North Carolina is the ninth most populated state in the nation, with 10.2 million people living there. Charlotte, with 827,097 residents, is the biggest city in terms of population. At 451,066—just over half of Charlotte’s total—Renoir, the state capital, comes in second. Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, and High Point complete the list of North Carolina cities with less than 100,000 residents. At least 10,000 but not over 100,000 individuals live in 76 of the cities.
List of Largest Cities in North Carolina
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Fayetteville
- Cary
- Wilmington
- Highpoint
- Concord
1. Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the biggest city in the state and a flourishing center of innovation, business, and culture. With a population of over 923,164, it remains a popular destination for those looking for a bustling metropolitan lifestyle and economic prospects. The headquarters of significant financial firms, including Bank of America and Truist Financial, are located in Charlotte, sometimes referred to as the Queen City, which is the second-largest banking hub in the US.
The city’s core businesses are complemented by a growing tech and startup industry. Its many districts, which include the South End, historic NoDa, and the chic Uptown district, provide a fusion of Southern charm and modernity. Its allure is increased by cultural landmarks including the Mint Museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and other performance spaces.
Having the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC attracting supporters, Charlotte boasts a thriving sports culture. The city also places a strong emphasis on green areas, with parks and trails like Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Freedom Park improving people’s quality of life.
2. Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, is the second largest city in the state, a testament to its vibrant personality and quick expansion. With more than 487,942 residents, Raleigh is behind Charlotte in population and is a vibrant hub for culture, innovation, and education. With its tree-lined streets, Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” and provides a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and scenic beauty.
Raleigh is home to innovative biotechnology, healthcare, and technology companies as part of the well-known Research Triangle, which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill. The city, which is anchored by North Carolina State University, also gains from a young, educated populace that encourages innovative thinking and entrepreneurship.
Organizations like the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences serve as highlights of Raleigh’s thriving cultural landscape. Its contemporary projects, such as the redeveloped Warehouse District, fit in well with its historic districts, including Oakwood and Five Points.
Offering an extensive collection of parks, tracks, and open spaces like Pullen Park and Umstead State Park, the city places a high value on living sustainably. Raleigh’s ascent to prominence as North Carolina’s largest city highlights its status as a model for environmentally conscious urban expansion, thanks to its robust job market, friendly community, and excellent standard of living.
3. Greensboro
Greensboro becomes the third biggest city in North Carolina in 2024 and is evidence of its consistent expansion, economic diversity, and dedication to community improvement. With more than 304,279 residents, this energetic city has combined its historical origins with a forward-thinking outlook to become a major center in the state.
Once an important regional center for manufacturing and textiles, Greensboro has effectively made the shift to a more diverse economy. Thanks to its advantageous location at the confluence of major interstates and close proximity to Piedmont Triad International Airport, it currently flourishes in businesses such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, aviation, and healthcare. Its economic position is further strengthened by the presence of businesses like Volvo Trucks and Honda Aircraft.
The city is also a center for education and culture, including establishments like the Greensboro Science Center, North Carolina A&T State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Both a dynamic student body and a qualified workforce are a result of these institutions.
The Bog Garden and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park are just two of the many parks and greenways in Greensboro, which is well-known for its abundance of greenery and dedication to sustainability. With its hospitable culture, vibrant economy, and rich history, Greensboro’s ascent to prominence as North Carolina’s biggest city is evidence of its ongoing appeal and promise.
4. Durham
Durham’s rapid expansion and development into a vibrant metropolitan gateway have earned it the title of the fourth biggest city in North Carolina in 2024. With a population of over 300,100, Durham is a major force behind the advancement of the state and is renowned for its creativity, diversity, and cultural vibrancy.
Durham, also referred to as the “City of Medicine,” is a global leader in biotechnology and healthcare, supported by esteemed establishments such as Duke University and the Research Triangle Park (RTP). Technological, pharmaceutical, and educational developments support the city’s booming economy, which draws top people and companies from all over the world.
Durham’s cultural scene is similarly remarkable. While the city’s diverse culinary culture, which includes well-known eateries and regional brewers, attracts foodies, the American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) provide top-notch entertainment. Its historic districts, such as Ninth Street and Brightleaf, provide a fusion of contemporary convenience and vintage appeal.
Given its many parks, terrain, and programs encouraging community involvement, the city places a strong emphasis on sustainability and livability. Durham’s ascent to prominence as North Carolina’s largest city is evidence of its inventiveness, inclusion, and dedication to creating a successful future, as seen by its thriving downtown and diversified neighborhoods.
5. Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem has surpassed 254,032 residents, making it the fifth largest city in North Carolina and reinventing its reputation as a vibrant, contemporary city. Because of its twin history in tobacco and textiles, Winston-Salem is known as the “Twin City” and has developed into a vibrant hub for innovation, education, and culture.
These days, the city’s economy is fueled by innovative sectors including sophisticated manufacturing, biotechnology, and healthcare. With the help of organizations like Wake Forest University and the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, Winston-Salem has developed into a center for entrepreneurship and research, drawing a wide range of talented students and professionals.
Winston-Salem’s thriving arts sector, which includes establishments like the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), highlights the city’s rich cultural legacy. The city’s ancient Moravian heritage, which is conserved at Old Salem, an active historical museum that attracts tourists from all over the nation, is another area of fame.
6. Fayetteville
Fayetteville, which has a population of over 209,942, becomes the sixth largest city in North Carolina and is an expanding epicenter of opportunity, diversity, and progress. Because of Fort Liberty (previously Fort Bragg), Fayetteville has historically been a military town. However, it has broadened its definition to include a robust business and a thriving cultural scene.
Despite diversifying into industries including healthcare, education, and logistics, the city maintains strong ties to its military heritage, which greatly boosts the local economy. Fayetteville has grown quickly due to its advantageous position, strong infrastructure, and close access to important transportation routes, which have drawn in new companies and industries.
Fayetteville’s recreational and cultural opportunities are growing. While places like Cape Fear River Trail and Lake Rim Park give locals access to outdoor spaces, establishments like the Airborne & Special Operations Museum and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre enhance the city’s cultural landscape. Fayetteville’s downtown has also been revitalized, with hip eateries, retail establishments, and community gatherings.
7. Cary
Cary emerges as the seventh largest city in North Carolina with a population of over 181,754, demonstrating its incredible transition from a relaxed suburb to a bustling city. Cary has gained popularity among families, professionals, and companies due to its master-planned communities and excellent standard of living.
Technology, healthcare, and education are the main drivers of Cary’s economy, which also benefits from its close proximity to Research Triangle Park (RTP). The city’s highly educated workforce and adjacent North Carolina State University help it draw in multinational corporations and startups. Cary is a popular site for corporate headquarters and innovation centers due to its strategic position, first-rate infrastructure, and business-friendly atmosphere.
Cary is still dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly living despite its expansion. The city’s vast parks and greenways, such as Bond Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, are well-known for offering a wealth of outdoor recreation activities. Cary also places a high priority on cultural enrichment, showcasing sites like the Cary Theater and Koka Booth Amphitheatre and organizing events like the Cary Arts Festival.
8. Wilmington
Wilmington’s growth into a thriving coastal town is demonstrated by its population of over 125,007, making it the eighth biggest city in North Carolina. Wilmington is renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. While maintaining its distinct coastal appeal, it has developed into a significant center for commerce, culture, and tourism.
Given its advantageous position on the Atlantic coast and Cape Fear River, Wilmington is able to support booming businesses, including technology, shipping, logistics, and filmmaking. In addition to being a major hub for commerce and commercial activity, Wilmington’s status as “Hollywood East” keeps drawing in filmmakers and other creative types.
Wilmington is a cultural hub for those interested in history and the arts. Charming architecture, boutique stores, and neighborhood restaurants may be found in the historic downtown, which is highlighted by the Riverwalk. The city’s rich history and inventive spirit are reflected in landmarks like the Battleship North Carolina and the Cameron Art Museum.
Along with a wealth of parks and outdoor activities, residents have access to immaculate beaches like Wrightsville and Carolina Beach.
9. Highpoint
High Point becomes the ninth biggest city in North Carolina, with more than 117,619 residents, ushering in a new era for this historically important center. Despite maintaining its strong industrial history, High Point, known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” has broadened its identity to become a hub of innovation, culture, and education.
The economy of the city today depends on a variety of businesses, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and technology, rather than only furniture. A major contributor to this change is High Point University, which attracts students from all over the world and promotes community and economic development.
High Point’s famous International Home Furnishings Market, which draws thousands of tourists each year, is a testament to its vibrant culture. Entertainment venues, hip eateries, and areas like Congdon Yards, which combine industrial heritage with contemporary architecture, are all part of its revived downtown.
High Point City Lake Park and the Bicentennial Greenway provide natural havens for outdoor enjoyment. The city’s green efforts and growing public spaces demonstrate its dedication to sustainability and livability.
10. Concord
Concord becomes the 10th largest city in North Carolina with more than 111,863 residents, demonstrating its development into a thriving metropolis. Concord, which combines a rich past with contemporary growth, has become a center for communal life, business, and culture.
Concord’s economy is booming because of its advantageous position close to Charlotte, strong infrastructure, and wide range of sectors. The city is home to significant employers in the retail, logistics, manufacturing, and motorsport industries. Each year, millions of people visit the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, one of the biggest shopping destinations in the state, supporting both local businesses and tourists.
Concord offers a wealth of recreational and cultural possibilities. Boutique stores, neighborhood restaurants, and cultural institutions like Historic Cabarrus and the Cabarrus Arts Council may all be found in its restored downtown. Various parks, like Frank Liske Park, provide inhabitants with chances for outdoor enjoyment; the city is also dedicated to green areas.
| Rank | City | Population (2024) |
| 1 | Charlotte | 923,164 |
| 2 | Raleigh | 487,942 |
| 3 | Greensboro | 304,279 |
| 4 | Durham | 300,100 |
| 5 | Winston-Salem | 254,032 |
| 6 | Fayetteville | 209,942 |
| 7 | Cary | 181,754 |
| 8 | Wilmington | 125,007 |
| 9 | Highpoint | 117,619 |
| 10 | Concord | 111,863 |
Conclusion
The biggest cities in North Carolina in 2024—Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, High Point, Fayetteville, Cary, and Concord—showcase the state’s extraordinary expansion and variation. Every city has its own benefits, ranging from booming manufacturing, healthcare, and technology economies to bustling cultural scenes and outstanding quality of life.
Some cities, like Durham and Winston-Salem, are becoming centers for research and innovation, while other cities, like Charlotte and Raleigh, continue to lead with their innovations and economic might. These communities, which combine modern construction with historic charm, showcase North Carolina’s flexibility and attraction, establishing the state as a pioneer in urban expansion and communal living.
FAQs
Which North Carolina City is the Largest?
With 923,164 residents in 2024, Charlotte will be the largest city in North Carolina.
Which North Carolina City is Expanding the Fastest?
With an annual growth rate of 10.22% since 2020, Wendell has been the fastest-growing city in North Carolina for the last four years.
Which 10 Cities in North Carolina Are the Largest?
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Fayetteville
- Cary
- Wilmington
- Highpoint
- Concord
Where in North Carolina Do the Millionaires Reside?
While the Triangle is home to the majority of the state’s billionaires, the Charlotte region is home to a few of the wealthiest individuals in the world, including a well-known athlete.
Does Charlotte, North Carolina, Get Snow?
Winters in Charlotte are moderate, with sporadic cold spells. With an average of just a few inches of precipitation each year, snowfall is very uncommon.
