Chatham County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Chatham County, North Carolina is 78,319 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $88,534, the median home value is $397,800, and the median age is 47.6.
The population of Chatham County has grown 31.4% since 2010 (63,845 → 83,874), a +1.97% annualized rate.
78,319
Population
+1.97%
Annual growth
115
People / sq mi
$88,534
Median Income
$397,800
Median Home Value
Chatham County covers 681 sq mi of land at 114.9 people per square mile.
About Chatham County, NC
What sets Chatham County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 20.1% versus 14.0% nationally. Chatham County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 78,319. It ranks #36 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $88,534, above the US median of $78,538. About 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $397,800, with typical rent around $1,066.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 48.0% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 20.1% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Chatham County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Chatham County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chatham County had a population of 63,845 in 2010 and 83,874 in 2024, a 31.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 83,874 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.97%.
83,874
Population (2024)
63,845
Population (2010)
83,874
Peak (2024)
1.97%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 63,845 |
| 2011 | 64,120 |
| 2012 | 64,551 |
| 2013 | 65,276 |
| 2014 | 66,708 |
| 2015 | 68,307 |
| 2016 | 69,680 |
| 2017 | 71,248 |
| 2018 | 73,171 |
| 2019 | 74,419 |
| 2020 | 76,662 |
| 2021 | 78,147 |
| 2022 | 80,080 |
| 2023 | 81,992 |
| 2024 | 83,874 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.5% |
| Black or African American | 10.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.6
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
25.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 25.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $88,534+$18,630 vs state |
| Mean household income | $131,980 |
| Per-capita income | $56,724 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chatham County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
71.2%
Public transit
20.1%
Work from home
27.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$397,800+$138,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,066
Median rent
80.4%
Homeownership rate
35,013
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
19.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
95.0%
With broadband internet
40.1%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
85.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.4%
High School+
48.0%
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
Chatham County, North Carolina has a population of 78,319 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 115 people per square mile.
The population of Chatham County has grown 31.4% since 2010 (63,845 → 83,874), a +1.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chatham County, North Carolina is $88,534, with mean (average) household income of $131,980 and per-capita income of $56,724. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chatham County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.5%), Black or African American (10.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chatham County, North Carolina is 47.6 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Chatham County is $397,800 and median monthly rent is $1,066. 80.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 35,013 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chatham County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Chatham 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.