Vance County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 61st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Vance County, North Carolina is 42,361 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 61st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $46,943, the median home value is $146,300, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Vance County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (45,293 → 42,337), a -0.48% annualized rate.
42,361
Population
-0.48%
Annual growth
168
People / sq mi
$46,943
Median Income
$146,300
Median Home Value
Vance County covers 252 sq mi of land at 167.8 people per square mile.
About Vance County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Vance County: 57.4% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 42,361 residents, Vance County is a county in North Carolina.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $46,943, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $146,300, with typical rent around $860.
18.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.2%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Vance County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Vance County had a population of 45,293 in 2010 and 42,337 in 2024, a -6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,293 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.47%.
42,337
Population (2024)
45,293
Population (2010)
45,293
Peak (2010)
-0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 45,293 |
| 2011 | 45,293 |
| 2012 | 45,104 |
| 2013 | 44,507 |
| 2014 | 44,533 |
| 2015 | 44,477 |
| 2016 | 44,558 |
| 2017 | 44,387 |
| 2018 | 44,735 |
| 2019 | 44,670 |
| 2020 | 42,559 |
| 2021 | 42,126 |
| 2022 | 42,258 |
| 2023 | 42,329 |
| 2024 | 42,337 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.5% |
| Black or African American | 49.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
53.4%
Female
46.6%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $46,943$-22,961 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,313 |
| Per-capita income | $27,223 |
| Poverty rate | 14.2%+4.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Vance County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
9.2%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,300$-113,100 vs state
Median home value
$860
Median rent
57.4%
Homeownership rate
19,423
Total housing units
82.8%
Occupied
17.2%
Vacant
42.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.1%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
20.5%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.9%
With a disability
92.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.4%
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
Vance County, North Carolina has a population of 42,361 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 61st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 168 people per square mile.
The population of Vance County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (45,293 → 42,337), a -0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Vance County, North Carolina is $46,943, with mean (average) household income of $66,313 and per-capita income of $27,223. 14.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Vance County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (49.0%), White (38.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Vance County, North Carolina is 39.9 years. Residents are 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
The median home value in Vance County is $146,300 and median monthly rent is $860. 57.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,423 total housing units, 17.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Vance County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Vance 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.