Richmond County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 60th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Richmond County, North Carolina is 42,818 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $43,626, the median home value is $120,800, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Richmond County has declined 10.0% since 2010 (46,636 → 41,990), a -0.75% annualized rate.
42,818
Population
-0.75%
Annual growth
90
People / sq mi
$43,626
Median Income
$120,800
Median Home Value
Richmond County covers 474 sq mi of land at 90.4 people per square mile.
About Richmond County, NC
Remote work is unusually rare in Richmond County: 2.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Richmond County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 42,818.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $43,626, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 21.0%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $120,800, with typical rent around $744.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Richmond County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richmond County had a population of 46,636 in 2010 and 41,990 in 2024, a -10.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 46,654 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.74%.
41,990
Population (2024)
46,636
Population (2010)
46,654
Peak (2011)
-0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 46,636 |
| 2011 | 46,654 |
| 2012 | 46,364 |
| 2013 | 46,134 |
| 2014 | 45,770 |
| 2015 | 45,427 |
| 2016 | 45,034 |
| 2017 | 44,786 |
| 2018 | 44,881 |
| 2019 | 44,764 |
| 2020 | 42,725 |
| 2021 | 42,641 |
| 2022 | 42,360 |
| 2023 | 42,003 |
| 2024 | 41,990 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.9% |
| Black or African American | 31.8% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,626$-26,278 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,517 |
| Per-capita income | $24,752 |
| Poverty rate | 21.0%+11.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richmond County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
85.9%
Public transit
2.7%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,800$-138,600 vs state
Median home value
$744
Median rent
64.7%
Homeownership rate
19,840
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
35.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
22.3%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.2%
High School+
16.2%
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
Richmond County, North Carolina has a population of 42,818 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 90 people per square mile.
The population of Richmond County has declined 10.0% since 2010 (46,636 → 41,990), a -0.75% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richmond County, North Carolina is $43,626, with mean (average) household income of $59,517 and per-capita income of $24,752. 21.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richmond County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.9%), Black or African American (31.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Richmond County, North Carolina is 40.3 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Richmond County is $120,800 and median monthly rent is $744. 64.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,840 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richmond County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Richmond County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Richmond County, NC Climate
Richmond County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.8°C (60°F) and receives about 1196 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.8°C
Avg Temp
1196
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 103 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 97 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 110 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 72 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 99 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 111 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 140 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 118 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 93 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 90 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 77 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 86 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 Richmond County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Richmond County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Richmond County
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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.