Franklin County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Franklin County, North Carolina is 71,962 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $71,386, the median home value is $240,900, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Franklin County has grown 31.1% since 2010 (60,835 → 79,771), a +1.95% annualized rate.
71,962
Population
+1.95%
Annual growth
146
People / sq mi
$71,386
Median Income
$240,900
Median Home Value
Franklin County covers 492 sq mi of land at 146.3 people per square mile.
About Franklin County, NC
Franklin County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 71,962. It ranks #37 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 40.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Franklin County is $71,386, near the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $240,900, with monthly rent averaging $988. The homeownership rate of 78.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Franklin County reflects 24.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.4 minutes each way.
Franklin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Franklin County had a population of 60,835 in 2010 and 79,771 in 2024, a 31.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 79,771 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.96%.
79,771
Population (2024)
60,835
Population (2010)
79,771
Peak (2024)
1.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 60,835 |
| 2011 | 60,945 |
| 2012 | 61,405 |
| 2013 | 62,078 |
| 2014 | 62,694 |
| 2015 | 63,667 |
| 2016 | 64,681 |
| 2017 | 66,175 |
| 2018 | 67,646 |
| 2019 | 69,775 |
| 2020 | 69,028 |
| 2021 | 71,712 |
| 2022 | 74,326 |
| 2023 | 77,092 |
| 2024 | 79,771 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.0% |
| Black or African American | 23.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
17.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 17.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,386+$1,482 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,392 |
| Per-capita income | $33,957 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%-2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Franklin County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
34.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$240,900$-18,500 vs state
Median home value
$988
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
30,790
Total housing units
89.1%
Occupied
10.9%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.2%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
33.4%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
91.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.7%
High School+
24.4%
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
Franklin County, North Carolina has a population of 71,962 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 146 people per square mile.
The population of Franklin County has grown 31.1% since 2010 (60,835 → 79,771), a +1.95% annualized rate.
The median household income in Franklin County, North Carolina is $71,386, with mean (average) household income of $87,392 and per-capita income of $33,957. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Franklin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.0%), Black or African American (23.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Franklin County, North Carolina is 40.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Franklin County is $240,900 and median monthly rent is $988. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,790 total housing units, 10.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Franklin County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Franklin 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.