Martin County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Martin County, North Carolina is 21,773 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $46,793, the median home value is $109,900, and the median age is 46.7.
The population of Martin County has declined 12.2% since 2010 (24,505 → 21,523), a -0.92% annualized rate.
21,773
Population
-0.92%
Annual growth
48
People / sq mi
$46,793
Median Income
$109,900
Median Home Value
Martin County covers 456 sq mi of land at 47.7 people per square mile.
About Martin County, NC
Among US counties, Martin County stands out first on household income: a median of $46,793, below the US median of $78,538. Martin County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 21,773.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $46,793, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $109,900, with typical rent around $729.
College attainment is 15.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Martin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Martin County had a population of 24,505 in 2010 and 21,523 in 2024, a -12.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,505 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.92%.
21,523
Population (2024)
24,505
Population (2010)
24,505
Peak (2010)
-0.92%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,505 |
| 2011 | 24,186 |
| 2012 | 23,851 |
| 2013 | 23,643 |
| 2014 | 23,441 |
| 2015 | 23,267 |
| 2016 | 23,121 |
| 2017 | 22,773 |
| 2018 | 22,696 |
| 2019 | 22,451 |
| 2020 | 21,959 |
| 2021 | 21,752 |
| 2022 | 21,502 |
| 2023 | 21,484 |
| 2024 | 21,523 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 51.6% |
| Black or African American | 41.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.7
Median Age
53.7%
Female
46.3%
Male
25.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 25.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $46,793$-23,111 vs state |
| Mean household income | $60,917 |
| Per-capita income | $27,007 |
| Poverty rate | 14.9%+5.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Martin County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,900$-149,500 vs state
Median home value
$729
Median rent
68.5%
Homeownership rate
11,100
Total housing units
84.3%
Occupied
15.7%
Vacant
31.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
16.9%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
20.5%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.3%
High School+
15.1%
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
Martin County, North Carolina has a population of 21,773 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 48 people per square mile.
The population of Martin County has declined 12.2% since 2010 (24,505 → 21,523), a -0.92% annualized rate.
The median household income in Martin County, North Carolina is $46,793, with mean (average) household income of $60,917 and per-capita income of $27,007. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Martin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (51.6%), Black or African American (41.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Martin County, North Carolina is 46.7 years. Residents are 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
The median home value in Martin County is $109,900 and median monthly rent is $729. 68.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,100 total housing units, 15.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Martin County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Martin County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 1,130,906
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
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.