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, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White
Two or more races
Black or African American
Other race
Asian
Native American
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
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% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0 | 0% |
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