Find a Job You Really Want In
What defines success in a city? Is it solely the wealth of its residents, or is it also about community well-being and opportunities for growth? In today’s rapidly evolving job market, success encompasses a blend of economic stability, quality of life, and access to resources.
At Zippia, we value measurable data that reflects these dynamics. Using the latest metrics available, we have identified the 10 most successful cities in North Carolina for 2026. Here’s the updated list:
If you disagree with our findings, hang tight! There’s a systematic approach behind our selections.
For more insights about North Carolina, explore:
How We Determined the Most Successful Cities in North Carolina
When considering success, many think of financial wealth. Yet, true success involves more than just income. We evaluated several key factors based on the latest American Community Survey data, focusing on income, employment rates, and poverty levels.
1. Oak Ridge
Population: 6,435
Median Income: $101,667
Poverty Level: 1.9%
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
2. Summerfield
Population: 10,477
Median Income: $102,713
Poverty Level: 2.6%
Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
3. Holly Springs
Population: 27,339
Median Income: $91,755
Poverty Level: 2.9%
Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
4. Pinehurst
Population: 15,052
Median Income: $75,284
Poverty Level: 3.2%
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
5. Morrisville
Population: 20,728
Median Income: $84,301
Poverty Level: 3.9%
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
6. Apex
Population: 40,631
Median Income: $89,392
Poverty Level: 3.0%
Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
7. Marvin
Population: 5,806
Median Income: $158,246
Poverty Level: 4.3%
Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
8. Cary
Population: 146,041
Median Income: $91,481
Poverty Level: 6.4%
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
9. Weddington
Population: 9,906
Median Income: $129,695
Poverty Level: 2.8%
Unemployment Rate: 7.2%
10. Knightdale
Population: 12,692
Median Income: $72,591
Poverty Level: 6.1%
Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
Measuring Success
If you’re questioning whether these metrics can truly capture the essence of a city’s success, you’re not alone. While statistics provide insights, they may not fully reflect the unique qualities that contribute to a city’s character. Nevertheless, we celebrate Oak Ridge and all our featured cities for their achievements. For those not on the list, there’s always next year!
Detailed List of the Most Successful Cities in North Carolina
| Rank | City | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oak Ridge | $101,667 |
| 2 | Summerfield | $102,713 |
| 3 | Holly Springs | $91,755 |
| 4 | Pinehurst | $75,284 |
| 5 | Morrisville | $84,301 |
| 6 | Apex | $89,392 |
| 7 | Marvin | $158,246 |
| 8 | Cary | $91,481 |
| 9 | Weddington | $129,695 |
| 10 | Knightdale | $72,591 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
