Bertie County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 85th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Bertie County, North Carolina is 17,482 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 85th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $45,931, the median home value is $95,800, and the median age is 45.9.
The population of Bertie County has declined 20.3% since 2010 (21,244 → 16,939), a -1.60% annualized rate.
17,482
Population
-1.60%
Annual growth
25
People / sq mi
$45,931
Median Income
$95,800
Median Home Value
Bertie County covers 699 sq mi of land at 25.0 people per square mile.
About Bertie County, NC
Housing cost is the defining feature of Bertie County: the median home is valued at $95,800. Bertie County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 17,482.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $45,931, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $95,800, with typical rent around $824.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Bertie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bertie County had a population of 21,244 in 2010 and 16,939 in 2024, a -20.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,244 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.59%.
16,939
Population (2024)
21,244
Population (2010)
21,244
Peak (2010)
-1.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,244 |
| 2011 | 20,855 |
| 2012 | 20,490 |
| 2013 | 20,325 |
| 2014 | 20,317 |
| 2015 | 20,167 |
| 2016 | 19,414 |
| 2017 | 19,246 |
| 2018 | 19,072 |
| 2019 | 18,962 |
| 2020 | 17,717 |
| 2021 | 17,234 |
| 2022 | 16,947 |
| 2023 | 17,013 |
| 2024 | 16,939 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 34.7% |
| Black or African American | 60.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.9
Median Age
48.2%
Female
51.8%
Male
24.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,931$-23,973 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,687 |
| Per-capita income | $27,082 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 39.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bertie County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
82.5%
Public transit
3.7%
Work from home
25.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$95,800$-163,600 vs state
Median home value
$824
Median rent
74.5%
Homeownership rate
8,988
Total housing units
78.1%
Occupied
21.9%
Vacant
25.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.8%
With health insurance
86.3%
With broadband internet
16.3%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
24.8%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.0%
High School+
17.8%
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
Bertie County, North Carolina has a population of 17,482 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 85th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 25 people per square mile.
The population of Bertie County has declined 20.3% since 2010 (21,244 → 16,939), a -1.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bertie County, North Carolina is $45,931, with mean (average) household income of $66,687 and per-capita income of $27,082. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bertie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (60.1%), White (34.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bertie County, North Carolina is 45.9 years. Residents are 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
The median home value in Bertie County is $95,800 and median monthly rent is $824. 74.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,988 total housing units, 21.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bertie County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Bertie County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
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.