Washington County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 94th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Washington County, North Carolina is 10,905 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 94th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $41,750, the median home value is $107,000, and the median age is 49.3.
The population of Washington County has declined 18.8% since 2010 (13,119 → 10,654), a -1.48% annualized rate.
10,905
Population
-1.48%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$41,750
Median Income
$107,000
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 347 sq mi of land at 31.5 people per square mile.
About Washington County, NC
Educational attainment is the headline number in Washington County: 12.2% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Washington County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 10,905.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,750, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 18.5%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $107,000, with typical rent around $829.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.2%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 13,119 in 2010 and 10,654 in 2024, a -18.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,119 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.47%.
10,654
Population (2024)
13,119
Population (2010)
13,119
Peak (2010)
-1.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,119 |
| 2011 | 12,904 |
| 2012 | 12,662 |
| 2013 | 12,669 |
| 2014 | 12,479 |
| 2015 | 12,251 |
| 2016 | 12,081 |
| 2017 | 11,947 |
| 2018 | 11,793 |
| 2019 | 11,635 |
| 2020 | 10,981 |
| 2021 | 10,888 |
| 2022 | 10,798 |
| 2023 | 10,739 |
| 2024 | 10,654 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.6% |
| Black or African American | 49.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.3
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.0% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,750$-28,154 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,553 |
| Per-capita income | $28,150 |
| Poverty rate | 18.5%+9.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
74.4%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
27.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$107,000$-152,400 vs state
Median home value
$829
Median rent
68.7%
Homeownership rate
6,045
Total housing units
79.9%
Occupied
20.1%
Vacant
31.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
78.2%
With broadband internet
16.0%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
26.1%
With a disability
99.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.6%
High School+
12.2%
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
Washington County, North Carolina has a population of 10,905 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 94th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has declined 18.8% since 2010 (13,119 → 10,654), a -1.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, North Carolina is $41,750, with mean (average) household income of $59,553 and per-capita income of $28,150. 18.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (49.6%), White (46.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, North Carolina is 49.3 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $107,000 and median monthly rent is $829. 68.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,045 total housing units, 20.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Washington 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.