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.
Rowan County, NC Climate
Rowan County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 1135 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
1135
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 94 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 109 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 101 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 105 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 105 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 95 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 94 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 95 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 79 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 85 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 Rowan County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Rowan 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 -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rowan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.