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
Mitchell County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 14,973. It ranks #87 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 48.0, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Mitchell County is $58,089, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $202,100, with monthly rent averaging $744. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mitchell County reflects 23.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.1 minutes each way.
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.
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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.