland4301,1401,1152.24%6402 CDP
Highlands4311,1381,1270.98%1826 Town
Walnut Creek4321,1261,1190.63%5302 Village
Balfour4331,1191,124-0.44%6902 CDP
North Topsail Beach4341,1141,0971.55%1796 Town
Dortches4351,1131,1030.91%1388 Town
Vass4361,0831,0621.98%3223 Town
Alamance4371,0751,0611.32%1,3521 Village
Lucama4381,0571,0520.48%1,7381 Town
Columbus4391,0531,0421.06%2804 Town
Harkers Island4401,0511,060-0.85%4692 CDP
Flat Rock4411,0451,077-2.97%4013 CDP
Stem4421,0301,0230.68%8311 Town
Montreat4431,0251,0240.1%3763 Town
Woodlawn4441,0181,0110.69%3093 CDP
Cooleemee4451,0141,0021.2%1,3481 Town
Manns Harbor4461,0079951.21%2524 CDP
Rhodhiss4479989960.2%8401 Town
Middlesex4489859751.03%9431 Town
Barker Ten Mile4499829800.2%4312 CDP
Cashiers4509799285.5%2394 CDP
Toast4519771,007-2.98%6472 CDP
McAdenville4529739601.35%7181 Town
Barker Heights453972990-1.82%9871 CDP
Jackson Heights454970981-1.12%6681 CDP
Ocean Isle Beach4559659402.66%2843 Town
Hollister4569489311.83%2414 CDP
Gaston457946959-1.36%5592 Town
West Marion458942967-2.59%6351 CDP
Brunswick4599329211.19%1,3311 Town
Norlina4609309240.65%9431 Town
Maury461927974-4.83%8801 CDP
Castle Hayne462926944-1.91%1945 CDP
Holden Beach4639179160.11%3123 Town
Rocky Point464916959-4.48%1337 CDP
Moncure4659159031.33%1935 CDP
Oriental4669159090.66%6401 Town
Rowland4679119060.55%8661 Town
Cleveland4689109020.89%5932 Town
Magnolia4698848751.03%8281 Town
Belwood4708798760.34%7112 Town
Vanceboro471876877-0.11%5112 Town
Bunnlevel4728658452.37%1148 CDP
Red Cross4738608451.78%2274 Town
Maysville4748598530.7%1,0041 Town
Germanton4758578550.23%4892 CDP
Rougemont476854861-0.81%1356 CDP
Faith4778528450.83%8131 Town
White Lake4788528500.24%8321 Town
Garysburg479847860-1.51%8981 Town
Ellerbe480843845-0.24%6411 Town
Pleasant Hill481842845-0.36%3263 CDP
Laurel Hill482838864-3.01%3502 CDP
Faison4838318240.85%9601 Town
White Plains484830846-1.89%2074 CDP
Candor4858268230.36%4082 Town
Star4868268240.24%6391 Town
Kenansville4878248141.23%3892 Town
Rich Square488822835-1.56%2663 Town
Warrenton4898228190.37%8081 Town
Prospect490820830-1.2%2094 CDP
Grover4918128100.25%8491 Town
Marshall4928118021.12%2044 Town
Moravian Falls493811879-7.74%1585 CDP
Peletier4948108030.87%2244 Town
JAARS4958097951.76%9421 CDP
Old Fort4968017970.5%6561 Town
Alexis4977827336.68%3962 CDP
Stantonsburg4987817780.39%1,2481 Town
Alliance4997697640.65%3692 Town
Rosman5007697601.18%1,4081 Town
Silver City501768775-0.9%5141 CDP
Chocowinity502750751-0.13%7521 Town
Fair Bluff5037457371.09%3162 Town
Pikeville5047447380.81%9851 Town
Kelly5057437311.64%6412 CDP
Catawba5067427360.82%1605 Town
Ellenboro5077417380.41%5861 Town
Duck508735736-0.14%3042 Town
Grantsboro5097347280.82%1904 Town
Newland5107327280.55%9791 Town
Iron Station511714717-0.42%3022 CDP
Taylortown5127147011.85%5301 Town
Ingold5137126972.15%1375 CDP
Black Creek5147117080.42%1,0041 Town
Bogue5157107060.57%2593 Town
Frisco5167086774.58%1465 CDP
Aulander517705715-1.4%4771 Town
Hightsville518700702-0.28%4801 CDP
Conway519696707-1.56%3822 Town
Sedalia5206956910.58%3482 Town
Bell Arthur5216916772.07%3712 CDP
Dobbins Heights522684685-0.15%7751 Town
South Weldon523684685-0.15%1,5720 CDP
Saluda5246806711.34%4372 City
Spivey's Corner5256786681.5%878 CDP
McLeansville526675697-3.16%1106 CDP
Deep Run5276746326.65%2373 CDP
New London5286746641.51%3412 Town
Kingstown5296706680.3%3812 Town
Carolina Meadows5306606186.8%1,6750 CDP
Beech Mountain531657659-0.3%1016 Town
Misenheimer532657665-1.2%4072 Village
Wade5336566530.46%3762 Town
Ocracoke534654672-2.68%769 CDP
East Bend5356496460.46%4961 Town
Whitakers5366496460.46%7811 Town
High Shoals5376456371.26%2483 City
Richfield5386406301.59%2642 Town
Fallston5396386350.47%2952 Town
Cliffside5406346330.16%2722 CDP
Garland5416336280.8%5881 Town
Harmony5426326192.1%4661 Town
Altamahaw5436196022.82%4561 CDP
Wagram5446136130%4211 Town
Columbia545612613-0.16%4981 Town
Greenevers5466106031.16%3842 Town
Whitsett5476096060.5%2363 Town
Clarkton548603604-0.17%4841 Town
Newton Grove5496036000.5%1963 Town
Bailey5505985930.84%8521 Town
Patterson Springs5515935900.51%5781 Town
Mamers552592607-2.47%986 CDP
Ossipee5535855771.39%9641 Town
Winton554584592-1.35%6941 Town
Winfall5555815751.04%2522 Town
Lawndale5565805780.35%7191 Town
Cape Colony5575785426.64%5721 CDP
Robbinsville558576579-0.52%8671 Town
Potters Hill5595635580.9%1055 CDP
Elk Park5605555520.54%8031 Town
Hot Springs5615545481.09%1933 Town
Micro5625535372.98%1,0361 Town
Minnesott Beach5635475440.55%1583 Town
Atlantic5645415410%5881 CDP
Linville5655385046.75%3012 CDP
Ruffin5665325212.11%1175 CDP
Barnardsville5675304976.64%1504 CDP
Littleton568530535-0.93%5571 Town
Riegelwood569530533-0.56%1723 CDP
Varnamtown5705255250%5951 Town
Parkton5715175140.58%6631 Town
Polkville5725175160.19%2782 City
Topsail Beach5735115031.59%1164 Town
Woodland574511520-1.73%4081 Town
Gloucester575509510-0.2%3541 CDP
Teachey5765055001%4791 Town
Chowan Beach5775014706.6%3,1710 CDP
Seaboard578495504-1.79%5141 Town
Gold Hill5794944636.7%1992 CDP
Scotch Meadows580489495-1.21%1,4340 CDP
Hayesville5814764701.28%7481 Town
Salemburg5824734700.64%4491 Town
Lattimore5834724680.85%4601 Town
Bakersville5844704680.43%6181 Town
Roper585468471-0.64%5471 Town
Ansonville5864624610.22%3141 Town
Brookford5874594560.66%7541 Town
Pink Hill5884594590%9890 Town
Gibson5894564550.22%4671 Town
Aurora590453454-0.22%4881 Town
Sandyfield5914524500.44%1473 Town
Ronda5924484470.22%4131 Town
Bolton593446448-0.45%1403 Town
Marshallberg5944424400.45%6941 CDP
Crouse5954414136.78%3891 CDP
St. Helena5964384340.92%786 Village
Yadkin College5974364086.86%1513 CDP
Arapahoe5984354320.69%2002 Town
Hoffman5994264260%1253 Town
East Arcadia6004244230.24%1892 Town
Millingport601422433-2.54%746 CDP
Deercroft6024214200.24%3261 CDP
Hookerton6034194190%1,3130 Town
Simpson6044124090.73%1,1170 Village
Jamesville605408411-0.73%2801 Town
Staley6064084050.74%3521 Town
Grimesland6074074040.74%5991 Town
Macclesfield608407408-0.25%7521 Town
Jackson609405410-1.22%4011 Town
Bunn6104033913.07%6821 Town
Henrietta611402406-0.99%6881 CDP
Falcon6124003853.9%2841 Town
Lewiston Woodville613399405-1.48%2042 Town
Lilesville6143993980.25%4021 Town
Fountain6153983960.51%4331 Town
Peachland6163953950%3921 Town
Marble6173903861.04%3561 CDP
Webster6183903870.78%3911 Town
Sugar Mountain6193843820.52%1562 Village
Washington Park620382383-0.26%1,4470 Town
Cove City6213813810%5971 Town
Caswell Beach622380381-0.26%1283 Town
Evergreen623372375-0.8%974 CDP
Bethania6243713671.09%5461 Town
Atkinson6253683573.08%3721 Town
Saratoga6263643630.28%5761 Town
Bostic6273603590.28%3861 Town
Swan Quarter6283603570.84%914 CDP
Hatteras629353362-2.49%2242 CDP
Dover6303513510%3661 Town
Aquadale631348351-0.85%1073 CDP
Ruth6323473450.58%8180 Town
Sims6333473460.29%1,5770 Town
Bridgeton6343463450.29%1692 Town
Calypso6353433400.88%3431 Town
Stovall6363353330.6%2621 Town
Morven637330331-0.3%3211 Town
Forest Hills6383283250.92%6610 Village
Waco6393173160.32%3781 Town
Rodanthe6403163130.96%3311 CDP
Seven Devils6413143140%1422 Town
Bayview642310313-0.96%2941 CDP
Casar6433093090%1772 Town
Vann Crossroads644308309-0.32%685 CDP
Pinnacle645306342-10.53%854 CDP
Cedar Rock6463023020%2651 Village
Mooresboro6472982970.34%1692 Town
Bolivia6482972719.59%4671 Town
Rennert6492962940.68%2681 Town
Hamilton650295297-0.67%5970 Town
Coinjock651289292-1.03%3441 CDP
Sandy Creek6522892803.21%2031 Town
Castalia6532842801.43%3761 Town
Ashley Heights654283289-2.08%1272 CDP
Bald Head Island6552822791.08%734 Village
Fairfield6562802790.36%407 CDP
Roberdel6572792626.49%4231 CDP
Pollocksville6582782760.72%8850 Town
Cameron6592752701.85%2271 Town
Goldston6602732681.87%2581 Town
Bennett661271272-0.37%853 CDP
Avon662269301-10.63%1182 CDP
Ivanhoe6632692690%545 CDP
Dublin6642672670%6140 Town
Momeyer6652642611.15%2391 Town
Oak City666264266-0.75%2631 Town
Davis667260270-3.7%1192 CDP
Sunbury668258260-0.77%1052 CDP
Gatesville669257260-1.15%6360 Town
Long Creek6702572416.64%1282 CDP
South Mills671257269-4.46%1432 CDP
Cofield672256258-0.78%823 Village
Hobgood673254256-0.78%2461 Town
Old Hundred674253255-0.78%2611 CDP
Trenton6752532510.8%1,0370 Town
Raemon676251253-0.79%584 CDP
Jackson Springs6772502346.84%1572 CDP
Seagrove6782502480.81%2181 Town
Parmele6792462460%2121 Town
Bath680242243-0.41%6780 Town
Crossnore6812382380%5310 Town
Light Oak682236264-10.61%1641 CDP
Watha6832352263.98%1731 Town
Indian Beach6842332310.87%4091 Town
Turkey6852292270.88%5780 Town
Glenwood6862232096.7%1382 CDP
Blue Clay Farms6872202076.28%902 CDP
Dillsboro6882192170.92%4580 Town
Salvo6892172170%2241 CDP
Farmington6902142016.47%1322 CDP
Earl6912122110.47%2461 Town
Belvoir692210216-2.78%1062 CDP
Stonewall6932102090.48%1232 Town
Smithtown6942071946.7%1541 CDP
Elrod695205219-6.39%385 CDP
Valle Crucis696204217-5.99%464 CDP
Lowgap697203211-3.79%1791 CDP
Kelford698202204-0.98%4190 Town
Conetoe6992012010%5910 Town
Creswell700198200-1%3501 Town
Vandemere7011981970.51%1302 Town
Walstonburg702197198-0.51%4840 Town
Colerain703195198-1.52%7410 Town
Gulf7041941911.57%2141 CDP
Keener705194217-10.6%1711 CDP
Wakulla7061911862.69%2221 CDP
Danbury7071871870%2491 Town
Love Valley7081871832.19%1831 Town
Gerton709183187-2.14%494 CDP
Milwaukee7101811706.47%1052 CDP
Engelhard711180197-8.63%563 CDP
Powellsville712177180-1.67%4960 Town
Milton713175176-0.57%4500 Town
Roxobel714174176-1.14%1671 Town
Severn715174177-1.69%1721 Town
Autryville7161721710.58%3301 Town
Caroleen717171201-14.93%1541 CDP
Harrells7181701690.59%543 Town
Askewville719169171-1.17%2851 Town
Hiddenite720168191-12.04%1062 CDP
Centerville7211671576.37%1032 CDP
Boardman7221631630%533 Town
Pantego7231611610%2001 Town
Godwin7241601590.63%2361 Town
Stokes725157171-8.19%354 CDP
Halifax726155157-1.27%3390 Town
Waves7271501490.67%2221 CDP
Cerro Gordo7281471442.08%1861 Town
Mesic7291441430.7%1401 Town
Everetts730143144-0.69%2900 Town
Linden7311391390%2531 Town
Glenville7321351331.5%1011 CDP
Lansing7331281280%3460 Town
Chimney Rock Village7341261260%383 Village
Kittrell735126127-0.79%6060 Town
Proctorville7361231220.82%2710 Town
Marietta7371111110%991 Town
Bowdens7381081025.88%791 CDP
Macon7391041040%2061 Town
White Oak740100115-13.04%205 CDP
Middleburg74198980%1251 Town
Norman7429899-1.01%1741 Town
Grandfather Village74397970%632 Village
McFarlan74496960%1041 Town
McDonald74595950%3730 Town
Tar Heel74691910%3920 Town
Bear Grass7478081-1.23%3150 Town
Lumber Bridge74880800%1191 Town
Harrellsville7497980-1.25%2720 Town
Hallsboro7507196-26.04%223 CDP
Rex75168637.94%921 CDP
Speed75266660%2170 Town
Delco7536481-20.99%422 CDP
Raynham75464640%5250 Town
Orrum75561610%1280 Town
Como7566061-1.64%193 Town
Seven Springs75759590%1750 Town
Delway7585766-13.64%6.010 CDP
Lasker7595758-1.72%511 Town
Falkland76051510%2240 Town
Dundarrach76147446.82%361 CDP
Hassell7624647-2.13%1730 Town
Shannon7634660-23.33%451 CDP
Lake Santeetlah76444440%2270 Town
Graingers76539375.41%242 CDP
Bowmore7663842-9.52%113 CDP
Leggett7673637-2.7%461 Town
Butters7682744-38.64%181 CDP
Fontana Dam76910100%161 Town
NC State Flag

About North Carolina

North Carolina’s municipal structure includes 100 counties and over 550 incorporated cities, towns, and villages, with counties and municipalities providing distinct, complementary services. Counties manage services across wide areas, while municipalities handle local governance within their boundaries.

Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, operates under a council-manager government where the elected city council sets policies and budgets, and a city manager handles administration. This allows Charlotte to focus on public safety, economic development, and infrastructure independently, with council oversight to maintain accountability.

Raleigh, the state capital, follows a similar council-manager model, which balances legislative direction from the council with administrative leadership from the manager. Raleigh’s structure enables efficient municipal management while allowing for specialized services like water utilities, planning, and zoning.

Smaller towns and villages, such as Cary and Chapel Hill, often adopt the council-manager or mayor-council structures depending on local preferences. This setup provides flexibility, allowing municipalities to adapt governance structures that best suit community needs and population sizes.

Counties like Wake County and Mecklenburg County oversee services in unincorporated areas, focusing on health, public education, and emergency services. County commissioners manage these services, ensuring consistent support for both urban and rural residents across the state.

North Carolina’s unincorporated areas are predominantly rural, where counties provide essential services and residents have limited local legislative power. In many cases, communities in these areas are represented by advisory councils that communicate needs to county authorities.

Councils of government across the state promote collaboration between counties and municipalities, addressing issues like water resources, transportation, and land use to manage growth in urbanizing areas effectively.

25 Largest Cities in North Carolina

Biggest City

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina, with a population of 982,070 in 2026.

Fastest Growing City

Bolivia is the fastest growing city in North Carolina over the past 6 years, having grown 9.59% annually since 2020.