Rowan County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Rowan County, North Carolina is 148,487 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $63,196, the median home value is $216,100, and the median age is 40.5.
The population of Rowan County has grown 10.9% since 2010 (138,329 → 153,384), a +0.74% annualized rate.
148,487
Population
+0.74%
Annual growth
290
People / sq mi
$63,196
Median Income
$216,100
Median Home Value
Rowan County covers 512 sq mi of land at 290.2 people per square mile.
About Rowan County, NC
Rowan County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 290 people per square mile. Rowan County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 148,487. It ranks #19 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household here earns about $63,196, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.2%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $216,100, with typical rent around $990.
21.5% 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 7.8%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Rowan County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Rowan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rowan County had a population of 138,329 in 2010 and 153,384 in 2024, a 10.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 153,384 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.74%.
153,384
Population (2024)
138,329
Population (2010)
153,384
Peak (2024)
0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 138,329 |
| 2011 | 137,819 |
| 2012 | 137,505 |
| 2013 | 137,689 |
| 2014 | 138,091 |
| 2015 | 138,520 |
| 2016 | 139,417 |
| 2017 | 140,289 |
| 2018 | 140,870 |
| 2019 | 141,818 |
| 2020 | 146,909 |
| 2021 | 147,687 |
| 2022 | 149,514 |
| 2023 | 151,883 |
| 2024 | 153,384 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.3% |
| Black or African American | 15.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.5
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,196$-6,708 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,423 |
| Per-capita income | $32,675 |
| Poverty rate | 12.2%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rowan County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
7.8%
Work from home
26.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$216,100$-43,300 vs state
Median home value
$990
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
64,263
Total housing units
89.9%
Occupied
10.1%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.8%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
28.4%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
89.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.1%
High School+
21.5%
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
Rowan County, North Carolina has a population of 148,487 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 290 people per square mile.
The population of Rowan County has grown 10.9% since 2010 (138,329 → 153,384), a +0.74% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rowan County, North Carolina is $63,196, with mean (average) household income of $82,423 and per-capita income of $32,675. 12.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rowan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (71.3%), Black or African American (15.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rowan County, North Carolina is 40.5 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Rowan County is $216,100 and median monthly rent is $990. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 64,263 total housing units, 10.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rowan County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Rowan 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.