Charlotte, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte has seen a remarkable increase in its population, now reaching 944,742. This growth represents an 8% increase since April 2020, positioning Charlotte as North Carolina’s fastest-growing city. The influx of new residents reflects a broader trend of significant population growth across the region, with several neighboring municipalities also experiencing notable increases. Concerns about infrastructure and rising housing costs accompany this rapid growth, prompting discussions on necessary developments to support the expanding community.
Charlotte’s Population Surges to 944,742, Leading North Carolina Growth Amid Record Migration Influx
As of July 1, 2024, Charlotte has emerged as North Carolina’s fastest-growing city, with a population of 944,742. This figure marks an increase of 70,000 residents since April 2020, resulting in an impressive 8% growth rate. The Queen City has added the most residents of any city in the state during this period, reflective of a broader trend of significant population increases across the region.
Following Charlotte, Raleigh has also seen notable growth, surpassing half a million residents with a 7% growth rate. Other municipalities in the surrounding areas have experienced similar trends, with Concord growing by 9.2% to a population of 115,053 and Huntersville increasing by 9% to 66,955. Particularly striking is Mooresville, which has seen an 18% growth rate, now totaling 59,500 residents, and Troutman, which has skyrocketed in population by 75% to 6,600.
Other towns in Union County have also reported significant growth: Monroe (13.4%), Indian Trail (12.3%), Waxhaw (17.5%), Weddington (11.9%), and Wingate (14%) have all added residents. Additionally, Wilmington and Leland each exceeded population increases of 10,000.
The average population growth across North Carolina municipalities from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, was 1.8%, with 87% of municipalities reporting population increases. However, areas in the eastern part of the region, notably Rockingham and Hamlet, saw declines of 1.9%, with Polkton facing a more significant decrease of 15.6%.
Charlotte has experienced robust daily net migration, with approximately 157 new individuals moving to the area each day from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. This amounts to a total net gain of 57,300 new residents over that period, representing a 34% increase in migration compared to the previous year. Despite its rapid growth, other towns like Huntersville, Indian Trail, and Kannapolis reported higher percentage increases than Charlotte during the same timeframe.
The surge in population is backed by a strong job market, particularly in sectors such as automotive and advanced manufacturing. Consequently, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte stands at approximately $1,486, significantly lower than $4,036 in New York City, making Charlotte a comparatively affordable option for residents.
Recent economic developments include Citigroup‘s announcement to hire 510 employees and invest $16 million to establish a new division in Charlotte, further contributing to the area’s employment opportunities. However, the rapid population increase raises concerns about the need for enhanced infrastructure. The proposed 1% sales tax referendum for road and public transport projects is one response to this challenge, as emphasized by local business leaders.
Despite the advantages of growth, community sentiment remains mixed. Some residents voice concerns about newcomers driving up housing demand and living costs, highlighting challenges associated with the city’s rapid expansion.
FAQ
What is Charlotte’s current population as of July 1, 2024?
Charlotte has a population of 944,742 as of July 1, 2024.
How much has Charlotte’s population increased since April 2020?
Charlotte has experienced an increase of 70,000 people, representing an 8% growth rate from April 2020.
What are some municipalities around Charlotte that have also seen population growth?
Municipalities around Charlotte that have seen growth include Raleigh, Concord, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Troutman.
What is the average rent in Charlotte?
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is approximately $1,486.
Population Growth Chart
| City/Town | Population (2024) | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 944,742 | 8% |
| Raleigh | 500,000+ | 7% |
| Concord | 115,053 | 9.2% |
| Huntersville | 66,955 | 9% |
| Mooresville | 59,500 | 18% |
| Troutman | 6,600 | 75% |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Business Article
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Axios: Charlotte Population Growth
- Google Search: Charlotte Population Growth
- WCNC: Charlotte Growth News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
- WSOC TV: Charlotte’s Population Growth
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Population Migration
- QC News: Duke Energy Upgrades
- Google News: Charlotte North Carolina News
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
