Sampson County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Sampson County, North Carolina is 59,245 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $53,159, the median home value is $128,400, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Sampson County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (63,536 → 60,404), a -0.36% annualized rate.
59,245
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
63
People / sq mi
$53,159
Median Income
$128,400
Median Home Value
Sampson County covers 946 sq mi of land at 62.6 people per square mile.
About Sampson County, NC
Sampson County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.6% of the population. Sampson County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 59,245. It ranks #47 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $53,159, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.6%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $128,400, with typical rent around $811.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Sampson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sampson County had a population of 63,536 in 2010 and 60,404 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 63,903 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
60,404
Population (2024)
63,536
Population (2010)
63,903
Peak (2013)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 63,536 |
| 2011 | 63,515 |
| 2012 | 63,710 |
| 2013 | 63,903 |
| 2014 | 63,806 |
| 2015 | 63,562 |
| 2016 | 63,200 |
| 2017 | 63,188 |
| 2018 | 63,277 |
| 2019 | 63,372 |
| 2020 | 59,070 |
| 2021 | 59,038 |
| 2022 | 59,096 |
| 2023 | 59,742 |
| 2024 | 60,404 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 53.2% |
| Black or African American | 24.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,159$-16,745 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,092 |
| Per-capita income | $26,978 |
| Poverty rate | 13.6%+4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sampson County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
82.5%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
29.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$128,400$-131,000 vs state
Median home value
$811
Median rent
72.8%
Homeownership rate
25,739
Total housing units
82.8%
Occupied
17.2%
Vacant
27.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.0%
With health insurance
88.3%
With broadband internet
12.6%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
80.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.3%
High School+
15.8%
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
Sampson County, North Carolina has a population of 59,245 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 63 people per square mile.
The population of Sampson County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (63,536 → 60,404), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sampson County, North Carolina is $53,159, with mean (average) household income of $70,092 and per-capita income of $26,978. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sampson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (53.2%), Black or African American (24.9%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sampson County, North Carolina is 39.7 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Sampson County is $128,400 and median monthly rent is $811. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,739 total housing units, 17.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sampson County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Sampson County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Sampson County, NC Climate
Sampson County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.3°C (61°F) and receives about 1242 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.3°C
Avg Temp
1242
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 102 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 94 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 109 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 80 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 104 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 116 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 162 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 139 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 72 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 74 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 84 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 Sampson County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Sampson County, NC are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sampson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.