Albemarle city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Albemarle city, North Carolina has a total population of 16,527, the 63rd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $52,825, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.5%.
Albemarle city Quick Facts
How Albemarle city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Albemarle city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Albemarle city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham city | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | 23.5% | 18.1% |
| Hendersonville city | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | 37.9% | 16.8% |
| Eden city | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | 14.0% | 19.8% |
| Morganton city | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | 23.0% | 29.9% |
| Havelock city | 16,471 | $64,433 | $186,800 | 16.9% | 13.5% |
Population Overview
Albemarle city is a small city located in North Carolina. The total population is 16,527. It ranks as the 63rd most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Albemarle city is 39.8 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 10.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Albemarle city is $52,825. This is 24% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.5%. This is 71% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $186,100. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 57.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Albemarle city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 63.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 22.3%.
Education
21.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Albemarle city, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all North Carolina city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Albemarle city, North Carolina?
Albemarle city, North Carolina has a population of 16,527 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Albemarle city, NC?
The median household income in Albemarle city is $52,825, which is 33% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Albemarle city, NC?
The poverty rate in Albemarle city is 22.5%. This means approximately 3,596 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Albemarle city, North Carolina?
Albemarle city's population is 63.0% White, 22.3% Black, 8.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Albemarle city, NC?
The median home value in Albemarle city is $186,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Albemarle city, North Carolina?
21.5% of adults (25+) in Albemarle city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.