Scotland County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Scotland County, North Carolina is 34,353 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $43,500, the median home value is $109,900, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Scotland County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (36,062 → 33,898), a -0.44% annualized rate.
34,353
Population
-0.44%
Annual growth
108
People / sq mi
$43,500
Median Income
$109,900
Median Home Value
Scotland County covers 319 sq mi of land at 107.6 people per square mile.
About Scotland County, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Scotland County from the typical county: 23.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Scotland County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 34,353.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,500, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 23.2%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $109,900, with typical rent around $766.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Scotland County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Scotland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Scotland County had a population of 36,062 in 2010 and 33,898 in 2024, a -6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,274 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
33,898
Population (2024)
36,062
Population (2010)
36,274
Peak (2011)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,062 |
| 2011 | 36,274 |
| 2012 | 36,094 |
| 2013 | 35,916 |
| 2014 | 35,662 |
| 2015 | 35,333 |
| 2016 | 35,315 |
| 2017 | 35,178 |
| 2018 | 34,701 |
| 2019 | 34,776 |
| 2020 | 33,420 |
| 2021 | 33,423 |
| 2022 | 33,548 |
| 2023 | 33,660 |
| 2024 | 33,898 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 41.0% |
| Black or African American | 37.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 15.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,500$-26,404 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,699 |
| Per-capita income | $27,678 |
| Poverty rate | 23.2%+13.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Scotland County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
4.4%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,900$-149,500 vs state
Median home value
$766
Median rent
58.9%
Homeownership rate
14,421
Total housing units
85.8%
Occupied
14.2%
Vacant
41.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
25.2%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
17.9%
With a disability
95.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.4%
High School+
14.8%
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
Scotland County, North Carolina has a population of 34,353 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 108 people per square mile.
The population of Scotland County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (36,062 → 33,898), a -0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in Scotland County, North Carolina is $43,500, with mean (average) household income of $66,699 and per-capita income of $27,678. 23.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Scotland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (41.0%), Black or African American (37.8%), Hispanic or Latino (15.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Scotland County, North Carolina is 38.3 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Scotland County is $109,900 and median monthly rent is $766. 58.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,421 total housing units, 14.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Scotland County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Scotland County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Scotland County, NC Climate
Scotland County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.2°C (61°F) and receives about 1198 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.2°C
Avg Temp
1198
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 42° | 101 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 97 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 109 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 72 mm |
| May | 20° / 69° | 96 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 117 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 146 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 121 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 97 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 82 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 76 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 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 Scotland County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Scotland County, NC are typically May, September and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Scotland County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.