Rutherford County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Rutherford County, North Carolina is 64,850 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $49,771, the median home value is $180,800, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Rutherford County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (67,739 → 65,587), a -0.23% annualized rate.
64,850
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
115
People / sq mi
$49,771
Median Income
$180,800
Median Home Value
Rutherford County covers 565 sq mi of land at 114.7 people per square mile.
About Rutherford County, NC
Rutherford County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 64,850. It ranks #41 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 45.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Rutherford County is $49,771, below the US median of $74,580. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $180,800, with monthly rent averaging $748. The homeownership rate of 74.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rutherford County reflects 20.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.3 minutes each way.
Rutherford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rutherford County had a population of 67,739 in 2010 and 65,587 in 2024, a -3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 67,739 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
65,587
Population (2024)
67,739
Population (2010)
67,739
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 67,739 |
| 2011 | 67,424 |
| 2012 | 67,227 |
| 2013 | 66,866 |
| 2014 | 66,587 |
| 2015 | 66,408 |
| 2016 | 66,318 |
| 2017 | 66,558 |
| 2018 | 66,721 |
| 2019 | 67,031 |
| 2020 | 64,357 |
| 2021 | 64,508 |
| 2022 | 64,829 |
| 2023 | 65,369 |
| 2024 | 65,587 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.0% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
22.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,771$-20,133 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,617 |
| Per-capita income | $29,217 |
| Poverty rate | 13.3%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rutherford County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
81.2%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$180,800$-78,600 vs state
Median home value
$748
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
32,682
Total housing units
81.4%
Occupied
18.6%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
90.1%
With broadband internet
29.7%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
21.4%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.6%
High School+
20.7%
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
Rutherford County, North Carolina has a population of 64,850 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 115 people per square mile.
The population of Rutherford County has declined 3.2% since 2010 (67,739 → 65,587), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rutherford County, North Carolina is $49,771, with mean (average) household income of $69,617 and per-capita income of $29,217. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rutherford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.0%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rutherford County, North Carolina is 45.3 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Rutherford County is $180,800 and median monthly rent is $748. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 32,682 total housing units, 18.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rutherford County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Rutherford County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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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.