Bladen County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bladen County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 29,591. It is the 71st most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bladen County is 44.8 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bladen County is $44,528. This is 36% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.2%. This is 61% 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 4.3%. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $125,800. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $259,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Bladen County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Bladen County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 53.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 33.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (33.1% vs 20.3%). The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

20.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 88.6%.