Smallest Cities in North Carolina

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

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All Countries · United States · North Carolina

Smallest Cities — North Carolina

1 Sawmills 5,027

2 Ayden 5,035

3 Archer Lodge 5,036

4 Westport 5,079

5 Whispering Pines 5,081

6 Williamston 5,157

7 Cramerton 5,376

8 Wrightsboro 5,434

9 Bessemer City 5,508

10 Locust 5,529

11 Moyock 5,669

12 Nashville 5,672

13 Angier 5,746

14 Walkertown 5,793

15 Northchase 5,879

16 Barbecue 5,933

17 Stokesdale 5,943

18 Hamlet 6,000

19 Mocksville 6,001

20 Dallas 6,012

21 Swannanoa 6,043

22 Briar Chapel 6,084

23 Cherryville 6,154

24 Boiling Spring Lakes 6,206

25 Silver Lake 6,242

26 East Flat Rock 6,468

27 Marvin 6,542

28 Selma 6,611

29 Carolina Beach 6,665

30 Unionville 6,826

31 St. James 6,901

32 Trinity 7,066

33 Porters Neck 7,102

34 Mills River 7,214

35 Cullowhee 7,300

36 King 7,345

37 Forest City 7,368

38 Marion 7,594

39 Oak Ridge 7,660

40 Kill Devil Hills 7,727

41 Etowah 7,765

42 Half Moon 7,780

43 Brevard 7,795

44 Siler City 7,905

45 Woodfin 7,957

46 Zebulon 7,961

47 Butner 7,996

48 Fletcher 8,022

49 Roxboro 8,144

50 Clinton 8,336

51 Ogden 8,363

52 Black Mountain 8,462

53 Conover 8,491

54 Dunn 8,512

55 Oak Island 8,888

56 Oxford 8,897

57 Wesley Chapel 8,923

58 Aberdeen 8,969

59 Kings Grant 9,061

60 Rockingham 9,094

61 Hampstead 9,129

62 Gibsonville 9,289

63 Lake Norman of Catawba 9,308

64 St. Stephens 9,409

65 Hillsborough 9,656

66 Morehead City 9,696

67 Washington 9,754

68 Rolesville 10,200

69 Waynesville 10,408

70 Winterville 10,624

71 Mount Airy 10,631

72 Tarboro 10,705

73 Pineville 10,780

74 Summerfield 11,031

75 Spout Springs 11,073

76 Elon 11,325

77 Kings Mountain 11,472

78 Lincolnton 11,503

79 Wendell 11,585

80 Spring Lake 11,613

81 Smithfield 11,798

82 Archdale 11,992

83 Myrtle Grove 12,404

84 Lake Norman of Iredell 12,496

85 Newton 13,223

86 Weddington 13,468

87 Lewisville 13,655

88 Anderson Creek 14,021

89 Piney Green 14,205

90 Reidsville 14,547

91 Davidson 14,852

92 Henderson 14,922

93 Roanoke Rapids 15,024

94 Laurinburg 15,079

95 Belmont 15,140

96 Hendersonville 15,253

97 Eden 15,353

98 Southern Pines 16,052

99 Havelock 16,471

100 Stallings 16,495

The smallest cities in North Carolina (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Sawmills has a population of just 5,027. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

1. At 5,027 residents, Sawmills is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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