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

Total population
13,836
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,864/yr
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,190
0.3% year-over-year change

Chowan County population

How many people live in Chowan County

Chowan County is home to 13,836 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Chowan County locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
13,836
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
6,687
Female
51.7%
7,149
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,687 48.3% -1.3%
Female 7,149 51.7% 1.5%
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 Chowan County is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,208 16% -2.5%
15 to 24 1,191 8.6% 13.2%
25 to 44 3,022 21.8% -4.6%
45 to 64 3,809 27.5% 7.0%
Over 65 3,606 26.1% -4.3%
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 Chowan County, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.4% of locals are Caucasian, 32.7% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,366 96.6% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 212 1.5% -26.9%
Non-citizens 258 1.9% 83.0%
Racial breakdown
White
60.4%
Black or African American
32.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 8,353 60.4%
Black or African American 4,522 32.7%
Asian 9 0.1%
Two or more races 632 4.6%
Other 320 2.3%

Households in Chowan County

A peek inside Chowan County households

Chowan County has 6,134 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.8% are families, while the remaining 32.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,134
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,975
Family households
4,159
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,975 32.2% 2.9%
Family households 4,159 67.8% 2.2%
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 Chowan County

The housing landscape of Chowan County

Chowan County's housing consists of 7,190 units, with 71.4% 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 17.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,190
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,135 71.4%
1 unit, attached 27 0.4%
2 units 341 4.7%
3 or 4 units 357 5%
5 to 9 units 53 0.7%
20 to 49 units 20 0.3%
Mobile home 1,257 17.5%
Homes built since 2020
59
268.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chowan County

In Chowan County, the median construction year is 1980. About 11.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 814 11.3% 0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 501 7% -1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 352 4.9% -10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 395 5.5% -19.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,586 22.1% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,091 15.2% -5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,253 17.4% 11.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 882 12.3% 24.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 257 3.6% -28.2%
Built in 2020 or later 59 0.8% 268.8%
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.

Chowan County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,134 occupied housing units in Chowan County, 70.5% are owner-occupied, while 29.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,134
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,808
Owner occupied
4,326
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,808 29.5% -0.4%
Owner occupied 4,326 70.5% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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.

Chowan County housing costs

Housing costs in Chowan County come to a median of $954 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $681.

Median housing costs per month
$954/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 Chowan County
$681/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 Chowan County

Chowan County education at a glance

About 44.2% of the population in Chowan County went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 341 3% -42.0%
High school diploma 4,942 44.2% 2.3%
College diploma 2,017 18% 1.1%
Associate degree 1,098 9.8% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,772 15.8% 16.0%
Graduate degree 1,014 9.1% -6.7%
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 Chowan County

How much people earn in Chowan County

The average annual household income in Chowan County was $78,897 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,864, reflecting a -5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chowan County
$78,897/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chowan County
$53,864/year
-5.5% year-over-year change

Chowan County income by age

In Chowan County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,289. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,694 overall. Overall, 80.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $49,289 -11.2%
45 - 64 $72,694 10.7%
Over 65 $52,881 1.7%
Above poverty level
10,999
Below poverty level
2,598
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,999 80.9% 1.9%
Below poverty level 2,598 19.1% -6.9%

Employment in Chowan County

Workforce and job types in Chowan County

The job market in Chowan County is powered by 6,129 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 60.4% are employed by private companies, and 18.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,129
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
4,559
Blue collar
1,570
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,559 74.4% -2.1%
Blue collar 1,570 25.6% 9.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
18.1%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 660 10.8% -8.5%
Private companies 3,700 60.4% 5.7%
Governmental workers 1,110 18.1% -6.6%
Not for profit companies 659 10.8% -3.4%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-31.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chowan County stands at 4.1%, 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 Chowan County

How people get around in Chowan County

In Chowan County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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
-5.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,200 87.8% -1.4%
Bicycle 57 1% 18.8%
Walk 126 2.1% -13.7%
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 Chowan County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27932 12,745 5,466 $53,490 $78,312
27946 1,008 503 $74,421 $88,938
27980 1,647 724 $66,111 $82,848

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FAQs about Chowan County demographics 

What is the total population of Chowan County?

Chowan County has a total population of 13,836 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chowan County?

The gender ratio in Chowan County is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (6,687 residents)
  • 51.7% females (7,149 residents)

What is the median age in Chowan County?

The median age in Chowan County is 48.6.

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

The age distribution in Chowan County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (2,208 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (1,191 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (3,022 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (3,809 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.1% (3,606 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chowan County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chowan County is as follows:
  • White: 60.4% (8,353 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.7% (4,522 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (9 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (632 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (320 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Chowan County.

How many housing units are there in Chowan County?

There are 7,190 housing units in Chowan County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chowan County has a total of 6,134 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chowan County?

Chowan County has a median household income of $53,864, representing a -5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.9% in Chowan County, with a workforce of 6,129 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.4% (4,559 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.6% (1,570 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (660 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (3,700 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.1% (1,110 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (659 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