McDowell County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in North Carolina
The population of McDowell County, North Carolina is 44,679 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $55,527, the median home value is $168,300, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of McDowell County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (45,102 → 45,269), a +0.03% annualized rate.
44,679
Population
+0.03%
Annual growth
102
People / sq mi
$55,527
Median Income
$168,300
Median Home Value
McDowell County covers 440 sq mi of land at 101.6 people per square mile.
About McDowell County, NC
McDowell County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 44,679. It ranks #56 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 44.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in McDowell County is $55,527, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,300, with monthly rent averaging $741. The homeownership rate of 74.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McDowell County reflects 17.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.3% 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.
McDowell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McDowell County had a population of 45,102 in 2010 and 45,269 in 2024, a 0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,784 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
45,269
Population (2024)
45,102
Population (2010)
45,784
Peak (2019)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 45,102 |
| 2011 | 45,056 |
| 2012 | 45,005 |
| 2013 | 45,027 |
| 2014 | 45,017 |
| 2015 | 44,982 |
| 2016 | 44,876 |
| 2017 | 45,089 |
| 2018 | 45,481 |
| 2019 | 45,784 |
| 2020 | 44,554 |
| 2021 | 44,536 |
| 2022 | 44,759 |
| 2023 | 44,968 |
| 2024 | 45,269 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.5% |
| Black or African American | 3.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
20.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,527$-14,377 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,177 |
| Per-capita income | $29,555 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McDowell County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
83.6%
Public transit
5.3%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,300$-91,100 vs state
Median home value
$741
Median rent
74.0%
Homeownership rate
21,475
Total housing units
85.9%
Occupied
14.1%
Vacant
26.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
92.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.1%
High School+
17.6%
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
McDowell County, North Carolina has a population of 44,679 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 102 people per square mile.
The population of McDowell County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (45,102 → 45,269), a +0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in McDowell County, North Carolina is $55,527, with mean (average) household income of $71,177 and per-capita income of $29,555. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McDowell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.5%), Black or African American (3.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McDowell County, North Carolina is 44.3 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in McDowell County is $168,300 and median monthly rent is $741. 74.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,475 total housing units, 14.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McDowell County, North Carolina is manufacturing, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with McDowell 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.