Johnston County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Johnston County, North Carolina is 226,623 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $79,838, the median home value is $267,600, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Johnston County has grown 47.2% since 2010 (169,676 → 249,794), a +2.80% annualized rate.
226,623
Population
+2.80%
Annual growth
286
People / sq mi
$79,838
Median Income
$267,600
Median Home Value
Johnston County covers 792 sq mi of land at 286.1 people per square mile.
About Johnston County, NC
Remote work is unusually prominent in Johnston County: 13.1% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Johnston County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 226,623. It ranks #12 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $79,838, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.1%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $267,600, with typical rent around $1,007.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 13.1% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Johnston County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Johnston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Johnston County had a population of 169,676 in 2010 and 249,794 in 2024, a 47.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 249,794 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.80%.
249,794
Population (2024)
169,676
Population (2010)
249,794
Peak (2024)
2.80%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 169,676 |
| 2011 | 172,457 |
| 2012 | 174,387 |
| 2013 | 177,240 |
| 2014 | 180,732 |
| 2015 | 185,130 |
| 2016 | 190,937 |
| 2017 | 196,541 |
| 2018 | 203,031 |
| 2019 | 209,786 |
| 2020 | 217,426 |
| 2021 | 226,976 |
| 2022 | 234,762 |
| 2023 | 242,358 |
| 2024 | 249,794 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.6% |
| Black or African American | 16.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
13.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 13.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,838+$9,934 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,557 |
| Per-capita income | $36,673 |
| Poverty rate | 8.1%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Johnston County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
13.1%
Work from home
32.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$267,600+$8,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,007
Median rent
77.1%
Homeownership rate
88,314
Total housing units
93.2%
Occupied
6.8%
Vacant
22.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.9%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
33.6%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
84.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.5%
High School+
27.6%
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
Johnston County, North Carolina has a population of 226,623 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 286 people per square mile.
The population of Johnston County has grown 47.2% since 2010 (169,676 → 249,794), a +2.80% annualized rate.
The median household income in Johnston County, North Carolina is $79,838, with mean (average) household income of $98,557 and per-capita income of $36,673. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Johnston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.6%), Black or African American (16.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Johnston County, North Carolina is 38.3 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Johnston County is $267,600 and median monthly rent is $1,007. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 88,314 total housing units, 6.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Johnston County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Johnston County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Johnston County, NC Climate
Johnston County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 1197 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
1197
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 103 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 93 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 112 mm |
| April | 15° / 60° | 81 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 103 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 135 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 120 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 111 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 81 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 76 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 80 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 Johnston County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Johnston County, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Johnston County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.