Whether it's Charlotte, NC, known as the Queen City, or Fort Worth, TX, also known as Cowtown, both cities offer rewarding living experiences with rich history, dynamic industries, and diverse culture. People considering relocating or tourists visiting for a while will find a slew of unique factors in both cities, from differences in tax structures to the presence of major companies offering plenty of job opportunities. These elements, along with crime rates, weather, education, real estate, and healthcare among other features, add to the nuance of these two cities, ultimately making them both unique in their own right.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Fort Worth, TX : 959.7 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 6%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
Charlotte's crime rate tends to be higher than Fort Worth's, although like in any city, crime varies significantly by neighborhood. Fort Worth has been investing heavily in community policing, which has contributed to its comparative safety. Visitors and potential residents should still exercise caution and research the crime rates in specific neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both Charlotte and Fort Worth is relatively comparable, but Fort Worth is marginally cheaper overall. This is largely due to Texas's lack of state income tax and the generally lower cost of housing in Fort Worth.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. In contrast, Texas does not levy a state income tax, which can make Fort Worth more attractive for people with high incomes.
Property Tax
Property tax rates differ as well. Charlotte has a rate of about 1.13%, while Fort Worth's rate is about 2.17%.
Sales Tax
North Carolina has a state sales tax of 4.75%, with an additional local tax that brings Charlotte's total to 7.25%. Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25%, with additional local taxes bringing Fort Worth's total sales tax to 8.25%.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$68,235
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$34,106
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
95.4
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $51,180 in Fort Worth to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte is in the humid subtropical region, surrounded by rolling hills. Conversely, Fort Worth is part of the Cross Timbers region, where the more humid eastern U.S. meets the drier Great Plains, creating a unique blend of landscapes.
Both cities have robust education systems, with numerous well-rated schools. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is the second largest in North Carolina, while Fort Worth is served by the Fort Worth Independent School District. High-quality higher education offerings exist in both cities, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Charlotte's economy is heavily influenced by the banking and financial sector, with companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo maintaining major operations. Meanwhile, Fort Worth has a diverse economy with strong sectors in aviation, healthcare, and technology. Its central location makes it a transportation and logistics hub, with access to other major cities in Texas.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, the biggest employers are healthcare and finance giants like Atrium Health, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. In Fort Worth, American Airlines, Lockheed Martin and the local school district are the largest employers.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
2020
66.8%
49.3%
31.6%
49.1%
1.6%
1.6%
2016
62.3%
43.2%
32.9%
51.8%
4.8%
5.0%
2012
60.8%
41.4%
38.3%
57.1%
0.9%
1.4%
2008
62.0%
43.8%
37.6%
55.5%
0.5%
0.7%
2004
51.7%
37.0%
48.0%
62.5%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.4%
36.9%
51.1%
60.9%
0.5%
2.3%
1996
48.6%
41.6%
45.9%
50.9%
5.5%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
17.3%
19.0%
33.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
11.1%
1.8%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.0%
1.1%
0.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.3%
1.3%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.3%
1.8%
0.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.1%
1.9%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
0.9%
0.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
2.2%
1.2%
0.9%
Weather
Charlotte experiences the four seasons, with chilly winters and hot, humid summers. Fort Worth, on the other hand, has a warmer climate overall, with very hot summers, mild winters, and less annual rainfall than Charlotte. Both cities can experience severe weather, with Charlotte sometimes impacted by hurricanes and Fort Worth sometimes experiencing tornadoes.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Temperature - Average
61°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
34.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
82.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
35 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
54%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Fort Worth
2018
75
67
0.24
N/A
6.3
5.8
27.8
27.1
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.2
N/A
2017
77
67
0.25
N/A
7.0
6.2
28.0
27.2
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
8.8
N/A
0.2
N/A
2016
82
56
0.25
N/A
7.6
6.3
28.7
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.2
N/A
2015
76
61
0.25
N/A
8.1
6.5
27.6
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.2
N/A
2014
76
56
0.26
0.22
8.5
6.8
26.3
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.3
N/A
2013
71
64
0.29
0.25
8.4
6.4
25.5
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.3
N/A
2012
95
87
0.28
0.26
8.7
7.8
27.3
30.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
0.3
N/A
2011
94
79
0.34
0.23
10.1
7.9
28.9
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
N/A
0.6
N/A
2010
97
70
0.33
0.23
11.8
8.5
28.0
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
N/A
1.0
N/A
2009
82
81
0.30
0.25
10.0
8.7
25.4
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
N/A
0.9
N/A
2008
102
69
0.32
0.25
11.2
9.6
27.6
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
2.1
N/A
2007
108
75
0.37
0.30
13.9
10.6
29.1
24.6
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.0
N/A
2006
107
90
0.44
0.34
13.9
10.2
27.3
29.7
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
N/A
3.3
N/A
2005
109
102
0.53
0.34
14.6
10.9
30.6
28.4
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
11.3
2.7
0.9
2004
89
78
0.53
0.39
14.6
10.6
28.9
25.4
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
N/A
2003
85
82
0.57
0.40
15.6
11.1
27.6
27.2
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
2002
103
94
0.63
0.37
15.3
11.8
32.6
25.8
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
N/A
2001
108
16
0.72
0.48
17.5
N/A
32.3
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
N/A
2000
107
17
0.79
0.55
18.0
N/A
32.6
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
249.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
562.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
23%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems as well as international airports. Charlotte has a light rail system, while Fort Worth offers a commuter rail service connecting to Dallas. Traffic can be heavy in both cities, particularly during rush hours.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
439
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Bicycle
0.1%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
0.4%
Carpooled
8.7%
11%
Car alone
86.2%
85.8%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Average
29.6 min
28.5 min
Other means
24.9 min
25.3 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
87.6%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
1.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Charlotte are on the rise, but still more affordable compared to other major US cities. Fort Worth offers an even lower cost of housing, making it an attractive option for potential residents.
Neighborhoods
From the bustling Uptown of Charlotte with its numerous amenities to Fort Worth's historic Stockyards District with its Old West charm, both cities offer a diverse selection of neighborhoods catering to various lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Houses
393,631
361,341
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.8
Median year apartment built
1998
1991
Median year house/condo built
1993
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
334,286 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
185,197 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
149,089 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,068
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,328
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$288,576
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$249,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$279,885
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$337,081
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$298,062
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$58,470
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$279,957
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$279,281
Median house age
26
29
Renting percentage
42.6%
40.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
1,235.2
House value disparities
33.3%
31.8%
Household income disparities
44.1%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$106,170
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$72,147
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
2,986 (2.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
3,696 (3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
121,099 (97.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
66 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
5,171 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Fort Worth
One, detached
52.7%
65.4%
One, attached
9.1%
2.9%
Two
0.9%
1.6%
3 or 4
2.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.8%
10 to 19
9.5%
6.5%
20 to 49
6.2%
4.6%
50 or more
10.3%
7.0%
Mobile homes
1.4%
2.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
27,257
State government workers
16,519
8,587
Unpaid family workers
1,214
392
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Charlotte include finance, healthcare, and energy, while in Fort Worth, oil and gas, aviation, and technology play key roles. Charlotte is also increasingly attracting tech companies, while Fort Worth sees continuous expansion in logistics and manufacturing.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare, housing several top-rated hospitals. The Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center is Charlotte's lead medical provider, while John Peter Smith Hospital is one of the top healthcare providers in Fort Worth.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte is known for its impressive skyline and rapidly growing metropolitan area, while Fort Worth offers a mix of modern development with historic architecture. Both cities invest in transportation, with extensive road networks, public transit systems, and major airports.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Fort Worth
Hospitals
37
76
TV stations
16
25
Arenas or stadiums
3
7
Bank branches located here
202
175
Bank institutions located here
26
42
Main business address for public companies
33
24
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Fort Worth
1999
3,049
3,575
2000
1,568
2,473
2001
1,382
2,109
2002
1,275
1,701
2003
1,879
2,183
2004
2,415
3,202
2005
3,078
4,261
2006
3,864
4,161
2007
3,106
2,871
2008
1,287
1,256
2009
617
585
Culture and Food
Charlotte boasts a vibrant arts scene, with a renowned performing arts community. Its culinary scene is diverse, with barbecue being a local favorite. Fort Worth embraces its western heritage, with rodeos and cowboy culture, and its Tex-Mex and barbecue are standards in the culinary world.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Charlotte brings the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA), while Fort Worth is home to numerous professional sports teams including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA).
Charlotte, NC
Fort Worth, TX
Charlotte, NC and 
Fort Worth, TX : 959.7 miles
