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
Richmond County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 42,818. It ranks #60 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The median household income in Richmond County is $43,626, below the US median of $74,580. 21.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $120,800, with monthly rent averaging $744. The homeownership rate of 64.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Richmond County reflects 16.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.0 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.
More from North Carolina
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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.