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 is a county in North Carolina with a population of 100,170. It ranks #29 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The median household income in Cleveland County is $55,769, below the US median of $74,580. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $180,200, with monthly rent averaging $835. The homeownership rate of 70.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cleveland County reflects 21.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.1 minutes each way.
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.
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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.