Cornelius

Cornelius

Overview for Cornelius, NC

32,009 people live in Cornelius, where the median age is 44.8 and the average individual income is $81,937. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

32,009

Total Population

44.8 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$81,937

Average individual Income

 

Cornelius, NC Neighborhood Guide

A comprehensive look at the waterfront lifestyle, diverse communities, and amenities that make Cornelius one of Lake Norman’s most desirable towns.

Why Live in Cornelius?

Located just 20 miles north of Charlotte, Cornelius offers over 50 miles of shoreline, making it a haven for boaters, anglers, and sunset chasers. But beyond the lake, it’s a town of distinct neighborhoods—from exclusive country clubs to walkable "new urban" villages—anchored by top-rated schools and a vibrant local culture.

Lake Lifestyle

Direct access to Lake Norman with multiple marinas, public boat ramps, and waterfront parks like Jetton and Ramsey Creek.

Diverse Housing

A mix of housing options ranging from affordable condos and townhomes to multi-million dollar waterfront estates.

Vibrant Culture

Home to the Cain Center for the Arts, breweries, and a dining scene that rivals downtown Charlotte.

Neighborhood Spotlight

Cornelius offers a community for every lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods you need to know.

Luxury & Waterfront Living

Country Club & Golf

The Peninsula

The crown jewel of Cornelius, The Peninsula is a resort-style community surrounded by Lake Norman on three sides. It features a Reese Jones-designed golf course, the Peninsula Yacht Club, and luxurious custom estates.

  • Vibe: Exclusive, active, social.
  • Homes: $900k - $5M+.
  • Best For: Golfers, boaters, and luxury seekers.
View Location
Waterfront Enclave

100 Norman Place

A hidden gem for those seeking deep-water access without the sprawling size of The Peninsula. This intimate community features stunning waterfront homes, many with private docks, and offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere.

  • Vibe: Private, serene, nautical.
  • Homes: $1M - $3M+.
  • Best For: Serious boaters wanting privacy.
View Location

Walkable & Community-Focused

New Urbanism

Antiquity

A charming "new urban" village designed for walkability. Covered front porches, colorful row houses, and a town center with Harris Teeter, shops, and a covered bridge connecting to Davidson make this a unique find.

  • Vibe: Social, pedestrian-friendly, charming.
  • Homes: Townhomes & Single Family ($400k - $800k).
  • Best For: People who want to walk to everything.
View Location
Upscale Nature

Robbins Park

Adjacent to Birkdale Village, Robbins Park is known for its high-end custom homes by builders like Classica. The neighborhood emphasizes nature, with direct connections to greenways, walking trails, and a beautiful community pond.

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, nature-oriented, connected.
  • Homes: $800k - $1.5M.
  • Best For: Luxury buyers who want greenway access.
View Location

Family Favorites

Active Lifestyle

Jetton Cove

Located directly across from Jetton Village shopping center, this neighborhood offers unmatched convenience. Residents can walk to the grocery store, restaurants, and are just steps away from the entrance to the stunning 104-acre Jetton Park.

  • Vibe: Convenient, established, friendly.
  • Homes: $500k - $900k.
  • Best For: Families valuing parks and convenience.
View Location
Value & Location

Oakhurst

Close to downtown Cornelius, Oakhurst offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Its clubhouse, pool, and playground make it a social hub, and its price point is often more accessible than waterfront communities.

  • Vibe: Traditional, community-centric, accessible.
  • Homes: $350k - $700k.
  • Best For: First-time buyers and young families.
View Location

Life in Cornelius

Parks & Recreation

Cornelius is home to some of the best parks in Mecklenburg County.

Dining & Shopping

You don't need to drive to Charlotte for a great meal.

  • Waterfront Dining: Enjoy sunset views at Port City Club or Hello, Sailor.
  • Jetton Village: Boutique shopping, grocery, and cafes right in the heart of town.
  • Birkdale Village: Just minutes away, offering an open-air main street with national brands and a movie theater.

The Real Estate Market

Cornelius is a highly desirable market. Inventory is often tight, especially for waterfront homes. Prices have remained stable and competitive due to the high quality of life.

  • Median Price: ~$520,000
  • Waterfront: $1.5M+
  • Days on Market: ~40 Days

Schools & Commute

Cornelius is served by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System (CMS), featuring highly-rated schools like W.A. Hough High School, Bailey Middle, and J.V. Washam Elementary.

Commuting to Charlotte:

  • Drive: Approx. 25-35 minutes via I-77 (Express Lanes recommended).
  • Public Transit: CATS Express Bus service is available from the Cornelius Park & Ride.

Ready to Find Your Home in Cornelius?

Whether you are looking for a luxury waterfront estate in The Peninsula or a charming townhome in Antiquity, having a local expert is key.

Contact Katie Doig View Cornelius Listings

Search Homes

Around Cornelius, NC

There's plenty to do around Cornelius, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

30
Car-Dependent
Walking Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Cookies with an Accent, CoCo Couture, and Harmonious Birth.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.05 miles 17 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 0.8 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.78 miles 22 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.39 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.45 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.39 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Cornelius, NC

Cornelius has 13,618 households, with an average household size of 2.35. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Cornelius do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 32,009 people call Cornelius home. The population density is 2,528.97 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

32,009

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

44.8

Median Age

47.05 / 52.95%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
13,618

Total Households

2.35

Average Household Size

$81,937

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Cornelius, NC

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Cornelius. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Work With Katie

Relocating? Curious About Selling? Connect with Katie today.