Families in Cary earn a median $135,132 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $649,600. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $1,800,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Cary by the numbers
- Median household income
- $135,132Higher than the North Carolina median of $73,958
- Typical home value
- $649,600Higher than the North Carolina median of $333,000
- Homes owned
- 69%67% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 33%74,460 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 16%Median age 43
- Veterans
- 6,1174.3% of adults
Living in Cary
Cary is the 7th largest city in North Carolina, with 181,838 residents and a median age of 43. That is older than the state as a whole, which is one reason final expense comes up a lot here.
The median household here earns $135,132, above the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 4.8 times that income.
Compared with nearby Raleigh (11 miles away), homes in Cary are worth more ($649,600 vs $450,300), and more households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is health care, at 9.6% of workers. Health care workers on shifts and contracts can lose group coverage between jobs.
Who works in Cary
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in Cary
67% of owned homes in Cary still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
33% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
16% of people in Cary are 65 or older, lower than the North Carolina rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 6,117 veterans live in Cary. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Cary
About 29,500 people in Cary are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in North Carolina
North Carolina rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 31 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $300,000 in death benefits
- Help line: North Carolina Department of Insurance, 855-408-1212
Common questions in Cary
How much life insurance do I need in Cary?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Cary's median household income of $135,132 and a typical home value of $649,600, that lands near $1,800,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Cary without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in North Carolina?
Yes. An agent must hold a North Carolina license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212.
What does a funeral cost near Cary?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in Cary must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects North Carolina policyholders up to $300,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near Cary
Raleigh (11 mi), Durham (14 mi), Fayetteville (49 mi), Greensboro (60 mi), High Point (67 mi), Winston-Salem (83 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Cary, NC. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
