Living in Concord, NC
Concord is the 272nd-largest city in the US, home to about 115,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 8.8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 114,598+8.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $353,7004.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,451/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $86,921median, per year
- Price level
- 97.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 53° / 92°lows 29° / 69°
- Average commute
- 27 min17% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: Cabarrus County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 748 ft
Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Cost of living in Concord
The median home in Concord is worth $353,700 and the median household earns $86,921 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,451 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area at 97.3, with housing at 97.6 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,000 here. North Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 3.99% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in North Carolina is 7.1%.
What would my salary be worth in Concord?
Concord weather
Average highs run from 53°F in January to 92°F in July, and January nights average 29°F. It gets 48 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. Expect about 60 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 74 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Concord
People and work
The median resident is 36.5 years old, and 41% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 65% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 27 minutes; 17% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 36.5268th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 41%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 65%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,77164.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1998median year
Who moves to Concord, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Raleigh (Wake County), New York (Queens County) and Fayetteville (Cumberland County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Raleigh (Wake County), Brunswick County, NC and Fayetteville (Cumberland County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Cabarrus County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, lightning.
Home prices
+1.5% in a year
Up 50% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
46% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Concord
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Central Piedmont Community College 19 miles
- Davidson College 19 miles
- Wingate University 27 miles
- Johnson C Smith University 20 miles
- Queens University of Charlotte 21 miles
- Catawba College 22 miles
- Belmont Abbey College 29 miles
- Livingstone College 21 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Concord
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Concord Regional Airport USA | 10 mi | 132,000 |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT | 25 mi | 28,523,822 |
| Piedmont Triad International Airport GSO | 61 mi | 985,563 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Concord
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | 12 mi | 24,453 | $15,142 | 68% |
| Central Piedmont Community College | 19 mi | 15,067 | $1,741 | 38% |
| Davidson College | 19 mi | 1,867 | $15,060 | 90% |
| Johnson C Smith University | 20 mi | 1,244 | $21,397 | 34% |
| Catawba College | 22 mi | 1,235 | $15,993 | 48% |
| Queens University of Charlotte | 21 mi | 1,211 | $29,421 | 57% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Concord
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 1, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 24 and the first frost comes around November 2.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Concord, NC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Concord.
Wildfire smoke in Concord
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Concord on about 124 days a year, including about 17 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Concord
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 38,669 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Concord
Downtown Concord is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabarrus County Schools | Pre-K to 13 | 35,772 | 43 | 16.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (147,299 students), Rowan-Salisbury Schools (17,683 students), Stanly County Schools (8,743 students), Kannapolis City Schools (5,377 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Concord's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Concord's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Nashville, TN84% matchCompare
- Murfreesboro, TN82% matchCompare
- Virginia Beach, VA78% matchCompare
- Chesapeake, VA78% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Concord
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Concord
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 84 miles
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort 118 miles
- Cataloochee Ski Area 144 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Concord
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+8.8% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Concord report card from locals
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Concord through locals' eyes
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Cities near Concord
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 19 mi | 964,784 | $385,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Gastonia, NC | 38 mi | 87,067 | $277,600 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Rock Hill, SC | 45 mi | 75,911 | $295,100 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 49 mi | 257,271 | $233,800 | 92.0 | Compare |
| High Point, NC | 51 mi | 120,571 | $235,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Greensboro, NC | 64 mi | 308,667 | $244,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Concord ranks 14th of 27 in our best suburbs of Charlotte ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Concord with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Concord a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population. Compare Concord side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Concord?
The Census Bureau estimates Concord had 114,598 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 105,316 in April 2020 (+8.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Concord?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,000 in the Concord area. The median household here earns $86,921.
When is the best time to visit Concord?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 92°F and January 53°F for daytime highs.
What county is Concord in?
Concord is in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Concord in?
Concord is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Concord?
About 748 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. North Carolina has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.99% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Concord. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Concord, NC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.