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.
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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.