Northampton County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Northampton County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 17,212. It is the 86th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Northampton County is 51.6 years. This is 32% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 12.2% 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 Northampton County is $47,935. This is 31% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%. This is 52% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 6.5%. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $102,200. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $259,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Northampton County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Northampton County is Black or African American, making up 54.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 39.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (54.2% vs 20.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

19.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 84.5%.