Cherokee County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Cherokee County, North Carolina is 29,197 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $51,496, the median home value is $208,700, and the median age is 53.3.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 10.7% since 2010 (27,435 → 30,373), a +0.73% annualized rate.
29,197
Population
+0.73%
Annual growth
64
People / sq mi
$51,496
Median Income
$208,700
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 456 sq mi of land at 64.1 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, NC
Cherokee County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 60.9% of the population. Cherokee County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 29,197.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,496, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $208,700, with typical rent around $800.
Roughly 24.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Cherokee County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 27,435 in 2010 and 30,373 in 2024, a 10.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 30,373 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.73%.
30,373
Population (2024)
27,435
Population (2010)
30,373
Peak (2024)
0.73%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,435 |
| 2011 | 27,185 |
| 2012 | 27,044 |
| 2013 | 27,139 |
| 2014 | 27,093 |
| 2015 | 27,126 |
| 2016 | 27,860 |
| 2017 | 28,000 |
| 2018 | 28,425 |
| 2019 | 28,708 |
| 2020 | 28,864 |
| 2021 | 29,188 |
| 2022 | 29,431 |
| 2023 | 29,952 |
| 2024 | 30,373 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.2% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
53.3
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
31.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.5% · Seniors (65+): 31.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,496$-18,408 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,671 |
| Per-capita income | $30,800 |
| Poverty rate | 9.3%-0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$208,700$-50,700 vs state
Median home value
$800
Median rent
83.6%
Homeownership rate
18,182
Total housing units
71.7%
Occupied
28.3%
Vacant
16.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.2%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
60.9%
Foreign-born
11.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
24.2%
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
Cherokee County, North Carolina has a population of 29,197 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 64 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 10.7% since 2010 (27,435 → 30,373), a +0.73% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, North Carolina is $51,496, with mean (average) household income of $67,671 and per-capita income of $30,800. 9.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Black or African American (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, North Carolina is 53.3 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $208,700 and median monthly rent is $800. 83.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,182 total housing units, 28.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Cherokee County, NC Climate
Cherokee County, NC has an average annual temperature of 13.2°C (56°F) and receives about 1509 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.2°C
Avg Temp
1509
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 142 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 138 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 161 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 123 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 127 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 115 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 140 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 123 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 89 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 116 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 131 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 Cherokee County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Cherokee County, NC are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cherokee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.