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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 146 people per square mile. With 71,962 residents, Franklin County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #37 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Households take in a median $71,386, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. About 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $240,900, with typical rent around $988.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Franklin County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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.
Franklin County, NC Climate
Franklin County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1151 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1151
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 97 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 88 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 105 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 78 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 105 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 93 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 113 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 119 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 89 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 81 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 79 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Franklin County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Franklin County, NC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Franklin County
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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.