Northampton County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 86th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Northampton County, North Carolina is 17,212 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 86th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $47,935, the median home value is $102,200, and the median age is 51.6.
The population of Northampton County has declined 24.8% since 2010 (22,037 → 16,580), a -2.01% annualized rate.
17,212
Population
-2.01%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$47,935
Median Income
$102,200
Median Home Value
Northampton County covers 537 sq mi of land at 32.1 people per square mile.
About Northampton County, NC
Age is the most distinctive thing about Northampton County: a median age of 51.6, older than the national median. Northampton County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 17,212.
The typical household earns $47,935, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.2%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $102,200, with typical rent around $749.
19.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.2%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Northampton County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Northampton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Northampton County had a population of 22,037 in 2010 and 16,580 in 2024, a -24.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,037 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.98%.
16,580
Population (2024)
22,037
Population (2010)
22,037
Peak (2010)
-1.98%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,037 |
| 2011 | 21,918 |
| 2012 | 21,287 |
| 2013 | 20,860 |
| 2014 | 20,658 |
| 2015 | 20,539 |
| 2016 | 20,135 |
| 2017 | 19,898 |
| 2018 | 19,741 |
| 2019 | 19,498 |
| 2020 | 17,439 |
| 2021 | 17,125 |
| 2022 | 16,806 |
| 2023 | 16,705 |
| 2024 | 16,580 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.7% |
| Black or African American | 54.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.6
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
28.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.6% · Seniors (65+): 28.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,935$-21,969 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,632 |
| Per-capita income | $31,883 |
| Poverty rate | 15.2%+5.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Northampton County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.4%
Carpool
84.3%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
28.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$102,200$-157,200 vs state
Median home value
$749
Median rent
73.2%
Homeownership rate
10,620
Total housing units
71.5%
Occupied
28.5%
Vacant
26.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.1%
With health insurance
85.3%
With broadband internet
24.9%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
20.8%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.5%
High School+
19.0%
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
Northampton County, North Carolina has a population of 17,212 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 86th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Northampton County has declined 24.8% since 2010 (22,037 → 16,580), a -2.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Northampton County, North Carolina is $47,935, with mean (average) household income of $70,632 and per-capita income of $31,883. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Northampton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (54.9%), White (39.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Northampton County, North Carolina is 51.6 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Northampton County is $102,200 and median monthly rent is $749. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,620 total housing units, 28.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Northampton County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Northampton 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.