McDowell County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

McDowell County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 44,679. It is the 56th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in McDowell County is 44.3 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in McDowell County is $55,527. 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 14.0%. This is 6% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 4% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $168,300. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 74.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

McDowell County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.8%. The Black or African American population (3.9%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

17.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% 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 86.1%.