Alexander County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,412
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,354/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,218
0.6% year-over-year change

Alexander County population

How many people live in Alexander County

Alexander County is home to 36,412 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Alexander County locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
36,412
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
18,639
Female
48.8%
17,773
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,639 51.2% -0.6%
Female 17,773 48.8% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Alexander County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.7% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,713 15.7% 0.2%
15 to 24 3,919 10.8% -9.7%
25 to 44 9,018 24.8% 4.5%
45 to 64 10,041 27.6% -2.2%
Over 65 7,721 21.2% 3.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Alexander County, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,885 95.8% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,012 2.8% 14.5%
Non-citizens 515 1.4% 65.1%
Racial breakdown
White
87.4%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.1%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 31,805 87.4%
Black or African American 1,828 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 368 1%
Asian 363 1%
Two or more races 1,480 4.1%
Other 568 1.6%

Households in Alexander County

A peek inside Alexander County households

Alexander County has 14,126 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.2% are families, while the remaining 31.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,126
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,485
Family households
9,641
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,485 31.8% 5.8%
Family households 9,641 68.2% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Alexander County

The housing landscape of Alexander County

Alexander County's housing consists of 16,218 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 23.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,218
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,733 72.4%
1 unit, attached 93 0.6%
2 units 214 1.3%
3 or 4 units 65 0.4%
5 to 9 units 137 0.8%
10 to 19 units 85 0.5%
20 to 49 units 62 0.4%
50 or more units 17 0.1%
Mobile home 3,812 23.5%
Homes built since 2020
313
251.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alexander County

In Alexander County, the median construction year is 1985. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 727 4.5% -7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 848 5.2% -13.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,257 7.8% 23.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,294 8% -5.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,846 17.6% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,268 14% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,949 18.2% -11.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,687 16.6% 8.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,029 6.3% -2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 313 1.9% 251.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Alexander County occupancy rates

Out of the 14,126 occupied housing units in Alexander County, 80.7% are owner-occupied, while 19.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,126
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,729
Owner occupied
11,397
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,729 19.3% 7.2%
Owner occupied 11,397 80.7% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Alexander County housing costs

Housing costs in Alexander County come to a median of $677 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $764.

Median housing costs per month
$677/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Alexander County
$764/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Alexander County

Alexander County education at a glance

About 49.6% of the population in Alexander County went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 10.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,130 3.9% -6.8%
High school diploma 14,507 49.6% -1.8%
College diploma 6,134 21% -3.5%
Associate degree 2,918 10% 7.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,139 10.7% 7.9%
Graduate degree 1,440 4.9% 9.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Alexander County

How much people earn in Alexander County

The average annual household income in Alexander County was $83,653 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,354, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alexander County
$83,653/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alexander County
$65,354/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Alexander County income by age

In Alexander County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,337. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,451 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,385, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,133 in earnings. Overall, 87.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,385 -2.9%
25 - 44 $72,337 -0.8%
45 - 64 $80,451 1.4%
Over 65 $40,133 -4.1%
Above poverty level
30,115
Below poverty level
4,283
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,115 87.6% -1.1%
Below poverty level 4,283 12.4% 3.4%

Employment in Alexander County

Workforce and job types in Alexander County

The job market in Alexander County is powered by 16,174 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,174
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
9,928
Blue collar
6,246
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,928 61.4% 3.6%
Blue collar 6,246 38.6% -4.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,036 12.6% 6.1%
Private companies 10,663 65.9% -1.6%
Governmental workers 2,451 15.2% -2.7%
Not for profit companies 1,024 6.3% 21.3%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alexander County stands at 5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Alexander County

How people get around in Alexander County

In Alexander County, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-7.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,555 92.7% 0.3%
Motorcycle 7 0% 40.0%
Walk 139 0.9% 13.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Alexander County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28601 53,329 21,727 $67,817 $96,455
28636 4,496 1,860 $65,435 $76,037
28678 5,064 2,124 $74,845 $95,307
28681 25,566 9,768 $60,977 $80,951

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alexander County demographics 

What is the total population of Alexander County?

Alexander County has a total population of 36,412 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alexander County?

The gender ratio in Alexander County is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (18,639 residents)
  • 48.8% females (17,773 residents)

What is the median age in Alexander County?

The median age in Alexander County is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alexander County?

The age distribution in Alexander County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.7% (5,713 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (3,919 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (9,018 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (10,041 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (7,721 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alexander County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alexander County is as follows:
  • White: 87.4% (31,805 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (1,828 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (368 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (363 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.1% (1,480 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (568 residents)

What percentage of the population in Alexander County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Alexander County.

How many housing units are there in Alexander County?

There are 16,218 housing units in Alexander County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Alexander County and what is the average household size?

Alexander County has a total of 14,126 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alexander County?

Alexander County has a median household income of $65,354, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Alexander County?

The employment rate is 95% in Alexander County, with a workforce of 16,174 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.4% (9,928 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.6% (6,246 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (2,036 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (10,663 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (2,451 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (1,024 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025