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
Scotland County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 34,353. It ranks #68 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 38.3, in line with the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.
The median household income in Scotland County is $43,500, below the US median of $74,580. 23.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,900, with monthly rent averaging $766. The homeownership rate of 58.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Scotland County reflects 14.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.8 minutes each way.
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.
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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.