Morganton, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Morganton, North Carolina is 17,541 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $49,434, the median home value is $208,300, and the median age is 38.5.
The population has grown 5.9% since 2010 (16,825 → 17,825).
17,541
Population
912
People / sq mi
$49,434
Median Income
$208,300
Median Home Value
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Morganton covers 19.2 sq mi of land at 912 people per square mile.
About Morganton, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Morganton from the typical city: 24.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 17,541 residents, Morganton is a city in North Carolina.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $49,434, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 24.3%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $208,300, with typical rent around $909.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 23.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Morganton: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Morganton city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Morganton city had a population of 16,825 in 2010 and 17,825 in 2024, a 5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,825 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.43%.
17,825
Population (2024)
16,825
Population (2010)
17,825
Peak (2024)
0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,825 |
| 2011 | 16,782 |
| 2012 | 16,673 |
| 2013 | 16,537 |
| 2014 | 16,486 |
| 2015 | 16,426 |
| 2016 | 16,410 |
| 2017 | 16,522 |
| 2018 | 16,550 |
| 2019 | 16,577 |
| 2020 | 17,510 |
| 2021 | 17,432 |
| 2022 | 17,761 |
| 2023 | 17,710 |
| 2024 | 17,825 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.1% |
| Black or African American | 13.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$49,434
Median Household Income
$26,668
Per Capita Income
24.3%
Poverty Rate
2.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$208,300
Median Home Value
$909
Median Rent
51.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
76.9%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
75.9%
Public Transit
6.8%
Work From Home
19.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.2%
Foreign Born
77.1%
Non-English at Home
4.5%
Veterans
18.5%
With Disability
80.7%
Health Insurance
94.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.0% |
| Manufacturing | 23.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 8.7% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 3.9% |
| Information | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.2% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Morganton, North Carolina has a population of 17,541 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Morganton, North Carolina is $49,434, with 24.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Morganton, North Carolina is $208,300, with median monthly rent at $909 and a homeownership rate of 51.8%.
The median age in Morganton, North Carolina is 38.5 years. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The population has grown 5.9% since 2010 (16,825 → 17,825).
Where to stay in Morganton
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.