Caldwell County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Caldwell County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 80,618. It is the 34th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Caldwell County is 45.5 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Caldwell County is $55,401. This is 21% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%. This is 4% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 1% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $174,000. Housing costs are 33% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 74.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Caldwell County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.4%. The Black or African American population (4.1%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

18.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% 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 82.8%.