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Population Review

Surry County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Surry County, North Carolina is 71,407 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $56,095, the median home value is $166,400, and the median age is 43.7.

The population of Surry County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (73,779 → 71,547), a -0.22% annualized rate.

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

71,407

Population

-0.22%

Annual growth

134

People / sq mi

$56,095

Median Income

$166,400

Median Home Value

Surry County covers 533 sq mi of land at 134.1 people per square mile.

About Surry County, NC

Surry County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 71,407. It ranks #38 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

The median household income in Surry County is $56,095, below the US median of $74,580. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $166,400, with monthly rent averaging $741. The homeownership rate of 73.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Surry County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.3 minutes each way.

Surry County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Surry County had a population of 73,779 in 2010 and 71,547 in 2024, a -3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,779 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.

2010 · 74K20102024

71,547

Population (2024)

73,779

Population (2010)

73,779

Peak (2010)

-0.22%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201073,779
201173,499
201273,292
201372,637
201472,480
201571,990
201672,024
201772,114
201871,957
201971,741
202071,371
202171,262
202271,489
202371,457
202471,547

Race & Ethnicity

White86.2%
Black or African American3.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.7

Median Age

51.3%

Female

48.7%

Male

20.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.2%
5–9
5.8%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
5.7%
25–34
11.2%
35–44
11.3%
45–54
13.2%
55–59
7.3%
60–64
7.3%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
6.1%
85+
2.6%

Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$56,095$-13,809 vs state
Mean household income$76,119
Per-capita income$31,947
Poverty rate13.3%+3.9% vs state
Unemployment rate2.9%
Employment-to-population55.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.4%
Manufacturing
18.0%
Construction
9.3%
Finance & real estate
8.5%
Education & health care
7.4%
Retail trade
5.8%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%
Public administration
2.9%

The largest employment sector in Surry County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

0.9%

Carpool

80.9%

Public transit

5.5%

Work from home

25.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$166,400$-93,000 vs state

Median home value

$741

Median rent

73.3%

Homeownership rate

33,609

Total housing units

87.4%

Occupied

12.6%

Vacant

26.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

88.1%

With health insurance

90.7%

With broadband internet

22.7%

Foreign-born

6.4%

Veterans (18+)

18.6%

With a disability

89.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

82.6%

High School+

19.4%

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

Surry County, North Carolina has a population of 71,407 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 134 people per square mile.

The population of Surry County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (73,779 → 71,547), a -0.22% annualized rate.

The median household income in Surry County, North Carolina is $56,095, with mean (average) household income of $76,119 and per-capita income of $31,947. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Surry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.2%), Black or African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Surry County, North Carolina is 43.7 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.

The median home value in Surry County is $166,400 and median monthly rent is $741. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,609 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Surry County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Surry 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.