Skip to main content
Population Review

Greene County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Greene County, North Carolina is 20,421 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,904, the median home value is $114,000, and the median age is 39.6.

The population of Greene County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (21,257 → 20,671), a -0.20% annualized rate.

Greene County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

20,421

Population

-0.20%

Annual growth

77

People / sq mi

$50,904

Median Income

$114,000

Median Home Value

Greene County covers 267 sq mi of land at 76.6 people per square mile.

About Greene County, NC

Greene County is defined demographically by education — 12.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Greene County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 20,421.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,904, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $114,000, with typical rent around $845.

Greene County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.2% — below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.

Greene County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Greene County had a population of 21,257 in 2010 and 20,671 in 2024, a -2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,518 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.19%.

2011 · 22K20102024
Greene County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

20,671

Population (2024)

21,257

Population (2010)

21,518

Peak (2011)

-0.19%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201021,257
201121,518
201221,198
201321,017
201421,016
201520,952
201621,087
201720,965
201821,041
201920,915
202020,438
202120,263
202220,415
202320,644
202420,671

Race & Ethnicity

White49.3%
Black or African American32.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

39.6

Median Age

42.5%

Female

57.5%

Male

16.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
5.5%
10–14
5.2%
15–19
6.7%
20–24
6.6%
25–34
14.0%
35–44
14.4%
45–54
12.5%
55–59
6.9%
60–64
6.6%
65–74
10.5%
75–84
5.1%
85+
1.3%

Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 16.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$50,904$-19,000 vs state
Mean household income$60,861
Per-capita income$22,474
Poverty rate16.4%+7.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.8%
Employment-to-population47.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.4%
Manufacturing
14.8%
Construction
9.7%
Education & health care
8.2%
Public administration
6.5%
Agriculture
6.1%
Retail trade
6.0%
Finance & real estate
5.9%

The largest employment sector in Greene County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

0.6%

Carpool

87.8%

Public transit

3.7%

Work from home

26.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$114,000$-145,400 vs state

Median home value

$845

Median rent

65.3%

Homeownership rate

7,909

Total housing units

86.4%

Occupied

13.6%

Vacant

34.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

84.2%

With health insurance

90.7%

With broadband internet

16.4%

Foreign-born

5.1%

Veterans (18+)

19.6%

With a disability

85.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

77.8%

High School+

12.2%

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

Greene County, North Carolina has a population of 20,421 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 77 people per square mile.

The population of Greene County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (21,257 → 20,671), a -0.20% annualized rate.

The median household income in Greene County, North Carolina is $50,904, with mean (average) household income of $60,861 and per-capita income of $22,474. 16.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Greene County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (49.3%), Black or African American (32.2%), Hispanic or Latino (4.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Greene County, North Carolina is 39.6 years. Residents are 42.5% female and 57.5% male.

The median home value in Greene County is $114,000 and median monthly rent is $845. 65.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,909 total housing units, 13.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Greene County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Greene County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.


Greene County, NC Climate

Greene County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F) and receives about 1242 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

16°C

Avg Temp

1242

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-5°5°15°25°35°137mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Greene County, NC — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January5° / 41°109 mm
February7° / 44°90 mm
March11° / 52°107 mm
April16° / 60°84 mm
May20° / 68°102 mm
June24° / 75°110 mm
July26° / 79°137 mm
August25° / 78°137 mm
September23° / 73°124 mm
October16° / 61°85 mm
November12° / 53°72 mm
December7° / 45°85 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 Greene County, NC

The most comfortable months to visit Greene County, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

MaySeptemberJune

Where to stay near Greene County

Visiting or relocating to Greene County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Greene County

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a move to Greene County?

Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Greene County, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.