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
Northampton County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 17,212. It ranks #86 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 51.6, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Northampton County is $47,935, below the US median of $74,580. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $102,200, with monthly rent averaging $749. The homeownership rate of 73.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Northampton County reflects 19.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.2 minutes each way.
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.