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Population Review

Stanly County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in North Carolina

The population of Stanly County, North Carolina is 63,557 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $61,631, the median home value is $214,300, and the median age is 40.6.

The population of Stanly County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (60,578 → 67,326), a +0.76% annualized rate.

Stanly County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

63,557

Population

+0.76%

Annual growth

161

People / sq mi

$61,631

Median Income

$214,300

Median Home Value

Stanly County covers 395 sq mi of land at 160.9 people per square mile.

About Stanly County, NC

Stanly County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 63,557. It ranks #43 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The median household income in Stanly County is $61,631, below the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $214,300, with monthly rent averaging $830. The homeownership rate of 73.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Stanly County reflects 19.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.7 minutes each way.

Stanly County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Stanly County had a population of 60,578 in 2010 and 67,326 in 2024, a 11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 67,326 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.76%.

2024 · 67K20102024

67,326

Population (2024)

60,578

Population (2010)

67,326

Peak (2024)

0.76%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201060,578
201160,531
201260,464
201360,635
201460,621
201560,624
201660,829
201761,458
201862,077
201962,645
202062,679
202163,147
202264,285
202365,818
202467,326

Race & Ethnicity

White80.4%
Black or African American11.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.6

Median Age

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Male

19.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.6%
5–9
6.4%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
5.7%
25–34
13.2%
35–44
11.5%
45–54
12.7%
55–59
6.6%
60–64
7.1%
65–74
11.1%
75–84
5.5%
85+
2.4%

Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$61,631$-8,273 vs state
Mean household income$80,577
Per-capita income$31,623
Poverty rate10.4%+1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population55.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.8%
Manufacturing
15.4%
Construction
10.9%
Finance & real estate
8.8%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.6%
Education & health care
6.2%
Public administration
4.5%
Information
4.5%

The largest employment sector in Stanly County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.

How residents commute

0.4%

Drive alone

0.8%

Carpool

80.0%

Public transit

7.7%

Work from home

28.7 min

Avg commute

Housing

$214,300$-45,100 vs state

Median home value

$830

Median rent

73.6%

Homeownership rate

28,292

Total housing units

86.4%

Occupied

13.6%

Vacant

26.4%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

89.5%

With health insurance

92.7%

With broadband internet

20.6%

Foreign-born

6.8%

Veterans (18+)

17.8%

With a disability

93.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

87.1%

High School+

19.7%

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

Stanly County, North Carolina has a population of 63,557 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 161 people per square mile.

The population of Stanly County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (60,578 → 67,326), a +0.76% annualized rate.

The median household income in Stanly County, North Carolina is $61,631, with mean (average) household income of $80,577 and per-capita income of $31,623. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Stanly County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.4%), Black or African American (11.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Stanly County, North Carolina is 40.6 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.

The median home value in Stanly County is $214,300 and median monthly rent is $830. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 28,292 total housing units, 13.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Stanly County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Stanly County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.