McDowell County's estimated 2026 population is 45,098 with a growth rate of -0.22% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. McDowell County is the 57th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 45,102 and has seen a growth of -0.01% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
Overall: 44.3 years
Female: 46.1 years
Male: 42.6 years
There are 36,125 adults, (9,401 of whom are seniors) in McDowell County.
Female: 22,349 (49.9%)
Male: 22,468 (50.1%)
The racial composition of McDowell County includes 87.56% White, 3.86% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 39,241 | 87.56% |
| Two or more races | 2,111 | 4.71% |
| Black or African American | 1,730 | 3.86% |
| Other race | 1,033 | 2.3% |
| Asian | 506 | 1.13% |
| Native American | 196 | 0.44% |
McDowell County's average per capita income is $41,630. Household income levels show a median of $57,168. The poverty rate stands at 14.81%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $82,394 | $97,025 |
| Families | $71,771 | $87,125 |
| Households | $57,168 | $72,753 |
| Non Families | $30,589 | $37,373 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate