Stokes County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Stokes County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 44,889. It is the 55th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Stokes County is 47.6 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Stokes County is $60,039. This is 14% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $186,800. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Stokes County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.6%. The Black or African American population (3.4%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

18.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 89.9%.