Gates County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 96th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Gates County, North Carolina is 10,437 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 96th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $61,612, the median home value is $163,900, and the median age is 47.7.
The population of Gates County has declined 15.3% since 2010 (12,165 → 10,299), a -1.18% annualized rate.
10,437
Population
-1.18%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$61,612
Median Income
$163,900
Median Home Value
Gates County covers 341 sq mi of land at 30.6 people per square mile.
About Gates County, NC
Gates County is defined demographically by education — 10.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Gates County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 10,437.
Median household income is $61,612, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $163,900, with typical rent around $940.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 10.8%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 41 minutes each way.
Gates County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Gates County had a population of 12,165 in 2010 and 10,299 in 2024, a -15.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,165 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.15%.
10,299
Population (2024)
12,165
Population (2010)
12,165
Peak (2010)
-1.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,165 |
| 2011 | 12,043 |
| 2012 | 11,888 |
| 2013 | 11,700 |
| 2014 | 11,632 |
| 2015 | 11,530 |
| 2016 | 11,570 |
| 2017 | 11,502 |
| 2018 | 11,524 |
| 2019 | 11,536 |
| 2020 | 10,450 |
| 2021 | 10,404 |
| 2022 | 10,373 |
| 2023 | 10,354 |
| 2024 | 10,299 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.5% |
| Black or African American | 31.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.7
Median Age
52.3%
Female
47.7%
Male
22.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,612$-8,292 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,701 |
| Per-capita income | $31,342 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Gates County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.3%
Carpool
85.4%
Public transit
3.3%
Work from home
40.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$163,900$-95,500 vs state
Median home value
$940
Median rent
82.3%
Homeownership rate
4,809
Total housing units
87.7%
Occupied
12.3%
Vacant
17.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
52.3%
Foreign-born
11.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.2%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
10.8%
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
Gates County, North Carolina has a population of 10,437 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 96th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Gates County has declined 15.3% since 2010 (12,165 → 10,299), a -1.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Gates County, North Carolina is $61,612, with mean (average) household income of $72,701 and per-capita income of $31,342. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Gates County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.5%), Black or African American (31.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Gates County, North Carolina is 47.7 years. Residents are 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
The median home value in Gates County is $163,900 and median monthly rent is $940. 82.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,809 total housing units, 12.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Gates County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Gates County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Gates County, NC Climate
Gates County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C (59°F) and receives about 1225 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.2°C
Avg Temp
1225
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 104 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 83 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 106 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 109 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 137 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 132 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 107 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 92 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 74 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 86 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 Gates County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Gates County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Gates County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.