Rockingham County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Rockingham County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 91,585. It is the 31st most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Rockingham County is 44.7 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Rockingham County is $55,796. This is 20% 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 16.9%. This is 28% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 31% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $156,000. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $259,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Rockingham County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Rockingham County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 70.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 17.4%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

16.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% 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 84.4%.