Caldwell County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Caldwell County, North Carolina is 80,618 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $55,401, the median home value is $174,000, and the median age is 45.5.
The population of Caldwell County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (83,025 → 80,739), a -0.20% annualized rate.
80,618
Population
-0.20%
Annual growth
171
People / sq mi
$55,401
Median Income
$174,000
Median Home Value
Caldwell County covers 472 sq mi of land at 170.8 people per square mile.
About Caldwell County, NC
Caldwell County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 80,618. It ranks #34 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 45.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Caldwell County is $55,401, below the US median of $74,580. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $174,000, with monthly rent averaging $735. The homeownership rate of 74.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Caldwell County reflects 18.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.8 minutes each way.
Caldwell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Caldwell County had a population of 83,025 in 2010 and 80,739 in 2024, a -2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 83,025 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
80,739
Population (2024)
83,025
Population (2010)
83,025
Peak (2010)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 83,025 |
| 2011 | 82,460 |
| 2012 | 82,094 |
| 2013 | 82,067 |
| 2014 | 81,698 |
| 2015 | 81,554 |
| 2016 | 81,829 |
| 2017 | 81,961 |
| 2018 | 82,116 |
| 2019 | 82,275 |
| 2020 | 80,584 |
| 2021 | 80,518 |
| 2022 | 80,259 |
| 2023 | 80,579 |
| 2024 | 80,739 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.6% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
21.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,401$-14,503 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,139 |
| Per-capita income | $30,811 |
| Poverty rate | 10.1%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Caldwell County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
26.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$174,000$-85,400 vs state
Median home value
$735
Median rent
74.0%
Homeownership rate
37,231
Total housing units
88.0%
Occupied
12.0%
Vacant
26.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.7%
With health insurance
88.3%
With broadband internet
20.8%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
93.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.8%
High School+
18.6%
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
Caldwell County, North Carolina has a population of 80,618 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 171 people per square mile.
The population of Caldwell County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (83,025 → 80,739), a -0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in Caldwell County, North Carolina is $55,401, with mean (average) household income of $73,139 and per-capita income of $30,811. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Caldwell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.6%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Caldwell County, North Carolina is 45.5 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Caldwell County is $174,000 and median monthly rent is $735. 74.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 37,231 total housing units, 12.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Caldwell County, North Carolina is manufacturing, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Caldwell 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.