Chowan County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 89th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Chowan County, North Carolina is 13,814 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 89th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $56,982, the median home value is $204,400, and the median age is 47.9.
The population of Chowan County has declined 5.7% since 2010 (14,737 → 13,891), a -0.42% annualized rate.
13,814
Population
-0.42%
Annual growth
80
People / sq mi
$56,982
Median Income
$204,400
Median Home Value
Chowan County covers 173 sq mi of land at 80.0 people per square mile.
About Chowan County, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Chowan County from the typical county: 17.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Chowan County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 13,814.
The typical household here earns about $56,982, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.5%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $204,400, with typical rent around $766.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Chowan County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Chowan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chowan County had a population of 14,737 in 2010 and 13,891 in 2024, a -5.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,805 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.42%.
13,891
Population (2024)
14,737
Population (2010)
14,805
Peak (2011)
-0.42%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,737 |
| 2011 | 14,805 |
| 2012 | 14,696 |
| 2013 | 14,669 |
| 2014 | 14,504 |
| 2015 | 14,251 |
| 2016 | 14,209 |
| 2017 | 14,015 |
| 2018 | 14,019 |
| 2019 | 13,917 |
| 2020 | 13,707 |
| 2021 | 13,769 |
| 2022 | 13,921 |
| 2023 | 13,894 |
| 2024 | 13,891 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.2% |
| Black or African American | 33.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.9
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,982$-12,922 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,492 |
| Per-capita income | $33,974 |
| Poverty rate | 17.5%+8.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chowan County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
29.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$204,400$-55,000 vs state
Median home value
$766
Median rent
69.7%
Homeownership rate
7,169
Total housing units
83.5%
Occupied
16.5%
Vacant
30.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
91.1%
With broadband internet
35.5%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.4%
High School+
24.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chowan County, North Carolina has a population of 13,814 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 89th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 80 people per square mile.
The population of Chowan County has declined 5.7% since 2010 (14,737 → 13,891), a -0.42% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chowan County, North Carolina is $56,982, with mean (average) household income of $76,492 and per-capita income of $33,974. 17.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chowan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (60.2%), Black or African American (33.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chowan County, North Carolina is 47.9 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Chowan County is $204,400 and median monthly rent is $766. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,169 total housing units, 16.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chowan County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Chowan 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.