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
Columbus County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 50,453. It ranks #51 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 42.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Columbus County is $48,184, below the US median of $74,580. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $128,300, with monthly rent averaging $775. The homeownership rate of 72.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Columbus County reflects 15.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.2 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.