What are the best cities for a franchise in North Carolina?

The top-rated areas for franchises in North Carolina are ZIP 27502 (score: 100/100), ZIP 28104 (score: 100/100), ZIP 28075 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing business competition.

What makes a good franchise location?

A strong franchise location combines high foot traffic (walkability), solid median income (customer spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does North Carolina compare to other states for franchises?

North Carolina averages 100/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Franchise Costs in North Carolina

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Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and franchise businesses competition.

The top markets here average $139,738 in household income. ZIP 27502 leads at 100, $137,088 median income, zero existing franchise businesses.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income
#1	ZIP 27502 Pop. 47 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$137,088
#2	ZIP 28104 Pop. 36 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$129,775
#3	ZIP 28075 Pop. 22 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$140,739
#4	ZIP 28036 Pop. 22 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$144,920
#5	ZIP 27513 Pop. 47 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$119,458
#6	ZIP 27614 Pop. 33 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,258
#7	ZIP 27613 Pop. 44 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$119,362
#8	ZIP 27608 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$155,433
#9	ZIP 27517 Pop. 29 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$124,821
#10	ZIP 27518 Pop. 19 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,242
#11	ZIP 27587 Pop. 82 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$125,607
#12	ZIP 27519 Pop. 68 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$159,414
#13	ZIP 27571 Pop. 8.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$129,340
#14	ZIP 27562 Pop. 5 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$168,804
#15	ZIP 27540 Pop. 46 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$125,681
#16	ZIP 27539 Pop. 26 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$140,121
#17	ZIP 27523 Pop. 18 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,401
#18	ZIP 28173 Pop. 64 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$146,196
#19	ZIP 27310 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$149,743
#20	ZIP 28207 Pop. 9.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$212,348

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across North Carolina, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $139,738 in household income. The common thread: franchise demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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