Skip to main content
Population Review

Cabarrus County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Cabarrus County, North Carolina is 231,262 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $86,084, the median home value is $318,600, and the median age is 37.7.

The population of Cabarrus County has grown 37.2% since 2010 (178,564 → 244,925), a +2.28% annualized rate.

Cabarrus County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

231,262

Population

+2.28%

Annual growth

640

People / sq mi

$86,084

Median Income

$318,600

Median Home Value

Cabarrus County covers 361 sq mi of land at 640.2 people per square mile.

About Cabarrus County, NC

Cabarrus County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 231,262. It ranks #10 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 37.7, younger than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

The median household income in Cabarrus County is $86,084, above the US median of $74,580. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $318,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,303. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Cabarrus County reflects 37.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.0 minutes each way.

Cabarrus County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Cabarrus County had a population of 178,564 in 2010 and 244,925 in 2024, a 37.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 244,925 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.29%.

2024 · 245K20102024

244,925

Population (2024)

178,564

Population (2010)

244,925

Peak (2024)

2.29%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010178,564
2011181,187
2012184,358
2013187,265
2014191,737
2015196,483
2016201,737
2017206,987
2018211,483
2019216,340
2020227,235
2021231,821
2022236,078
2023240,608
2024244,925

Race & Ethnicity

White61.9%
Black or African American18.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.7

Median Age

50.9%

Female

49.1%

Male

13.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.1%
5–9
6.8%
10–14
7.7%
15–19
7.2%
20–24
5.7%
25–34
12.6%
35–44
14.6%
45–54
14.1%
55–59
6.3%
60–64
5.5%
65–74
8.2%
75–84
3.7%
85+
1.5%

Children (under 15): 20.6% · Seniors (65+): 13.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$86,084+$16,180 vs state
Mean household income$112,035
Per-capita income$40,652
Poverty rate6.3%-3.1% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population64.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.6%
Finance & real estate
11.8%
Information
10.9%
Education & health care
9.2%
Manufacturing
9.0%
Construction
6.7%
Retail trade
6.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.1%

The largest employment sector in Cabarrus County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.6%

Drive alone

0.6%

Carpool

73.5%

Public transit

15.8%

Work from home

28.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$318,600+$59,200 vs state

Median home value

$1,303

Median rent

72.1%

Homeownership rate

91,339

Total housing units

88.0%

Occupied

12.0%

Vacant

27.9%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

92.2%

With health insurance

95.8%

With broadband internet

38.6%

Foreign-born

6.6%

Veterans (18+)

10.7%

With a disability

84.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

91.8%

High School+

37.7%

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

Cabarrus County, North Carolina has a population of 231,262 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 640 people per square mile.

The population of Cabarrus County has grown 37.2% since 2010 (178,564 → 244,925), a +2.28% annualized rate.

The median household income in Cabarrus County, North Carolina is $86,084, with mean (average) household income of $112,035 and per-capita income of $40,652. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Cabarrus County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.9%), Black or African American (18.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Cabarrus County, North Carolina is 37.7 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.

The median home value in Cabarrus County is $318,600 and median monthly rent is $1,303. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 91,339 total housing units, 12.0% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Cabarrus County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Cabarrus County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.