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Population Review

Cumberland County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Cumberland County, North Carolina is 336,749 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $58,780, the median home value is $183,700, and the median age is 31.8.

The population of Cumberland County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (327,247 → 338,430), a +0.24% annualized rate.

Cumberland County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

336,749

Population

+0.24%

Annual growth

516

People / sq mi

$58,780

Median Income

$183,700

Median Home Value

Cumberland County covers 653 sq mi of land at 516.0 people per square mile.

About Cumberland County, NC

Age is the most distinctive thing about Cumberland County: a median age of 31.8, younger than the national median. With 336,749 residents, Cumberland County is a county in North Carolina. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in North Carolina in the country, at #5 by population.

The typical household here earns about $58,780, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.7%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $183,700, with typical rent around $1,156.

College attainment is above the local norm at 27.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

Cumberland County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Cumberland County had a population of 327,247 in 2010 and 338,430 in 2024, a 3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 339,623 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.24%.

2021 · 340K20102024
Cumberland County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

338,430

Population (2024)

327,247

Population (2010)

339,623

Peak (2021)

0.24%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010327,247
2011330,625
2012330,161
2013333,253
2014332,680
2015331,598
2016333,723
2017331,702
2018334,495
2019336,524
2020337,195
2021339,623
2022339,068
2023338,411
2024338,430

Race & Ethnicity

White43.9%
Black or African American37.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.6%
Two or More Races0.1%

Age & Sex

31.8

Median Age

50.3%

Female

49.7%

Male

12.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
7.4%
5–9
7.1%
10–14
6.8%
15–19
6.8%
20–24
9.7%
25–34
16.7%
35–44
12.3%
45–54
10.1%
55–59
5.4%
60–64
5.0%
65–74
7.7%
75–84
3.6%
85+
1.4%

Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 12.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$58,780$-11,124 vs state
Mean household income$76,492
Per-capita income$31,206
Poverty rate13.7%+4.3% vs state
Unemployment rate4.0%
Employment-to-population48.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.0%
Education & health care
10.7%
Finance & real estate
9.9%
Manufacturing
8.7%
Public administration
7.1%
Construction
6.2%
Retail trade
5.8%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.1%

The largest employment sector in Cumberland County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.0% of workers.

How residents commute

0.4%

Drive alone

5.0%

Carpool

76.7%

Public transit

6.5%

Work from home

21.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$183,700$-75,700 vs state

Median home value

$1,156

Median rent

53.7%

Homeownership rate

143,184

Total housing units

89.5%

Occupied

10.5%

Vacant

46.3%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

89.6%

With health insurance

93.9%

With broadband internet

44.4%

Foreign-born

18.1%

Veterans (18+)

16.9%

With a disability

87.8%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.6%

High School+

27.2%

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

Cumberland County, North Carolina has a population of 336,749 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 516 people per square mile.

The population of Cumberland County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (327,247 → 338,430), a +0.24% annualized rate.

The median household income in Cumberland County, North Carolina is $58,780, with mean (average) household income of $76,492 and per-capita income of $31,206. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Cumberland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (43.9%), Black or African American (37.3%), Hispanic or Latino (3.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Cumberland County, North Carolina is 31.8 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

The median home value in Cumberland County is $183,700 and median monthly rent is $1,156. 53.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 143,184 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Cumberland County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Cumberland County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.