Graham County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 98th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Graham County, North Carolina is 8,041 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 98th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $49,038, the median home value is $155,800, and the median age is 45.5.
The population of Graham County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (8,866 → 8,179), a -0.57% annualized rate.
8,041
Population
-0.57%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$49,038
Median Income
$155,800
Median Home Value
Graham County covers 292 sq mi of land at 27.5 people per square mile.
About Graham County, NC
Graham County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 8,041. It ranks #98 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 45.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Graham County is $49,038, below the US median of $74,580. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $155,800, with monthly rent averaging $581. The homeownership rate of 80.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Graham County reflects 16.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 1.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.4 minutes each way.
Graham County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Graham County had a population of 8,866 in 2010 and 8,179 in 2024, a -7.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,866 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.56%.
8,179
Population (2024)
8,866
Population (2010)
8,866
Peak (2010)
-0.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,866 |
| 2011 | 8,809 |
| 2012 | 8,703 |
| 2013 | 8,713 |
| 2014 | 8,617 |
| 2015 | 8,587 |
| 2016 | 8,540 |
| 2017 | 8,529 |
| 2018 | 8,490 |
| 2019 | 8,470 |
| 2020 | 8,039 |
| 2021 | 8,009 |
| 2022 | 8,052 |
| 2023 | 8,079 |
| 2024 | 8,179 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
24.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 24.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,038$-20,866 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,550 |
| Per-capita income | $28,875 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Graham County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
1.3%
Work from home
22.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,800$-103,600 vs state
Median home value
$581
Median rent
80.8%
Homeownership rate
5,244
Total housing units
63.2%
Occupied
36.8%
Vacant
19.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.3%
With health insurance
86.6%
With broadband internet
25.3%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
18.8%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.8%
High School+
16.8%
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
Graham County, North Carolina has a population of 8,041 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 98th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Graham County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (8,866 → 8,179), a -0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Graham County, North Carolina is $49,038, with mean (average) household income of $68,550 and per-capita income of $28,875. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Graham County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.2%), Hispanic or Latino (9.9%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Graham County, North Carolina is 45.5 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Graham County is $155,800 and median monthly rent is $581. 80.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,244 total housing units, 36.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Graham County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Graham 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.