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.
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
What distinguishes Stanly County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 161 people per square mile. With 63,557 residents, Stanly County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #43 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $61,631, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $214,300, with typical rent around $830.
Roughly 19.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Stanly County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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%.
67,326
Population (2024)
60,578
Population (2010)
67,326
Peak (2024)
0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 60,578 |
| 2011 | 60,531 |
| 2012 | 60,464 |
| 2013 | 60,635 |
| 2014 | 60,621 |
| 2015 | 60,624 |
| 2016 | 60,829 |
| 2017 | 61,458 |
| 2018 | 62,077 |
| 2019 | 62,645 |
| 2020 | 62,679 |
| 2021 | 63,147 |
| 2022 | 64,285 |
| 2023 | 65,818 |
| 2024 | 67,326 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.4% |
| Black or African American | 11.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
19.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 10.4%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Stanly County, NC Climate
Stanly County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1187 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1187
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 104 mm |
| February | 6° / 44° | 94 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 116 mm |
| April | 15° / 60° | 77 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 100 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 107 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 123 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 106 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 94 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 80 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 85 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 Stanly County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Stanly County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Stanly County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.