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Population Review

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.

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

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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 117,387. It ranks #25 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The median household income in Henderson County is $67,623, below the US median of $74,580. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $317,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,120. The homeownership rate of 74.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Henderson County reflects 35.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 121K20102024

120,771

Population (2024)

106,894

Population (2010)

120,771

Peak (2024)

0.88%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010106,894
2011107,391
2012107,811
2013108,942
2014110,338
2015111,943
2016113,711
2017115,431
2018116,557
2019117,347
2020116,571
2021117,166
2022118,336
2023119,576
2024120,771

Race & Ethnicity

White84.1%
Black or African American3.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

47.2

Median Age

51.6%

Female

48.4%

Male

26.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.6%
5–9
4.9%
10–14
5.9%
15–19
5.2%
20–24
4.7%
25–34
10.4%
35–44
11.5%
45–54
12.3%
55–59
7.4%
60–64
7.0%
65–74
14.9%
75–84
8.2%
85+
2.9%

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 rate9.1%-0.3% vs state
Unemployment rate1.9%
Employment-to-population55.3%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.6%
Manufacturing
11.6%
Education & health care
11.4%
Finance & real estate
9.6%
Construction
9.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.5%
Information
5.0%
Retail trade
4.4%

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.

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

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