Guilford County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Guilford County, North Carolina is 542,987 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $66,027, the median home value is $234,900, and the median age is 37.4.
The population of Guilford County has grown 14.1% since 2010 (489,626 → 558,816), a +0.95% annualized rate.
542,987
Population
+0.95%
Annual growth
841
People / sq mi
$66,027
Median Income
$234,900
Median Home Value
Guilford County covers 646 sq mi of land at 840.6 people per square mile.
About Guilford County, NC
Guilford County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 542,987. It ranks #3 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 37.4, younger than the national median. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The median household income in Guilford County is $66,027, below the US median of $74,580. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $234,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,108. The homeownership rate of 60.0% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Guilford County reflects 38.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.5 minutes each way.
Guilford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Guilford County had a population of 489,626 in 2010 and 558,816 in 2024, a 14.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 558,816 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.95%.
558,816
Population (2024)
489,626
Population (2010)
558,816
Peak (2024)
0.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 489,626 |
| 2011 | 495,022 |
| 2012 | 500,618 |
| 2013 | 506,537 |
| 2014 | 512,414 |
| 2015 | 517,281 |
| 2016 | 524,520 |
| 2017 | 528,622 |
| 2018 | 533,244 |
| 2019 | 537,872 |
| 2020 | 538,761 |
| 2021 | 542,050 |
| 2022 | 547,195 |
| 2023 | 552,880 |
| 2024 | 558,816 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.1% |
| Black or African American | 34.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.4
Median Age
52.5%
Female
47.5%
Male
15.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 15.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,027$-3,877 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,015 |
| Per-capita income | $37,845 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Guilford County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
74.5%
Public transit
12.1%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$234,900$-24,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,108
Median rent
60.0%
Homeownership rate
235,833
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
40.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
33.0%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.0%
With a disability
84.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
38.1%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Guilford County, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Guilford County, North Carolina has a population of 542,987 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 841 people per square mile.
The population of Guilford County has grown 14.1% since 2010 (489,626 → 558,816), a +0.95% annualized rate.
The median household income in Guilford County, North Carolina is $66,027, with mean (average) household income of $93,015 and per-capita income of $37,845. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Guilford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (49.1%), Black or African American (34.0%), 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 Guilford County, North Carolina is 37.4 years. Residents are 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
The median home value in Guilford County is $234,900 and median monthly rent is $1,108. 60.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 235,833 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Guilford County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Guilford County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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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.