NORTH CAROLINA
Welcome to North Carolina!
North Carolina is where innovation meets tradition. Booming tech corridors sit alongside historic towns amid breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery, making it a place like no other. With its growing economy and welcoming communities, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to put down roots here. North Carolina might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Top CHIPs for North Carolina
The best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
North Carolina Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) are available to help you find the perfect home in the state. Explore the best programs that you should consider.
Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program provides first-time homebuyers with up to $45,000 in 0% interest loans, designed to help with down payment and closing costs.
Raleigh Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Raleigh Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program offers first-time homebuyers up to $60,000 in 0% interest loans, designed to help make your home purchase more affordable.
North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency NC Home Advantage Mortgage
The North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency NC Home Advantage Mortgage is designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers and military veterans across North Carolina.
North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
This program is available for single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and manufactured homes. It is designed to help first-time homebuyers in North Carolina.
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North Carolina ReBUILD Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
The North Carolina ReBUILD Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) offers first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 for their down payment, along with an additional 5% of the purchase price to cover their closing costs.
Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program provides first-time homebuyers with up to $45,000 in 0% interest loans, designed to help with down payment and closing costs.
Raleigh Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Raleigh Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program offers first-time homebuyers up to $60,000 in 0% interest loans, designed to help make your home purchase more affordable.
North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency NC Home Advantage Mortgage
The North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency NC Home Advantage Mortgage is designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers and military veterans across North Carolina.
North Carolina State Housing Finance Agency 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
This program is available for single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and manufactured homes. It is designed to help first-time homebuyers in North Carolina.
North Carolina ReBUILD Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
The North Carolina ReBUILD Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) offers first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 for their down payment, along with an additional 5% of the purchase price to cover their closing costs.
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Total Population
10,439,388
🗺️
Land area in square miles
48,624.2 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
29
📍
State Capital
Raleigh
💰
Median household income
$70,804
💵
Median home sale price
$429,482
🏘️
Total Housing Units
4,392,669
👥
Total Population
10,439,388
🗺️
Land area in square miles
48,624.2 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
29
📍
State Capital
Raleigh
💰
Median household income
$70,804
💵
Median home sale price
$429,482
🏘️
Total Housing Units
4,392,669
Census Data Snapshot for North Carolina
Crucial statistics and data about North Carolina
With over 10 million in population, North Carolina ranks as the 9th most populous state in the country. Learn more about the state through some crucial census statistics if you’re thinking about being a part of that.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in North Carolina?
A large part of North Carolina falls under the humid subtropical climate zone. Is that the sort of climate that you are after? Here are some other crucial data concerning the climate in the state.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of North Carolina?
North Carolina has a very dynamic economy, which is one of the main reasons why people are moving there. From business services to manufacturing, North Carolina is making progress and is expected to continue doing so.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: University of North Carolina
- Industry: Public University/Higher Education
- Employer Headcount: 74,079
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 247,458
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in North Carolina.
North Carolina is one of the most vibrant places in the country today with even more to offer when it comes to housing options. Discover the variety of real estate opportunities the state has in store.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in North Carolina in terms of population?
Charlotte has been one of the fastest growing cities in the country for several years now, but there are other promising urban centers in North Carolina that are worth taking note of.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Charlotte
1
935,017
Raleigh
2
493,589
Greensboro
3
306,263
Durham
4
304,014
Winston-Salem
5
255,089
Fayetteville
6
210,135
Cary
7
183,498
Wilmington
8
127,316
High Point
9
118,312
Concord
10
113,608
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an excellent educational system. Learn more about the top schools in the state, which is a major factor if you have children and you are considering buying a house there.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in North Carolina.
Check out what the North Carolina housing market has to offer you right now. You might just find the dream house that you have always wanted there.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about the state of North Carolina.
Here are a few fun facts about North Carolina that you don’t need to know but we’re going to tell you anyway.
Famous People from North Carolina
Who are the well-known personalities from North Carolina?
Here are some of the most famous personalities who hail from North Carolina.
Agency
Website
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA)
North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in North Carolina.
Here is a list of some useful resources that you can use when researching homes, schools, and other details about the state of North Carolina.
Agency
Website
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA)
North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program?
The NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program offers up to $15,000 in down payment assistance with no repayment required once simple conditions are met. It is available for single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and manufactured homes. This program is designed to help first-time homebuyers in North Carolina achieve their homeownership goals.
Who is eligible for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program?
First-time homebuyers in North Carolina are eligible to apply for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program.
What types of properties are eligible for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program?
Single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and manufactured homes are available for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program.
How can someone apply for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program?
To apply for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program, interested parties should contact the loan provider.
How does the repayment and forgiveness of the down payment assistance work for NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program?
The NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program is similar to the other down payment assistance options available with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage, this down payment help is a 0%, deferred second mortgage, which is forgiven 20% per year at the end of years 11-15, with complete forgiveness at the end of year 15.
What is the purpose of the ReBUILD Homeownership Program (HAP)?
The purpose of the ReBUILD Homeownership Program (HAP) is to provide down payment and closing costs investment to first-time and first-generation homebuyers for the purchase of a home located in designated counties that have been impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Matthew.
Who is eligible for the ReBUILD Homeownership Program (HAP)?
Homebuyers who are located in counties that have been impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Matthew are eligible for the ReBUILD Homeownership Program (HAP).
What is the current status of the ReBUILD program (HAP)?
As of Sept. 26, 2024, the ReBUILD Homeownership Program is no longer accepting application interest forms.
Are there any current homeownership assistance programs in North Carolina?
Yes, there are many homeownership assistance programs in North Carolina. That includes the ReBUILD Homeownership Program (HAP).
Can the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program be combined with other NCHFA programs?
Yes, in fact, the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program must be combined with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage.
