McDowell County Flag

McDowell County

County Seat:

McDowell County's estimated 2025 population is 45,169 with a growth rate of 0.31% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. McDowell County is the 58th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 45,102 and has seen a growth of 0.15% since that time.

45,169
Total Population
103
Population Density (mi²)
58
Population Rank (State)
138 0.31%
Annual Population Growth

McDowell County Population

McDowell County Population

Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change

Demographics

The racial composition of McDowell County includes 88.46% White, 3.87% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.

Population by Race

Race
Population
Percentage (of total)
White39,52388.46%
Two or more races1,8094.05%
Black or African American1,7303.87%
Other race9372.1%
Asian4831.08%
Native American1970.44%

McDowell County Marital Status

OverallMalesFemales0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Married

Widowed

Divorced

Separated

Never Married

Economics and Income Statistics

McDowell County's average per capita income is $41,190. Household income levels show a median of $55,527. The poverty rate stands at 13.98%.

Families: A family includes the owner or renter of the home along with everyone related to them - whether through birth, marriage, or adoption. This includes relatives like spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and any other family members.
Households: A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit (such as a house or apartment) as their usual place of residence.
Non Families: A nonfamily household is either someone living alone or when the owner/renter lives with people they aren't related to, like roommates.
Name
Median
Mean
Married Families$77,850-
Families$68,570$83,721
Households$55,527$71,177
Non Families$28,632$37,603

$41,190

Average Income

$55,527

Median Household Income

13.98%

Poverty Rate