Demographics, Growth & Population Patterns in Knightdale, NC

Demographics, Growth & Population Patterns in Knightdale, NC

Knightdale’s growth over the last two decades has been striking. In 2010, the population was about 11,401, and by the 2020 Census it had grown to 19,435 — a surge that more than doubles the town in ten years.

That pace of expansion has profound consequences: for housing demand, infrastructure pressure, type of buyers moving in, and how planners and realtors strategize. In this article, we dig into Knightdale’s demographics, migration and growth trends, population forecasts, buyer profiles, and what all of that means for real estate development and opportunity.

Current Demographic Profile

Population & Households

• According to CensusReporter’s 5-year (2023) estimates, Knightdale has 19,532 residents. Census Reporter
  
  

• The town spans about 9.3 square miles, with a population density around 2,110 people per square mile. Census Reporter
  
  

• There are ~7,530 households in Knightdale (± margins of error) and the average household size is ~2.6 persons. Census Reporter
  
  

• Age breakdown:
  • Under 15 years: ~23.5% Point2Homes
  • 15 to 24: ~9.6% Point2Homes
  • 25 to 44: ~33.6% Point2Homes
  • 45 to 64: ~23.4% Point2Homes
  • 65 and over: ~9.8% Point2Homes
  
  

• Racial / ethnic composition:
  • White: ~36.3% Point2Homes
  • Black / African American: ~46.3% Point2Homes
  • Asian: ~3.6% Point2Homes
  • Two or more races: ~8.3% Point2Homes
  • Other / Hispanic / Latino: ~5.3% Point2Homes+1
  
  

• Educational attainment & income (latest census / ACS data):
  • Median household income: $91,638 Censo Dados
  • About 44.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Censo Dados+1
  • Employment / labor force: (From census profile) ~72.9% employment rate Censo Dados
  
  

Knightdale’s demographic profile is younger (median age ~34), family-oriented (many households with children), racially diverse, and relatively well-educated and moderately affluent compared to many peer towns.

Historical Growth & Trends

Growth Since 2000

• According to the town’s own demographics page, Knightdale’s population has more than doubled since 2000. Town of Knightdale, NC
  
  

• The 2010 Census pegged the population at 11,401; by 2020 it was 19,435 — a nearly 70% jump in a decade. Wikipedia+1
  
  

• Wikipedia notes that between 2010 and 2013, the town grew ~10.4%, making it among the fastest-growing communities in the Research Triangle region during that period. Wikipedia
  
  

• CityFacts shows that between 2000 and 2015 Knightdale’s population rose ~68.8%. city-facts.com
  
  

This magnitude of growth suggests a strong draw—likely cheaper housing relative to Raleigh, available land, new subdivisions, and infrastructure expansions drawing development.

More Recent Growth & Changes

• From 2022 to 2023, Knightdale’s population increased from 19,127 to 19,532 (~2.12% growth). Data USA
  
  

• According to World Population Review, Knightdale is estimated to have ~20,820 residents in 2025 and is growing at ~1.33% annually. World Population Review
  
  

• Neilsberg reports that in 2023 the population was 20,275, which they say was a 3.08% year-over-year gain from 2022. Neilsberg
  
  

• In zip-level forecast data for 27545 (which covers much of Knightdale), the population is projected to grow from 27,215 in 2020 to ~35,002 by 2025 (a ~28.6% increase). Aterio
  
  

These more recent estimates underscore continuing momentum, though growth rates seem more moderate than the explosive early years.

Projected Growth & Implications

Forecasts & Projections

• The zip code forecast (27545) sees a projected ~28.6% rise in population from 2020 to 2025. Aterio
  
  

• Some local demographic sources project 2025 Knightdale population ~21,522 (using ~3.1% annual growth). northcarolina-demographics.com
  
  

• Aterio’s models point to zip 27545 reaching 35,002 by 2025 and 38,201 by 2030. Aterio
  
  

If those trends hold, Knightdale needs to absorb thousands of new households in coming years—implying strong demand for new construction, townhomes, infrastructure, retail, and public services.

Impact on Real Estate & Services

• Housing demand: New subdivisions, infill, and increased density will be necessary to meet demand.
  
  

• Infrastructure stress: roads, utilities, schools, and municipal services will be pressured and will need expansion or upgrading.
  
  

• Shifting residential tastes: more demand for walkability, mixed-use, connectivity, and moderate-density housing.
  
  

• Commercial growth: as population density rises, retail, entertainment, and service-oriented businesses will follow.
  
  

• Speculative opportunities: land parcels previously considered fringe may gain premium value as corridors grow.
  
  

Developers and realtors must look not just at current demand, but where growth is predicted to concentrate.

Segmentation & Buyer Profiles

Based on demographic structure and growth patterns, Knightdale is attracting several buyer segments:

1. Young Families / Millennials
   Many households in the 25–44 age bracket (~33.6%) suggest demand for starter homes, three- to four-bedroom homes in safe neighborhoods, with access to good schools, parks, and family amenities.
   
   

2. Move-up / Established Professionals
   Those seeking larger homes, better finishes, or more land—especially as their incomes rise and children age.
   
   

3. Empty Nesters / Retirees
   Though smaller in share (~9.8% over 65), some may prefer lower-maintenance homes or downsizing within Knightdale to stay near friends and community.
   
   

4. Rental or investor-driven households
   With ~35.7% of housing units being renter-occupied in Knightdale (per census data) there is existing demand for rentals from younger professionals or those not yet ready to buy. Point2Homes
   
   

5. Relocators & commuters
   Those moving from Raleigh, Charlotte, or farther who see value in Knightdale’s balance of access and cost.
   
   

Because the age distribution skews relatively young, features such as good schools, connectivity, parks, and neighborhood amenities carry weight in buyer decisions.

How Demography Drives Real Estate Strategy

Understanding Knightdale’s demographic and growth dynamics should influence how developers, planners, and realtors make decisions:

• Site selection: Focus development along growth corridors and near planned roads or infrastructure expansions.
  
  

• Housing mix: Offer a variety of types—starter homes, townhomes, moderate-lot homes—to match different household sizes and budgets.
  
  

• Phased growth: Introduce newer phases as demand and infrastructure support increases.
  
  

• Amenity prioritization: Emphasize parks, trails, sidewalks, connectivity, and community gathering spaces to appeal to families.
  
  

• Resale and absorption modeling: Use demographic forecasts to gauge absorption rates and avoid oversupply too early.
  
  

• Targeted marketing: Tailor messaging to each buyer segment—young families, professionals, investers—highlighting what matters to them (schools, commute, growth).
  
  

• Monitoring population shifts: Track growth in specific subdivisions or ZIP areas to spot hot spots for future investment or listings.
  
  

Realtors who internalize demographic shifts become better at predicting which neighborhoods will outperform, pricing ahead of market, and advising clients on longer-term returns.

Realtors Using Demographic Insight

A data-savvy Realtor in Knightdale uses demographic and growth trends to sharpen their competitive edge:

• Market heat maps: overlay population growth, household formation rates, and new permits to prioritize neighborhoods.
  
  

• Predictive listing strategy: list or acquire in zones expected to see strong growth or appreciation (based on infrastructure or forecast models).
  
  

• Buyer counseling: help buyers see which neighborhoods may outperform long-term, or which areas may become more desirable.
  
  

• Value narrative construction: when marketing a listing, use growth forecasts and demographic momentum as part of the selling story (“This area is projected to grow 25% in the next decade”).
  
  

• Advising on land / lot purchases: suggest parcels that anticipate demographic-driven demand.
  
  

• Avoiding stagnation zones: detect areas where population growth is flat or in decline to reduce risk.
  
  

One of the key differentiators of a top-tier realtor is not just knowing comps today, but knowing where the demand will lie tomorrow.

Your Next Steps

Knightdale’s demographic story is one of transformation: from a small town of ~11,000 in 2010 to nearly 20,000+ by 2020, and continuing to grow steadily. The population is young, diverse, family-oriented, and increasingly mobile—creating the foundation for strong residential, commercial, and infrastructure demand.

For real estate, the implications are clear: supply must follow demand, but smart planning must lead supply. Neighborhoods with strategic access to roads, schools, amenities, and growth corridors will likely outperform. Realtors who can interpret demographics, forecasts, household formation trends, and buyer segmentation bring tangible value to clients.

Ready to discuss your real estate needs? Contact Be Sunshine Realty Group Brokered by EXP today for a confidential consultation. Call (919) 583-6895 or visit www.livinginraleighnow.com to connect with Raleigh Triangle's most trusted real estate team.