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.
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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.