Mitchell County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 87th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Mitchell County, North Carolina is 14,973 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $58,089, the median home value is $202,100, and the median age is 48.0.
The population of Mitchell County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (15,511 → 15,030), a -0.22% annualized rate.
14,973
Population
-0.22%
Annual growth
68
People / sq mi
$58,089
Median Income
$202,100
Median Home Value
Mitchell County covers 221 sq mi of land at 67.7 people per square mile.
About Mitchell County, NC
Age is the most distinctive thing about Mitchell County: a median age of 48.0, older than the national median. With 14,973 residents, Mitchell County is a county in North Carolina.
Median household income is $58,089, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $202,100, with typical rent around $744.
Roughly 23.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.9%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Mitchell County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Mitchell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mitchell County had a population of 15,511 in 2010 and 15,030 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,511 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
15,030
Population (2024)
15,511
Population (2010)
15,511
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,511 |
| 2011 | 15,354 |
| 2012 | 15,327 |
| 2013 | 15,278 |
| 2014 | 15,167 |
| 2015 | 15,062 |
| 2016 | 15,003 |
| 2017 | 14,992 |
| 2018 | 14,989 |
| 2019 | 14,928 |
| 2020 | 14,898 |
| 2021 | 14,977 |
| 2022 | 15,051 |
| 2023 | 15,003 |
| 2024 | 15,030 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.0
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
25.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 25.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,089$-11,815 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,236 |
| Per-capita income | $32,713 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mitchell County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
24.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$202,100$-57,300 vs state
Median home value
$744
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
8,673
Total housing units
73.9%
Occupied
26.1%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.0%
With health insurance
87.1%
With broadband internet
30.6%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
20.1%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.7%
High School+
23.1%
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
Mitchell County, North Carolina has a population of 14,973 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 68 people per square mile.
The population of Mitchell County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (15,511 → 15,030), a -0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mitchell County, North Carolina is $58,089, with mean (average) household income of $74,236 and per-capita income of $32,713. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mitchell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mitchell County, North Carolina is 48.0 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Mitchell County is $202,100 and median monthly rent is $744. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,673 total housing units, 26.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mitchell County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Mitchell County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Mitchell County, NC Climate
Mitchell County, NC has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 1299 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
1299
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 100 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 103 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 129 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 106 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 124 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 117 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 119 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 115 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 103 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 93 mm |
| November | 6° / 44° | 101 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 89 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Mitchell County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Mitchell County, NC are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mitchell County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.