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

Total population
29,566
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,422/yr
-4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,286
0.1% year-over-year change

Bladen County population

How many people live in Bladen County

Bladen County is home to 29,566 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Bladen County locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
29,566
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
14,277
Female
51.7%
15,289
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,277 48.3% -0.1%
Female 15,289 51.7% -0.1%
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 Bladen County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.2% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
22.2%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
23.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,999 16.9% 0.8%
15 to 24 3,285 11.1% -7.2%
25 to 44 6,567 22.2% 3.2%
45 to 64 7,780 26.3% -1.2%
Over 65 6,935 23.5% 1.1%
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 Bladen County, 95.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.5% of locals are Caucasian, 32.4% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. Another 3.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,208 95.4% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 441 1.5% -3.7%
Non-citizens 917 3.1% 49.1%
Racial breakdown
White
54.5%
Black or African American
32.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.2%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
5.9%
Value Percent
White 16,119 54.5%
Black or African American 9,569 32.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 957 3.2%
Asian 47 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.1%
Two or more races 1,100 3.7%
Other 1,753 5.9%

Households in Bladen County

A peek inside Bladen County households

Bladen County has 11,824 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.9% are families, while the remaining 37.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,824
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,383
Family households
7,441
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,383 37.1% -7.2%
Family households 7,441 62.9% 7.7%
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 Bladen County

The housing landscape of Bladen County

Bladen County's housing consists of 15,286 units, with 61.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 31.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,286
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,458 61.9%
1 unit, attached 54 0.4%
2 units 215 1.4%
3 or 4 units 221 1.4%
5 to 9 units 160 1%
10 to 19 units 167 1.1%
20 to 49 units 134 0.9%
50 or more units 23 0.2%
Mobile home 4,837 31.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
277
76.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bladen County

In Bladen County, the median construction year is 1983. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 489 3.2% -19.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 891 5.8% 4.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,211 7.9% -8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,225 8% -1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,186 20.8% 7.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,086 13.6% -1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,943 19.2% -6.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,644 10.8% 10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,334 8.7% -3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 277 1.8% 76.4%
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.

Bladen County occupancy rates

Out of the 11,824 occupied housing units in Bladen County, 69.2% are owner-occupied, while 30.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,824
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,641
Owner occupied
8,183
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,641 30.8% 3.8%
Owner occupied 8,183 69.2% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
22.6%
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.

Bladen County housing costs

Housing costs in Bladen County come to a median of $712 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $773.

Median housing costs per month
$712/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 Bladen County
$773/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 Bladen County

Bladen County education at a glance

About 43.3% of the population in Bladen County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 794 3.4% 31.2%
High school diploma 10,162 43.3% -1.5%
College diploma 5,440 23.2% -0.2%
Associate degree 2,725 11.6% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,100 13.2% -3.5%
Graduate degree 1,251 5.3% -0.7%
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 Bladen County

How much people earn in Bladen County

The average annual household income in Bladen County was $63,070 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,422, reflecting a -4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bladen County
$63,070/year
-5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bladen County
$42,422/year
-4.7% year-over-year change

Bladen County income by age

In Bladen County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,412 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,467, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,681 in earnings. Overall, 78.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,467 N/A
25 - 44 $44,583 -9.4%
45 - 64 $50,412 -3.9%
Over 65 $36,681 1.1%
Above poverty level
22,686
Below poverty level
6,216
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,686 78.5% -0.7%
Below poverty level 6,216 21.5% 1.9%

Employment in Bladen County

Workforce and job types in Bladen County

The job market in Bladen County is powered by 11,255 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 20.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,255
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
7,292
Blue collar
3,963
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,292 64.8% -4.0%
Blue collar 3,963 35.2% 6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
20.1%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,125 10% -11.1%
Private companies 7,285 64.7% -2.3%
Governmental workers 2,263 20.1% 15.2%
Not for profit companies 582 5.2% -9.8%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
28.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bladen County stands at 5.4%, 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 Bladen County

How people get around in Bladen County

In Bladen County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,085 90.5% -0.0%
Walk 136 1.2% -5.6%
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 Bladen County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28392 1,758 779 $0 $72,675
28312 19,793 7,951 $67,754 $87,452
28320 7,962 3,116 $57,500 $72,333
28332 645 253 $77,250 $78,042
28337 8,357 3,601 $36,227 $53,228
28399 1,819 693 $33,512 $57,859
28433 4,313 1,742 $36,944 $50,187
28434 710 356 $49,643 $62,981
28441 2,532 994 $51,250 $70,167
28444 2,479 941 $44,330 $66,887

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bladen County demographics 

What is the total population of Bladen County?

Bladen County has a total population of 29,566 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 Bladen County?

The gender ratio in Bladen County is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (14,277 residents)
  • 51.7% females (15,289 residents)

What is the median age in Bladen County?

The median age in Bladen County is 44.7.

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

The age distribution in Bladen County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (4,999 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (3,285 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.2% (6,567 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (7,780 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.5% (6,935 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bladen County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bladen County is as follows:
  • White: 54.5% (16,119 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.4% (9,569 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.2% (957 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (47 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (1,100 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (1,753 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.4% of the population in Bladen County.

How many housing units are there in Bladen County?

There are 15,286 housing units in Bladen County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bladen County has a total of 11,824 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bladen County?

Bladen County has a median household income of $42,422, representing a -4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Bladen County, with a workforce of 11,255 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.8% (7,292 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.2% (3,963 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (1,125 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (7,285 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.1% (2,263 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (582 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