Situated along Lake Norman with easy access to Charlotte and surrounding Lake Norman communities, Cornelius blends scenic waterfront living with an emerging downtown experience. Old Town Cornelius is evolving into a walkable, pedestrian-focused core with new public spaces, art and cultural anchors, and a long-range vision to make downtown a regional destination. This ongoing revitalization strengthens the town’s identity while preserving its history and small-town feel.
Cornelius is defined by its close connection to Lake Norman, with marinas, waterfront parks, and established lake communities that shape daily life. Easy access to the water supports everything from boating and paddleboarding to quiet mornings by the shoreline.
Cornelius is also investing in a more walkable, connected downtown through its long-term vision for Old Town. New public spaces, mixed-use development, and cultural anchors like the Cain Center are creating a town center designed for gathering, dining, and community life. Photo cred. Visit Lake Norman
Cain Art Center
The town’s cultural hub, featuring live performances, gallery space, and community programs that bring creativity and energy to Old Town. Photo Cred: Visit Lake Norman
Antiquity Community
A charming community center that connects residential homes with greenways, shops, dining & located at the evolving Old Town Cornelius center.
Jetton Park
A waterfront park along Lake Norman with walking paths, large shaded playground, beach, and beautiful lake views, ideal for everyday outdoor time and relaxed gatherings.
31,021 people live in Cornelius, where the median age is 45.4 and the average individual income is $82,210. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Cornelius, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Cookies with an Accent, Winestore, and CoCo Couture.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.73 miles | 17 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.45 miles | 18 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.56 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.38 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.32 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.77 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.67 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.73 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.11 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Cornelius has 13,088 households, with an average household size of 2.37. 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. 31,021 people call Cornelius home. The population density is 2,219.05 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
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White Collar: