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
Chowan County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 13,814. It ranks #89 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Chowan County is $56,982, below the US median of $74,580. 17.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $204,400, with monthly rent averaging $766. The homeownership rate of 69.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chowan County reflects 24.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.3 minutes each way.
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
Metro areas in North Carolina
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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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.