Jackson County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Jackson County, North Carolina is 43,089 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $53,479, the median home value is $253,900, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Jackson County has grown 12.1% since 2010 (40,376 → 45,281), a +0.82% annualized rate.
43,089
Population
+0.82%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$53,479
Median Income
$253,900
Median Home Value
Jackson County covers 491 sq mi of land at 87.7 people per square mile.
About Jackson County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Jackson County: 62.6% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. Jackson County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 43,089.
The typical household earns $53,479, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.3%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $253,900, with typical rent around $855.
About 30.0% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 6.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Jackson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jackson County had a population of 40,376 in 2010 and 45,281 in 2024, a 12.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,281 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
45,281
Population (2024)
40,376
Population (2010)
45,281
Peak (2024)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,376 |
| 2011 | 40,256 |
| 2012 | 40,661 |
| 2013 | 41,034 |
| 2014 | 40,960 |
| 2015 | 41,352 |
| 2016 | 42,645 |
| 2017 | 43,220 |
| 2018 | 43,540 |
| 2019 | 43,736 |
| 2020 | 42,146 |
| 2021 | 42,498 |
| 2022 | 43,880 |
| 2023 | 45,050 |
| 2024 | 45,281 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,479$-16,425 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,781 |
| Per-capita income | $32,937 |
| Poverty rate | 10.3%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jackson County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
82.1%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
20.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$253,900$-5,500 vs state
Median home value
$855
Median rent
62.6%
Homeownership rate
27,385
Total housing units
66.3%
Occupied
33.7%
Vacant
37.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.8%
With health insurance
93.8%
With broadband internet
37.5%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
91.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.8%
High School+
30.0%
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
Jackson County, North Carolina has a population of 43,089 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Jackson County has grown 12.1% since 2010 (40,376 → 45,281), a +0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jackson County, North Carolina is $53,479, with mean (average) household income of $76,781 and per-capita income of $32,937. 10.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jackson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.5%), Hispanic or Latino (9.3%), Black or African American (2.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jackson County, North Carolina is 38.9 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Jackson County is $253,900 and median monthly rent is $855. 62.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,385 total housing units, 33.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jackson County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Jackson County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Jackson County, NC Climate
Jackson County, NC has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F) and receives about 1609 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12°C
Avg Temp
1609
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 140 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 138 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 167 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 120 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 145 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 135 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 133 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 133 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 120 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 108 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 131 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 139 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 Jackson County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Jackson County, NC are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jackson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.