Mount Airy, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Mount Airy, North Carolina had a total population of 10,633, the 95th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $40,275, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Mount Airy Quick Facts
How Mount Airy Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,631 | 10,633 | +0.0% |
| Median household income | $39,873 | $40,275 | +1.0% |
| Median home value | $176,600 | $181,900 | +3.0% |
How Mount Airy Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Mount Airy Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Surry County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkin | 4,043 | $60,740 | 22.3% | $226,900 |
| Dobson | 1,652 | $43,750 | 22.4% | $173,900 |
| Pilot Mountain | 1,483 | $49,200 | 12.4% | $203,600 |
| Flat Rock | 1,062 | $42,018 | 11.9% | $95,400 |
| Toast | 893 | $35,111 | 14.0% | $104,800 |
| White Plains | 795 | $44,242 | 10.7% | $231,700 |
| Lowgap | 264 | $60,368 | 8.7% | $163,500 |
Cities Similar to Mount Airy
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 9,726 | $40,186 | $206,800 | 24.0% | 23.1% |
| Tarboro | 10,770 | $49,796 | $185,500 | 26.6% | 18.5% |
| Smithfield | 12,116 | $43,270 | $242,500 | 26.7% | 27.4% |
| Waynesville | 10,502 | $54,923 | $281,700 | 33.0% | 15.9% |
| Lincolnton | 11,783 | $46,320 | $248,700 | 24.0% | 22.7% |
Population Overview
Mount Airy is a small city located in North Carolina, within Surry County. The total population is 10,633. It ranks as the 95th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Mount Airy is 46.0 years. This is 18% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 14.1% 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 Mount Airy is $40,275. This is 44% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 50% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.9%. This is 107% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. 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 4.2%. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $181,900. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x. 55.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Mount Airy is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.0%. The Black or African American population (8.6%) is well below the state average of 20.0%.
Education
23.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Mount Airy, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mount Airy, North Carolina?
Mount Airy, North Carolina has a population of 10,633 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Mount Airy, NC?
The median household income in Mount Airy is $40,275, which is 50% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Airy, NC?
The poverty rate in Mount Airy is 26.9%. This means approximately 2,793 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Mount Airy, North Carolina?
Mount Airy's population is 76.8% White, 8.6% Black, 10.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Mount Airy, NC?
The median home value in Mount Airy is $181,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
How educated is Mount Airy, North Carolina?
23.1% of adults (25+) in Mount Airy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.