Alexander County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Alexander County, North Carolina is 36,440 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $65,268, the median home value is $190,000, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Alexander County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (37,232 → 36,693), a -0.10% annualized rate.
36,440
Population
-0.10%
Annual growth
140
People / sq mi
$65,268
Median Income
$190,000
Median Home Value
Alexander County covers 260 sq mi of land at 140.2 people per square mile.
About Alexander County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Alexander County: 81.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Alexander County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 36,440.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,268 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $190,000, with typical rent around $745.
College attainment is 15.4%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Alexander County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Alexander County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alexander County had a population of 37,232 in 2010 and 36,693 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,417 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
36,693
Population (2024)
37,232
Population (2010)
37,417
Peak (2019)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 37,232 |
| 2011 | 37,029 |
| 2012 | 36,926 |
| 2013 | 37,016 |
| 2014 | 36,993 |
| 2015 | 36,960 |
| 2016 | 37,120 |
| 2017 | 37,105 |
| 2018 | 37,272 |
| 2019 | 37,417 |
| 2020 | 36,410 |
| 2021 | 36,292 |
| 2022 | 36,237 |
| 2023 | 36,427 |
| 2024 | 36,693 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,268$-4,636 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,266 |
| Per-capita income | $32,565 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alexander County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
84.1%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
27.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$190,000$-69,400 vs state
Median home value
$745
Median rent
81.7%
Homeownership rate
16,126
Total housing units
86.2%
Occupied
13.8%
Vacant
18.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.2%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
24.0%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
93.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.6%
High School+
15.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Alexander County, North Carolina has a population of 36,440 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 140 people per square mile.
The population of Alexander County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (37,232 → 36,693), a -0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alexander County, North Carolina is $65,268, with mean (average) household income of $82,266 and per-capita income of $32,565. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alexander County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.3%), Black or African American (4.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alexander County, North Carolina is 43.8 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Alexander County is $190,000 and median monthly rent is $745. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,126 total housing units, 13.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alexander County, North Carolina is manufacturing, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Alexander County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Alexander County, NC Climate
Alexander County, NC has an average annual temperature of 13.8°C (57°F) and receives about 1245 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.8°C
Avg Temp
1245
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 94 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 98 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 119 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 95 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 115 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 117 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 110 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 107 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 108 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 100 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 90 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 92 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Alexander County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Alexander County, NC are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Alexander County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.