Henderson County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 25th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Henderson County, North Carolina is 117,387 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 25th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $67,623, the median home value is $317,800, and the median age is 47.2.
The population of Henderson County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (106,894 → 120,771), a +0.88% annualized rate.
117,387
Population
+0.88%
Annual growth
315
People / sq mi
$67,623
Median Income
$317,800
Median Home Value
Henderson County covers 373 sq mi of land at 314.8 people per square mile.
About Henderson County, NC
Henderson County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 45.1% of the population. Henderson County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 117,387. It ranks #25 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $67,623, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $317,800, with typical rent around $1,120.
College attainment is above the local norm at 35.1%, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.2%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Henderson County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Henderson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Henderson County had a population of 106,894 in 2010 and 120,771 in 2024, a 13.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 120,771 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.88%.
120,771
Population (2024)
106,894
Population (2010)
120,771
Peak (2024)
0.88%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 106,894 |
| 2011 | 107,391 |
| 2012 | 107,811 |
| 2013 | 108,942 |
| 2014 | 110,338 |
| 2015 | 111,943 |
| 2016 | 113,711 |
| 2017 | 115,431 |
| 2018 | 116,557 |
| 2019 | 117,347 |
| 2020 | 116,571 |
| 2021 | 117,166 |
| 2022 | 118,336 |
| 2023 | 119,576 |
| 2024 | 120,771 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.2
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
26.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 26.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,623$-2,281 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,317 |
| Per-capita income | $38,976 |
| Poverty rate | 9.1%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Henderson County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
9.2%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$317,800+$58,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,120
Median rent
74.2%
Homeownership rate
57,338
Total housing units
87.9%
Occupied
12.1%
Vacant
25.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.8%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
45.1%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
88.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.1%
High School+
35.1%
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
Henderson County, North Carolina has a population of 117,387 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 25th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 315 people per square mile.
The population of Henderson County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (106,894 → 120,771), a +0.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in Henderson County, North Carolina is $67,623, with mean (average) household income of $90,317 and per-capita income of $38,976. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Henderson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.1%), Black or African American (3.3%), 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 Henderson County, North Carolina is 47.2 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Henderson County is $317,800 and median monthly rent is $1,120. 74.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 57,338 total housing units, 12.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Henderson County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Henderson County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Henderson County, NC Climate
Henderson County, NC has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1402 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1402
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 120 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 113 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 143 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 103 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 127 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 123 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 115 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 129 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 106 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 103 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 113 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 107 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 Henderson County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Henderson County, NC are typically June, September and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Henderson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.