2023 ACS Census Data · Population 44,679
McDowell County is a small county in North Carolina with a population of 44,679. The median household income is $55,527, 15% below the national average. The poverty rate is 14.0%, median home value is $168,300, and 17.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Its college education attainment is 27% below the national average.
Population
44,679
2023 estimate
Rank #1100 of 3,222 counties
Median Income?The midpoint of all household incomes — half of households earn more, half earn less.Learn more →
$55,527
Household
Rank #2307 of 3,222 counties
Median Home Value?Estimated market value of owner-occupied homes at the 50th percentile.
$168,300
Owner-occupied
Rank #1669 of 3,222 counties
Bachelor's Degree+?Percent of adults 25 and older who hold at least a bachelor's degree.Learn more →
17.6%
Adults 25+
Rank #2345 of 3,222 counties
Location
Population breakdown by race, ethnicity, and age
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Female Population?Percent of the total population identifying as female.
49.8%
Foreign-Born?Percent of residents born outside the United States.
3.8%
Speak Non-English at Home?Percent of households where a language other than English is spoken at home.
7.6%
Veterans?Percent of civilian population 18 and over who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
6.2%
Income, poverty, and employment data from the American Community Survey
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Household Income
9% below North Carolina avg·15% below national avg
Poverty Rate
9% above North Carolina avg·7% above national avg
Labor Force Participation
5% below North Carolina avg·8% below national avg
Economic Indicators
Per Capita Income?Total income divided by total population — the average income per person, regardless of household size.Learn more →
$29,555
Poverty Rate?Percent of residents living below the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.Learn more →
14.0%
Labor Force Participation?Percent of civilians 16+ who are employed or actively looking for work.Learn more →
53.2%
Home values, ownership rates, and rental costs
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Home Value
21% below North Carolina avg·20% below national avg
Median Monthly Rent
21% below North Carolina avg·20% below national avg
Home Ownership Rate
4% above North Carolina avg·1% above national avg
Housing Cost Burden
35% above North Carolina avg·30% above national avg
Housing Units
21,475
Households
18,445
Ownership & Cost Burden
Persons per Household?Average number of people living in each occupied housing unit.
2.3
Median Owner Costs (w/ Mortgage)?Typical monthly costs for homeowners with a mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.Learn more →
$1,130
Broadband Subscription?Percent of households with a broadband internet subscription.Learn more →
83.0%
Mean Commute Time?Average one-way travel time to work, in minutes, for workers 16 and older.Learn more →
25 min
Educational attainment among adults
Benchmarks vs State & National
Bachelor's Degree Rate
30% below North Carolina avg·27% below national avg
High School Graduation Rate
2% below North Carolina avg·3% below national avg
Attainment
Health & Access
With Disability (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 with a cognitive, physical, or sensory disability.Learn more →
11.6%
Without Health Insurance (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 who lack any form of health insurance coverage.Learn more →
14.7%
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