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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 59,245. It ranks #47 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Sampson County is $53,159, below the US median of $74,580. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $128,400, with monthly rent averaging $811. The homeownership rate of 72.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sampson County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.9 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.
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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.