Market Watch- Charlotte RTP & Vacancy, Charlotte NC

Posted September 02, 2025 17:07

August 2025- Top RTP and Vacancy Zip Codes

Mecklenburg County (ZIPs 28213, 28216, 28269)

Population Surge: The county’s population grew from ~1.12 million in 2022 to ~1.13 million in 2023 (a ~1.4% increase) (Data USA). Between July 2023 and July 2024, approximately 30,000 new residents moved in (Charlotte Observer).
Mega Developments Fueling Growth- Just a few examples below:
- The River District: A massive 1,400-acre mixed-use project between the Catawba River and Charlotte Douglas Airport is underway. It will feature up to 2,350 multifamily units, 2,300 single-family homes, retail, offices, and more. NOVEL’s 318-unit complex leads the first wave of construction (Axios).
- Eastland Park: Set to break ground in spring 2025, this park (with dog-park, skate and spray-ground amenities) redevelops the old Eastland Mall site and will attract new residents and businesses when complete by late 2026 (Axios).
- Uptown Revitalizations: Large projects like the Brooklyn & Church block investment (retail + residential) signal renewed activity, despite some delays in nearby Brooklyn Village (Axios).

Gaston County (ZIP 28012)

Population Context: Gaston County's estimated population in 2024 stands at ~242,000, up from ~228,000 in 2020
Belmont (28012) will be a short drive from the upcoming River District and is also known for its historical southern charm in the Downtown Area!

Cabarrus County (ZIP 28083)

Population Booms: Projected growth from ~225,800 (2020) to ~275,800 by 2030 marks a dramatic +22% increase (NC OSBM). Cabarrus ranked among NC’s fastest-growing counties (≈14.8%) over recent years (Axios).
Kannapolis (28083)- The Kannapolis Train Station, will be vital with the continued growth in both Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County. This train connect Uptown Charlotte to Downtown Kannapolis in just 25 minutes!

Best Cash Flow Plays: ZIPs 28216 (6% vacancy, 14.52 RTP) and 28213/28269 deliver strong rent-to-price returns and are located amid transformative county developments.
Growth Catalysts: Mecklenburg’s massive infrastructure and mixed-use projects (examples, River District, Eastland Park) position the area for sustained appreciation and rental demand.
Emerging Suburban Markets: Gaston and Cabarrus counties are experiencing substantive population surges and shifting commuter dynamics, especially in ZIP 28083, which shows promising RTP and anticipated metro-spillover growth.