Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is 1,130,906 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $83,765, the median home value is $371,200, and the median age is 35.4.
The population of Mecklenburg County has grown 30.7% since 2010 (923,292 → 1,206,285), a +1.93% annualized rate.
1,130,906
Population
+1.93%
Annual growth
2160
People / sq mi
$83,765
Median Income
$371,200
Median Home Value
Mecklenburg County covers 524 sq mi of land at 2159.8 people per square mile.
About Mecklenburg County, NC
Mecklenburg County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 1,130,906. It ranks #2 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 35.4, younger than the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in Mecklenburg County is $83,765, above the US median of $74,580. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $371,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,521. The homeownership rate of 55.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mecklenburg County reflects 48.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 25.5% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.4 minutes each way.
Mecklenburg County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mecklenburg County had a population of 923,292 in 2010 and 1,206,285 in 2024, a 30.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,206,285 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.93%.
1,206,285
Population (2024)
923,292
Population (2010)
1,206,285
Peak (2024)
1.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 923,292 |
| 2011 | 944,015 |
| 2012 | 967,418 |
| 2013 | 991,182 |
| 2014 | 1,010,878 |
| 2015 | 1,034,049 |
| 2016 | 1,058,056 |
| 2017 | 1,079,656 |
| 2018 | 1,095,911 |
| 2019 | 1,113,283 |
| 2020 | 1,116,263 |
| 2021 | 1,125,279 |
| 2022 | 1,149,349 |
| 2023 | 1,176,228 |
| 2024 | 1,206,285 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.5% |
| Black or African American | 30.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.4
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
11.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 11.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,765+$13,861 vs state |
| Mean household income | $124,725 |
| Per-capita income | $51,490 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mecklenburg County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
61.9%
Public transit
25.5%
Work from home
25.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$371,200+$111,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,521
Median rent
55.5%
Homeownership rate
491,721
Total housing units
92.6%
Occupied
7.4%
Vacant
44.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.4%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
41.9%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
8.3%
With a disability
78.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
48.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Mecklenburg County, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina has a population of 1,130,906 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 2160 people per square mile.
The population of Mecklenburg County has grown 30.7% since 2010 (923,292 → 1,206,285), a +1.93% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is $83,765, with mean (average) household income of $124,725 and per-capita income of $51,490. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mecklenburg County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.5%), Black or African American (30.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is 35.4 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Mecklenburg County is $371,200 and median monthly rent is $1,521. 55.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 491,721 total housing units, 7.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
Population 336,749
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.