Warren County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 82nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Warren County, North Carolina is 18,751 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 82nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $45,279, the median home value is $124,700, and the median age is 48.6.
The population of Warren County has declined 9.0% since 2010 (20,974 → 19,081), a -0.67% annualized rate.
18,751
Population
-0.67%
Annual growth
44
People / sq mi
$45,279
Median Income
$124,700
Median Home Value
Warren County covers 429 sq mi of land at 43.7 people per square mile.
About Warren County, NC
Warren County skews on age — the median resident is 48.6, older than the national median. Warren County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 18,751.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $45,279, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.0%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $124,700, with typical rent around $771.
19.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Warren County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Warren County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Warren County had a population of 20,974 in 2010 and 19,081 in 2024, a -9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,986 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.66%.
19,081
Population (2024)
20,974
Population (2010)
20,986
Peak (2011)
-0.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,974 |
| 2011 | 20,986 |
| 2012 | 20,750 |
| 2013 | 20,584 |
| 2014 | 20,364 |
| 2015 | 20,190 |
| 2016 | 19,874 |
| 2017 | 19,829 |
| 2018 | 19,815 |
| 2019 | 19,692 |
| 2020 | 18,601 |
| 2021 | 18,831 |
| 2022 | 18,700 |
| 2023 | 18,762 |
| 2024 | 19,081 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.5% |
| Black or African American | 47.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.6
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
26.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.6% · Seniors (65+): 26.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,279$-24,625 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,275 |
| Per-capita income | $31,482 |
| Poverty rate | 17.0%+7.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Warren County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
27.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$124,700$-134,700 vs state
Median home value
$771
Median rent
69.7%
Homeownership rate
11,543
Total housing units
68.7%
Occupied
31.3%
Vacant
30.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.4%
With health insurance
85.3%
With broadband internet
30.9%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
21.2%
With a disability
94.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.7%
High School+
19.0%
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
Warren County, North Carolina has a population of 18,751 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 82nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 44 people per square mile.
The population of Warren County has declined 9.0% since 2010 (20,974 → 19,081), a -0.67% annualized rate.
The median household income in Warren County, North Carolina is $45,279, with mean (average) household income of $71,275 and per-capita income of $31,482. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Warren County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (47.1%), White (38.5%), Hispanic or Latino (6.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Warren County, North Carolina is 48.6 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Warren County is $124,700 and median monthly rent is $771. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,543 total housing units, 31.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Warren County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Warren County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Warren County, NC Climate
Warren County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1121 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.5°C
Avg Temp
1121
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 92 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 89 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 100 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 79 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 101 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 95 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 109 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 114 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 92 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 83 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 81 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 Warren County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Warren County, NC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Warren County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.