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
Martin County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 21,773. It ranks #77 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 46.7, older than the national median. The population is 46.3% male and 53.7% female.
The median household income in Martin County is $46,793, below the US median of $74,580. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,900, with monthly rent averaging $729. The homeownership rate of 68.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Martin County reflects 15.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 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.
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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.