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Goldsboro, NC Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,148

Population

36,602

Renter Mix

60% Rent

Enjoy the best of suburban and rural living

Suburban Rural Military-Friendly

Goldsboro has been shaping eastern North Carolina for well over a century, growing from a key railroad hub into a city with deep military roots and a strong civic identity. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base anchors much of the local economy, bringing steady activity and a close-knit energy to the area. Wayne Community College serves as an important educational resource, giving residents access to workforce training and continuing education without having to travel far. Downtown Goldsboro has seen steady reinvestment, with historic storefronts and arts initiatives breathing new life into the core of the city. Neighborhoods range from quiet, tree-lined streets of older homes near the historic district to newer subdivisions on the city's edges, offering a range of settings for different lifestyles. The rental market reflects that variety, with options spanning traditional single-family homes, brick townhomes, and established apartment communities featuring spacious floor plans at accessible price points compared to larger metros. Wayne County's surrounding landscape keeps the pace of life grounded, while the city's continued growth signals real momentum. Goldsboro rewards those who look past the surface, offering a sense of place that is genuinely its own.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$38,922

Average: $58,048

Education

7,346

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

13,894

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

37 Years

Largest Age Group

25-34 Years

Approximately 16% of Residents

Under 20

25%

Over 65

20%

Housing Distribution

Goldsboro has more renters than homeowners.

Renters
60%
Non-Renters
40%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
15%
Other Education
85%

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Goldsboro, NC is $1,314 for a studio, $1,148 for one bedroom, $1,152 for two bedrooms, and $1,319 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Goldsboro has increased by 1.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,148/month
656 Sq Ft
House
$1,469/month
881 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Goldsboro, NC

Learn More About Goldsboro

Getting Around

Fairly Walkable

Walkability

50 / 100

Very Drivable

Drivability

80 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

Grantham School

Public

Grades K-5

459 Students

Spring Creek Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

829 Students

Spring Creek Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

829 Students

Meadow Lane Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

692 Students

Meadow Lane Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

682 Students

Rosewood Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

322 Students

Rosewood Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

308 Students

Greenwood Middle

Public

Grades K-8

413 Students

Greenwood Middle School

Public

Grades K-8

396 Students

Wayne Preparatory Academy

Public

Grades K-12

1,015 Students

Wayne Early / Middle College High

Public

Grades 9-12

228 Students

Rosewood High

Public

Grades 9-12

469 Students

Rosewood High School

Public

Grades 9-12

455 Students

Wayne Preparatory Academy

Public

Grades K-12

1,015 Students

Eastern Wayne High School

Public

Grades 9-12

748 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Goldsboro

Houses for Rent in Goldsboro

Living in Goldsboro

History

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Goldsboro's historic downtown reflects its railroad origins, with renovated warehouses and commercial buildings that now house shops and restaurants. The city's connection to transportation history remains visible along Center Street, where late 19th and early 20th-century architecture lines the blocks. Several historic districts showcase Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, offering a glimpse into the architectural styles that shaped the area's residential character.

Old Waynesboroguh Park provides an immersive look at regional history through restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. Aviation enthusiasts can explore the area's military heritage at local museums that highlight the role of nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Throughout the year, heritage events and walking tours invite residents to connect with the layers of history that continue to define the community's character and streetscapes.

Transportation

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Goldsboro is a car-dependent city where most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. US-70 and US-117 are the primary corridors connecting the city to Raleigh, Wilson, and other nearby communities. Wayne Executive Jetport serves the area for regional air travel, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has a significant presence on the city's eastern edge. Goldsboro Transit provides local bus service for those who prefer public transportation. Sidewalks are available in many neighborhoods, though biking infrastructure remains limited, making a car the most practical option for daily errands and commuting.

Parks

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Goldsboro offers a variety of parks and green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. Herman Park is a local favorite, featuring a public pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking paths. The Goldsboro Greenway provides miles of scenic trails ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling along natural corridors throughout the city. Stoney Creek Park offers additional open space for recreation and relaxation. Nature lovers will also appreciate the proximity to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, located about 15 miles away, where hiking trails, a swimming lake, camping, and stunning riverside bluffs along the Neuse River create an exceptional outdoor retreat.

Highlights

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Goldsboro, NC is anchored by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, a major economic and cultural driver that gives the city a strong sense of mission and community pride. Downtown Goldsboro offers historic charm, local dining, and arts venues, while its central location in Wayne County keeps residents connected to both Raleigh and the broader eastern North Carolina region.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.