Stokes County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Stokes County, North Carolina is 44,889 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $60,039, the median home value is $186,800, and the median age is 47.6.
The population of Stokes County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (47,330 → 45,857), a -0.23% annualized rate.
44,889
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
100
People / sq mi
$60,039
Median Income
$186,800
Median Home Value
Stokes County covers 449 sq mi of land at 99.9 people per square mile.
About Stokes County, NC
Stokes County skews on age — the median resident is 47.6, older than the national median. With 44,889 residents, Stokes County is a county in North Carolina.
The typical household here earns about $60,039, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $186,800, with typical rent around $766.
18.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Stokes County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Stokes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Stokes County had a population of 47,330 in 2010 and 45,857 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 47,330 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
45,857
Population (2024)
47,330
Population (2010)
47,330
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 47,330 |
| 2011 | 47,128 |
| 2012 | 46,716 |
| 2013 | 46,500 |
| 2014 | 46,309 |
| 2015 | 46,143 |
| 2016 | 45,895 |
| 2017 | 45,710 |
| 2018 | 45,459 |
| 2019 | 45,634 |
| 2020 | 44,579 |
| 2021 | 44,636 |
| 2022 | 45,137 |
| 2023 | 45,486 |
| 2024 | 45,857 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.3% |
| Black or African American | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.6
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
22.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,039$-9,865 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,778 |
| Per-capita income | $32,721 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Stokes County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
84.8%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
30.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$186,800$-72,600 vs state
Median home value
$766
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
21,353
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
26.0%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
19.4%
With a disability
96.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
18.5%
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
Stokes County, North Carolina has a population of 44,889 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 100 people per square mile.
The population of Stokes County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (47,330 → 45,857), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Stokes County, North Carolina is $60,039, with mean (average) household income of $74,778 and per-capita income of $32,721. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Stokes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.3%), Black or African American (3.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Stokes County, North Carolina is 47.6 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Stokes County is $186,800 and median monthly rent is $766. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,353 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Stokes County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Stokes County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Stokes County, NC Climate
Stokes County, NC has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1210 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1210
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 88 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 90 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 110 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 96 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 114 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 103 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 122 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 105 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 101 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 87 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 90 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 Stokes County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Stokes County, NC are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Stokes County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.