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.
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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.