Catawba County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Catawba County, North Carolina is 162,051 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $64,544, the median home value is $218,100, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Catawba County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (154,758 → 167,054), a +0.55% annualized rate.
162,051
Population
+0.55%
Annual growth
404
People / sq mi
$64,544
Median Income
$218,100
Median Home Value
Catawba County covers 401 sq mi of land at 403.7 people per square mile.
About Catawba County, NC
What distinguishes Catawba County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 404 people per square mile. Catawba County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 162,051. It ranks #18 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,544, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $218,100, with typical rent around $891.
Roughly 24.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Catawba County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Catawba County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Catawba County had a population of 154,758 in 2010 and 167,054 in 2024, a 7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 167,054 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.55%.
167,054
Population (2024)
154,758
Population (2010)
167,054
Peak (2024)
0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 154,758 |
| 2011 | 154,501 |
| 2012 | 154,739 |
| 2013 | 155,024 |
| 2014 | 155,157 |
| 2015 | 155,607 |
| 2016 | 156,517 |
| 2017 | 157,822 |
| 2018 | 158,521 |
| 2019 | 159,363 |
| 2020 | 160,889 |
| 2021 | 161,682 |
| 2022 | 163,286 |
| 2023 | 164,955 |
| 2024 | 167,054 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.8% |
| Black or African American | 8.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,544$-5,360 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,768 |
| Per-capita income | $36,025 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Catawba County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$218,100$-41,300 vs state
Median home value
$891
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
72,028
Total housing units
90.5%
Occupied
9.5%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
27.6%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
87.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.5%
High School+
24.9%
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
Catawba County, North Carolina has a population of 162,051 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 404 people per square mile.
The population of Catawba County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (154,758 → 167,054), a +0.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Catawba County, North Carolina is $64,544, with mean (average) household income of $87,768 and per-capita income of $36,025. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Catawba County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.8%), Black or African American (8.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Catawba County, North Carolina is 41.8 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Catawba County is $218,100 and median monthly rent is $891. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 72,028 total housing units, 9.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Catawba County, North Carolina is manufacturing, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Catawba County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Catawba County, NC Climate
Catawba County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.6°C (58°F) and receives about 1202 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.6°C
Avg Temp
1202
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 98 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 99 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 119 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 85 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 108 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 112 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 105 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 103 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 91 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 86 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 94 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 Catawba County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Catawba County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Catawba County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.