Bladen County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 71st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Bladen County, North Carolina is 29,591 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 71st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $44,528, the median home value is $125,800, and the median age is 44.8.
The population of Bladen County has declined 15.4% since 2010 (35,178 → 29,777), a -1.18% annualized rate.
29,591
Population
-1.18%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$44,528
Median Income
$125,800
Median Home Value
Bladen County covers 875 sq mi of land at 33.8 people per square mile.
About Bladen County, NC
Among US counties, Bladen County stands out first on household income: a median of $44,528, below the US median of $78,538. With 29,591 residents, Bladen County is a county in North Carolina.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $44,528, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.4%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $125,800, with typical rent around $752.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.2%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
Bladen County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bladen County had a population of 35,178 in 2010 and 29,777 in 2024, a -15.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 35,178 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.15%.
29,777
Population (2024)
35,178
Population (2010)
35,178
Peak (2010)
-1.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,178 |
| 2011 | 34,877 |
| 2012 | 34,805 |
| 2013 | 34,621 |
| 2014 | 34,365 |
| 2015 | 34,090 |
| 2016 | 33,657 |
| 2017 | 33,446 |
| 2018 | 33,169 |
| 2019 | 32,864 |
| 2020 | 29,630 |
| 2021 | 29,552 |
| 2022 | 29,365 |
| 2023 | 29,505 |
| 2024 | 29,777 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 54.9% |
| Black or African American | 33.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.8
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,528$-25,376 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,507 |
| Per-capita income | $28,970 |
| Poverty rate | 17.4%+8.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bladen County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$125,800$-133,600 vs state
Median home value
$752
Median rent
69.8%
Homeownership rate
15,272
Total housing units
76.2%
Occupied
23.8%
Vacant
30.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
18.8%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.5%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
20.6%
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
Bladen County, North Carolina has a population of 29,591 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 71st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Bladen County has declined 15.4% since 2010 (35,178 → 29,777), a -1.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bladen County, North Carolina is $44,528, with mean (average) household income of $66,507 and per-capita income of $28,970. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bladen County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (54.9%), Black or African American (33.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bladen County, North Carolina is 44.8 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Bladen County is $125,800 and median monthly rent is $752. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,272 total housing units, 23.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bladen County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Bladen 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.