Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cornelius, NC
Considering Cornelius, NC for your move? This lakeside town of 32,500 offers a high quality of life with a median home price of $535,000 and average rent around $1,630. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (88 per 100k), excellent schools (over 57% with bachelor’s degrees or higher), and quick access to Charlotte with a 28-minute average commute. With 62% sunny days and a vibrant community atmosphere along Lake Norman, Cornelius combines suburban comfort with easy access to big-city amenities.
Demographics - Cornelius, NC
Demographics - Cornelius, NC
Cornelius is a lakeside town of 32,500 residents with a median age of 40, offering a diverse community where over 81% identify as White and nearly 12% speak a language other than English at home. The population density provides a balanced mix of suburban space and accessibility, making it appealing for families and professionals alike.
Population:
32,500
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
8.9%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cornelius, NC?
Cornelius has a cost of living index of 115.2, slightly above the national average, largely due to housing costs with a median home value of $535,000 and average rent of $1,630. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are close to the national average, making the area comfortable for those seeking quality suburban amenities.
Median House Value:
$535,000
Gross Rent:
$1,630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.2
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
124.7
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
99.5
Health Care:
105.3
Miscellaneous:
101.8
Crime
Is Cornelius, NC a safe place to live?
Cornelius boasts a low violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,210 per 100,000, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The chances of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 1,140, contributing to the town’s reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
88
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,298
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,140
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Cornelius, NC year-round?
Residents of Cornelius enjoy mild winters with lows around 32°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F, along with 62% sunny days annually. The area receives about 44.6 inches of rainfall each year, creating a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities near Lake Norman.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Cornelius features strong household incomes with a median of nearly $98,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. The community is well-educated, with 58% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and enjoys a short average commute of just over 28 minutes, fostering a vibrant and prosperous local atmosphere.
Median Income:
$50,700
Household Income:
$97,800
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$57,200
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
5.9%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,630
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
57.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cornelius, NC?
Cornelius offers access to quality public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios around 16:1 and nearby colleges like Davidson College and UNC Charlotte providing higher education opportunities within a short drive. The high number of residents with bachelor’s degrees underscores the community’s emphasis on education.

Public Schools
Name:
Cornelius Elementary School
Street:
21126 Catawba Ave
Phone:
980-343-3905
Students:
755
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Bailey Middle School
Street:
11900 Bailey Rd
Phone:
980-343-1068
Students:
1,380
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7

Private Schools
Name:
Grace Covenant Academy
Street:
17301 Statesville Rd
Phone:
704-892-8005
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Davidson College
City:
Davidson
State:
NC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
UNC Charlotte
City:
Charlotte
State:
NC
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
30,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of insured residents at 91.6%. The area offers about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring convenient medical services and emergency care for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Address:
10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone:
(704) 316-4010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Atrium Health Lake Norman Community Hospital
Address:
171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone:
(704) 660-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cornelius, NC?
The Cornelius housing market is strong, with a median home price of $535,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 67%. Home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, and rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,700, reflecting steady demand in this desirable community.
Median Home Price:
$535,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Cornelius residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Charlotte. The DMV offers comprehensive services for licensing and vehicle registration, ensuring convenience for local drivers.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6016 Brookshire Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.