| City | Rank | 2026 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density (/mi²) | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albemarle | 1 | 18,027 | 16,417 | 1.45% | 991 | 18 | City |
| Locust | 2 | 6,409 | 4,858 | 4.72% | 740 | 9 | City |
| Norwood | 3 | 2,607 | 2,365 | 1.52% | 562 | 5 | Town |
| Oakboro | 4 | 2,353 | 2,123 | 1.6% | 929 | 3 | Town |
| Badin | 5 | 1,884 | 2,017 | -1.62% | 1,039 | 2 | Town |
| Stanfield | 6 | 1,773 | 1,591 | 1.66% | 397 | 4 | Town |
| New London | 7 | 674 | 608 | 1.51% | 341 | 2 | Town |
| Misenheimer | 8 | 657 | 692 | -1.2% | 407 | 2 | Village |
| Richfield | 9 | 640 | 573 | 1.59% | 264 | 2 | Town |
Albemarle is the largest city in Stanly County, with a population of 18,027.
Richfield is the smallest city in Stanly County, with a population of 640.
There are 9 cities in Stanly County, North Carolina.