Forsyth County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Forsyth County, North Carolina is 386,740 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $65,541, the median home value is $227,800, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Forsyth County has grown 13.3% since 2010 (351,378 → 398,143), a +0.90% annualized rate.
386,740
Population
+0.90%
Annual growth
948
People / sq mi
$65,541
Median Income
$227,800
Median Home Value
Forsyth County covers 408 sq mi of land at 947.8 people per square mile.
About Forsyth County, NC
Forsyth County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 386,740. It ranks #4 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 38.3, in line with the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Forsyth County is $65,541, below the US median of $74,580. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $227,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,046. The homeownership rate of 62.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Forsyth County reflects 36.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.
Forsyth County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Forsyth County had a population of 351,378 in 2010 and 398,143 in 2024, a 13.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 398,143 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.90%.
398,143
Population (2024)
351,378
Population (2010)
398,143
Peak (2024)
0.90%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 351,378 |
| 2011 | 354,545 |
| 2012 | 357,644 |
| 2013 | 360,677 |
| 2014 | 364,555 |
| 2015 | 367,516 |
| 2016 | 371,437 |
| 2017 | 375,901 |
| 2018 | 379,196 |
| 2019 | 382,118 |
| 2020 | 382,634 |
| 2021 | 385,753 |
| 2022 | 389,519 |
| 2023 | 393,835 |
| 2024 | 398,143 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 58.2% |
| Black or African American | 25.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
16.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,541$-4,363 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,850 |
| Per-capita income | $37,375 |
| Poverty rate | 9.9%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Forsyth County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
12.6%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$227,800$-31,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,046
Median rent
62.7%
Homeownership rate
173,220
Total housing units
89.9%
Occupied
10.1%
Vacant
37.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.5%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
33.2%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
84.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
36.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Forsyth County, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Forsyth County, North Carolina has a population of 386,740 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 948 people per square mile.
The population of Forsyth County has grown 13.3% since 2010 (351,378 → 398,143), a +0.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Forsyth County, North Carolina is $65,541, with mean (average) household income of $90,850 and per-capita income of $37,375. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Forsyth County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (58.2%), Black or African American (25.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Forsyth County, North Carolina is 38.3 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Forsyth County is $227,800 and median monthly rent is $1,046. 62.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 173,220 total housing units, 10.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Forsyth County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Forsyth 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.