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Population Review

Davidson County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Davidson County, North Carolina is 171,063 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $62,426, the median home value is $200,100, and the median age is 42.3.

The population of Davidson County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (162,841 → 177,809), a +0.63% annualized rate.

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

171,063

Population

+0.63%

Annual growth

309

People / sq mi

$62,426

Median Income

$200,100

Median Home Value

Davidson County covers 553 sq mi of land at 309.3 people per square mile.

About Davidson County, NC

Davidson County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 309 people per square mile. With 171,063 residents, Davidson County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #17 among counties in North Carolina by population.

The typical household here earns about $62,426, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $200,100, with typical rent around $863.

20.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 8.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Davidson County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Davidson County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Davidson County had a population of 162,841 in 2010 and 177,809 in 2024, a 9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 177,809 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.

2024 · 178K20102024
Davidson County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

177,809

Population (2024)

162,841

Population (2010)

177,809

Peak (2024)

0.63%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010162,841
2011162,934
2012163,064
2013163,337
2014163,437
2015163,548
2016164,497
2017165,489
2018166,726
2019168,238
2020169,050
2021170,580
2022172,443
2023174,887
2024177,809

Race & Ethnicity

White79.1%
Black or African American9.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

42.3

Median Age

50.8%

Female

49.2%

Male

18.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
5.8%
10–14
6.5%
15–19
6.1%
20–24
5.6%
25–34
12.0%
35–44
11.9%
45–54
13.6%
55–59
7.4%
60–64
7.1%
65–74
11.0%
75–84
5.7%
85+
1.9%

Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$62,426$-7,478 vs state
Mean household income$80,838
Per-capita income$32,759
Poverty rate10.6%+1.2% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population56.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.3%
Manufacturing
17.4%
Finance & real estate
8.5%
Construction
8.3%
Retail trade
7.5%
Education & health care
6.6%
Information
6.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.3%

The largest employment sector in Davidson County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.3% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

0.9%

Carpool

79.7%

Public transit

8.8%

Work from home

24.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$200,100$-59,300 vs state

Median home value

$863

Median rent

73.5%

Homeownership rate

75,615

Total housing units

90.6%

Occupied

9.4%

Vacant

26.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

89.6%

With health insurance

93.6%

With broadband internet

23.6%

Foreign-born

7.4%

Veterans (18+)

15.4%

With a disability

91.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

87.7%

High School+

20.7%

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

Davidson County, North Carolina has a population of 171,063 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 309 people per square mile.

The population of Davidson County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (162,841 → 177,809), a +0.63% annualized rate.

The median household income in Davidson County, North Carolina is $62,426, with mean (average) household income of $80,838 and per-capita income of $32,759. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Davidson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.1%), Black or African American (9.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Davidson County, North Carolina is 42.3 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.

The median home value in Davidson County is $200,100 and median monthly rent is $863. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 75,615 total housing units, 9.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Davidson County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Davidson 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.