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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 29,197. It ranks #72 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 53.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Cherokee County is $51,496, below the US median of $74,580. 9.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $208,700, with monthly rent averaging $800. The homeownership rate of 83.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cherokee County reflects 24.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
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.
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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.