Cleveland County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Cleveland County, North Carolina is 100,170 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $55,769, the median home value is $180,200, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Cleveland County has grown 4.4% since 2010 (97,922 → 102,194), a +0.31% annualized rate.
100,170
Population
+0.31%
Annual growth
216
People / sq mi
$55,769
Median Income
$180,200
Median Home Value
Cleveland County covers 464 sq mi of land at 215.8 people per square mile.
About Cleveland County, NC
Cleveland County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 216 people per square mile. With 100,170 residents, Cleveland County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #29 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,769, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.2%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $180,200, with typical rent around $835.
Roughly 21.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Cleveland County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Cleveland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cleveland County had a population of 97,922 in 2010 and 102,194 in 2024, a 4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 102,194 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.31%.
102,194
Population (2024)
97,922
Population (2010)
102,194
Peak (2024)
0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 97,922 |
| 2011 | 97,452 |
| 2012 | 97,332 |
| 2013 | 96,893 |
| 2014 | 97,030 |
| 2015 | 96,881 |
| 2016 | 97,037 |
| 2017 | 97,198 |
| 2018 | 97,593 |
| 2019 | 97,964 |
| 2020 | 99,945 |
| 2021 | 100,485 |
| 2022 | 100,771 |
| 2023 | 101,561 |
| 2024 | 102,194 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.5% |
| Black or African American | 18.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,769$-14,135 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,411 |
| Per-capita income | $29,849 |
| Poverty rate | 13.2%+3.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cleveland County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
82.2%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
25.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$180,200$-79,200 vs state
Median home value
$835
Median rent
70.7%
Homeownership rate
43,999
Total housing units
84.6%
Occupied
15.4%
Vacant
29.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.6%
With health insurance
89.9%
With broadband internet
22.4%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.5%
High School+
21.1%
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
Cleveland County, North Carolina has a population of 100,170 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 216 people per square mile.
The population of Cleveland County has grown 4.4% since 2010 (97,922 → 102,194), a +0.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cleveland County, North Carolina is $55,769, with mean (average) household income of $75,411 and per-capita income of $29,849. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cleveland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.5%), Black or African American (18.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cleveland County, North Carolina is 41.2 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Cleveland County is $180,200 and median monthly rent is $835. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 43,999 total housing units, 15.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cleveland County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Cleveland County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Cleveland County, NC Climate
Cleveland County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1242 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1242
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 103 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 104 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 125 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 86 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 111 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 115 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 107 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 110 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 99 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 92 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 90 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 100 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 Cleveland County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Cleveland County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cleveland County
Visiting or relocating to Cleveland County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Cleveland County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Cleveland County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Cleveland County, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 1,130,906
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
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.