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
What sets McDowell County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 5.3% versus 14.0% nationally. McDowell County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 44,679.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,527, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $168,300, with typical rent around $741.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.