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 is a county in North Carolina with a population of 44,889. It ranks #55 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Stokes County is $60,039, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $186,800, with monthly rent averaging $766. The homeownership rate of 78.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Stokes County reflects 18.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.5 minutes each way.
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.
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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.