Living in Canton, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Canton · Census data 2020–2024
Canton has 4,419 residents with a median age of 36.7. The median household income is $69,924 (3% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $246,700, the median rent is $790/month.
Canton at a glance
- Population
- 4,419
- Median age
- 36.7State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $69,924State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $246,700State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $790/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 70.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 17.7%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Canton a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 15% lower than the state median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 1.8%.
Cons: Median household income 3% lower than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 15%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Canton
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Canton the median home value is $246,700, 26% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $790 per month, which is 28.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,240 a month in housing costs.
Canton median household income
The median household income in Canton is $69,924 and the income per person is $33,384. 15% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Canton: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,094
- Owner-occupied
- 70.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 29.4%
- Vacant
- 9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1960
- Average household size
- 2.30
Canton demographics
- Population
- 4,419
- Median age
- 36.7
- Under 18
- 18.6%
- 65 and older
- 18.3%
- Households
- 1,906
- Foreign-born
- 5.4%
- Veterans
- 7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Canton ›
Education in Canton
17.7% of adults 25 and older in Canton have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 5.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Canton
- Unemployment rate
- 1.8%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 2.2%
- Drive alone
- 87.7%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 82.7%
Canton vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton | 4,419 | $69,924 | $246,700 | $790 |
| West Canton | 1,412 | $34,464 | $197,000 | $1,223 |
| Clyde | 1,359 | $56,406 | $200,000 | $1,033 |
| Lake Junaluska | 3,175 | $66,165 | $389,200 | $1,137 |
| Waynesville | 10,502 | $54,923 | $281,700 | $1,070 |
| Maggie Valley | 2,112 | $68,125 | $320,500 | $1,067 |
| Bent Creek | 1,384 | $72,176 | $404,000 | — |
| Emma | 2,657 | $43,907 | $92,300 | $1,064 |
| Avery Creek | 2,887 | $113,261 | $412,900 | — |
More for people moving to Canton
Canton ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Canton: FAQ
What is the median household income in Canton, NC?
The median household income in Canton is $69,924, 3% lower than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Canton?
The median home value in Canton is $246,700, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Canton?
The median gross rent in Canton is $790 per month, about 28.1% of household income.
Is Canton, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 15% lower than the state median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 1.8%. Minuses: median household income 3% lower than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 15%.
What is the median age in Canton?
The median age in Canton is 36.7 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Canton?
The average commute to work in Canton is 24 minutes; 2.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Canton?
The unemployment rate in Canton is 1.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Canton?
17.7% of adults in Canton have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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