Population of Counties in North Carolina (2023)

There are 100 counties in North Carolina. Location of the Wright brothers' first powered air flight and a stunning landscape that offers the tranquility of the mountains and beautiful beaches, North Carolina’s population has been increasing steadily over the last 8 years. Since 2010, more than half of North Carolina’s 100 counties has experienced a growth in population – 53 to be exact.

North Carolina Counties with Positive Population Growth

In 2018, Mecklenburg County has the largest population with 1,076,837, closely followed by Wake County which has a population of 1,072,203 experiencing an increase of 17.1% and 19% since 2010, respectively.

North Carolina Counties with Rapid Growth

These are by no means the highest surge in numbers. Brunswick County has a fairly small population in comparison at 130,897 but grew by 21.8% Smaller counties that are similar to Brunswick have experienced significant population growth as well. Durham County’s population has grown by 15.4%, Union County by 14.47%, Carrabus County by 16.27% and Johnston County by 15.93%

North Carolina Counties with Negative Population Growth

47 counties decreased in population but by less than 10%. The largest drop in numbers was experienced in Northampton and Bertie with 9.86% and 9.53%

More information on North Carolina’s population numbers is available in the table below.