McDowell County's estimated 2025 population is 45,169 with a growth rate of 0.31% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. McDowell County is the 58th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 45,102 and has seen a growth of 0.15% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of McDowell County includes 88.46% White, 3.87% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 39,523 | 88.46% |
| Two or more races | 1,809 | 4.05% |
| Black or African American | 1,730 | 3.87% |
| Other race | 937 | 2.1% |
| Asian | 483 | 1.08% |
| Native American | 197 | 0.44% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
McDowell County's average per capita income is $41,190. Household income levels show a median of $55,527. The poverty rate stands at 13.98%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $77,850 | - |
| Families | $68,570 | $83,721 |
| Households | $55,527 | $71,177 |
| Non Families | $28,632 | $37,603 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate