Raleigh Population 2026
Raleigh has a population of 482,295, making it the #39 biggest city in 🇺🇸 United States, located in North Carolina. Roughly 0.1% of United States's population lives here. It is about 18× smaller than New York City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
482,295
Rank in United States
#39
Coordinates
35.77°N, 78.64°W
~96 m elevation · America/New_York
Distance to capital (Washington)
375 km
233 miles, straight line
Other big cities in North Carolina
| City | Population | Rank in United States |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 911,311 | #15 |
| Greensboro | 285,342 | #71 |
| Durham | 257,636 | #83 |
| Winston-Salem | 241,218 | #90 |
| Fayetteville | 201,963 | #119 |
| Cary | 159,769 | #166 |
| Wilmington | 115,933 | #255 |
| High Point | 110,268 | #279 |
Cities near Raleigh
- Cary159,769 people · ~13 km away
- Apex45,585 people · ~20 km away
- Clayton19,304 people · ~21 km away
- Holly Springs31,377 people · ~22 km away
- Wake Forest38,199 people · ~26 km away
- Durham257,636 people · ~34 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Raleigh?
Raleigh has a population of 482,295 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #39 biggest city in United States.
What state is Raleigh in?
Raleigh is located in North Carolina, United States.
Is Raleigh the capital of United States?
No, the capital of United States is Washington D.C., about 375 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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