Stanly County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Stanly County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 63,557. It is the 43rd most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Stanly County is 40.6 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Stanly County is $61,631. This is 12% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%. This is 8% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $214,300. Housing costs are 17% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 73.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Stanly County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.3%) is well below the state average of 10.9%.

Education

19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% 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 87.1%.