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.
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
The poverty rate is what most separates Surry County from the typical county: 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 71,407 residents, Surry County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #38 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $56,095, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.3%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $166,400, with typical rent around $741.
Roughly 19.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Surry County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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%.
71,547
Population (2024)
73,779
Population (2010)
73,779
Peak (2010)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 73,779 |
| 2011 | 73,499 |
| 2012 | 73,292 |
| 2013 | 72,637 |
| 2014 | 72,480 |
| 2015 | 71,990 |
| 2016 | 72,024 |
| 2017 | 72,114 |
| 2018 | 71,957 |
| 2019 | 71,741 |
| 2020 | 71,371 |
| 2021 | 71,262 |
| 2022 | 71,489 |
| 2023 | 71,457 |
| 2024 | 71,547 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.2% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
20.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 13.3%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
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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.