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 skews on age — the median resident is 45.5, older than the national median. 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 typical household earns $55,401, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.1%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $174,000, with typical rent around $735.
18.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 6.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Caldwell County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Caldwell County, NC Climate
Caldwell County, NC has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1249 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1249
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 96 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 97 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 120 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 101 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 117 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 115 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 111 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 103 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 109 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 98 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 92 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 90 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Caldwell County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Caldwell County, NC are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Caldwell County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.