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.
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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 20,421. It ranks #80 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 57.5% male and 42.5% female.
The median household income in Greene County is $50,904, below the US median of $74,580. 16.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,000, with monthly rent averaging $845. The homeownership rate of 65.3% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Greene County reflects 12.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.4 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%.
20,671
Population (2024)
21,257
Population (2010)
21,518
Peak (2011)
-0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,257 |
| 2011 | 21,518 |
| 2012 | 21,198 |
| 2013 | 21,017 |
| 2014 | 21,016 |
| 2015 | 20,952 |
| 2016 | 21,087 |
| 2017 | 20,965 |
| 2018 | 21,041 |
| 2019 | 20,915 |
| 2020 | 20,438 |
| 2021 | 20,263 |
| 2022 | 20,415 |
| 2023 | 20,644 |
| 2024 | 20,671 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.3% |
| Black or African American | 32.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
42.5%
Female
57.5%
Male
16.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 16.4%+7.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 1,130,906
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
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.