Madison County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Madison County, North Carolina is 21,640 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $58,628, the median home value is $263,500, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Madison County has grown 7.5% since 2010 (20,798 → 22,352), a +0.52% annualized rate.
21,640
Population
+0.52%
Annual growth
48
People / sq mi
$58,628
Median Income
$263,500
Median Home Value
Madison County covers 450 sq mi of land at 48.1 people per square mile.
About Madison County, NC
Madison County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 21,640. It ranks #78 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Madison County is $58,628, below the US median of $74,580. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $263,500, with monthly rent averaging $764. The homeownership rate of 77.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Madison County reflects 31.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.3 minutes each way.
Madison County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Madison County had a population of 20,798 in 2010 and 22,352 in 2024, a 7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,352 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.52%.
22,352
Population (2024)
20,798
Population (2010)
22,352
Peak (2024)
0.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,798 |
| 2011 | 20,872 |
| 2012 | 20,913 |
| 2013 | 21,178 |
| 2014 | 21,217 |
| 2015 | 21,175 |
| 2016 | 21,402 |
| 2017 | 21,603 |
| 2018 | 21,659 |
| 2019 | 21,638 |
| 2020 | 21,295 |
| 2021 | 21,737 |
| 2022 | 21,912 |
| 2023 | 22,039 |
| 2024 | 22,352 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
23.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.7% · Seniors (65+): 23.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,628$-11,276 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,418 |
| Per-capita income | $33,738 |
| Poverty rate | 7.6%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Madison County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
32.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$263,500+$4,100 vs state
Median home value
$764
Median rent
77.9%
Homeownership rate
11,201
Total housing units
75.0%
Occupied
25.0%
Vacant
22.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
87.0%
With broadband internet
36.0%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.9%
High School+
31.5%
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
Madison County, North Carolina has a population of 21,640 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 48 people per square mile.
The population of Madison County has grown 7.5% since 2010 (20,798 → 22,352), a +0.52% annualized rate.
The median household income in Madison County, North Carolina is $58,628, with mean (average) household income of $80,418 and per-capita income of $33,738. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Madison County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Madison County, North Carolina is 44.5 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Madison County is $263,500 and median monthly rent is $764. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,201 total housing units, 25.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Madison County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Madison 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.