Columbus County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Columbus County, North Carolina is 50,453 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $48,184, the median home value is $128,300, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Columbus County has declined 13.7% since 2010 (57,997 → 50,054), a -1.05% annualized rate.
50,453
Population
-1.05%
Annual growth
54
People / sq mi
$48,184
Median Income
$128,300
Median Home Value
Columbus County covers 938 sq mi of land at 53.8 people per square mile.
About Columbus County, NC
Among US counties, Columbus County stands out first on household income: a median of $48,184, below the US median of $78,538. Columbus County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 50,453.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,184, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.9%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $128,300, with typical rent around $775.
College attainment is 15.1%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Columbus County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbus County had a population of 57,997 in 2010 and 50,054 in 2024, a -13.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 57,997 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.02%.
50,054
Population (2024)
57,997
Population (2010)
57,997
Peak (2010)
-1.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 57,997 |
| 2011 | 57,710 |
| 2012 | 57,546 |
| 2013 | 57,099 |
| 2014 | 56,906 |
| 2015 | 56,698 |
| 2016 | 56,324 |
| 2017 | 56,000 |
| 2018 | 55,764 |
| 2019 | 55,452 |
| 2020 | 50,475 |
| 2021 | 50,004 |
| 2022 | 50,027 |
| 2023 | 50,140 |
| 2024 | 50,054 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.2% |
| Black or African American | 28.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,184$-21,720 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,614 |
| Per-capita income | $26,755 |
| Poverty rate | 15.9%+6.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbus County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
84.9%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
28.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$128,300$-131,100 vs state
Median home value
$775
Median rent
72.3%
Homeownership rate
23,560
Total housing units
81.6%
Occupied
18.4%
Vacant
27.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.4%
With health insurance
89.4%
With broadband internet
20.9%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.5%
High School+
15.1%
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
Columbus County, North Carolina has a population of 50,453 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 54 people per square mile.
The population of Columbus County has declined 13.7% since 2010 (57,997 → 50,054), a -1.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbus County, North Carolina is $48,184, with mean (average) household income of $66,614 and per-capita income of $26,755. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbus County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (60.2%), Black or African American (28.7%), Hispanic or Latino (5.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbus County, North Carolina is 42.4 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Columbus County is $128,300 and median monthly rent is $775. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 23,560 total housing units, 18.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbus County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Columbus County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
More from North Carolina
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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.