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
Bladen County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 29,591. It ranks #71 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 44.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in Bladen County is $44,528, below the US median of $74,580. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $125,800, with monthly rent averaging $752. The homeownership rate of 69.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bladen County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.9 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.