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

Total population
100,991
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,534/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
44,304
0.7% year-over-year change

Cleveland County population

How many people live in Cleveland County

Cleveland County is home to 100,991 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Cleveland County locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
100,991
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
48,765
Female
51.7%
52,226
Value Percent YoY change
Male 48,765 48.3% 0.9%
Female 52,226 51.7% 0.7%
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 Cleveland County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,667 18.5% 0.8%
15 to 24 12,623 12.5% 1.2%
25 to 44 23,909 23.7% 0.8%
45 to 64 26,796 26.5% 0.5%
Over 65 18,996 18.8% 1.2%
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 Cleveland County, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.6% of locals are Caucasian, 17.9% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 97,154 96.2% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,124 2.1% 0.0%
Non-citizens 1,713 1.7% 24.7%
Racial breakdown
White
71.6%
Black or African American
17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 72,350 71.6%
Black or African American 18,099 17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 353 0.4%
Asian 1,098 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 64 0.1%
Two or more races 6,783 6.7%
Other 2,244 2.2%

Households in Cleveland County

A peek inside Cleveland County households

Cleveland County has 38,850 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.9% are families, while the remaining 32.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
38,850
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,455
Family households
26,395
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,455 32.1% 5.8%
Family households 26,395 67.9% 3.7%
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 Cleveland County

The housing landscape of Cleveland County

Cleveland County's housing consists of 44,304 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 18.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
44,304
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 30,881 69.7%
1 unit, attached 573 1.3%
2 units 1,081 2.4%
3 or 4 units 1,358 3.1%
5 to 9 units 1,278 2.9%
10 to 19 units 446 1%
20 to 49 units 344 0.8%
50 or more units 255 0.6%
Mobile home 8,046 18.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 42 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
759
134.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cleveland County

In Cleveland County, the median construction year is 1979. About 6.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,840 6.4% -4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,042 4.6% -0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,747 8.5% -3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,072 11.4% -5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,945 20.2% 7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,790 13.1% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,262 16.4% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,543 12.5% 2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,304 5.2% 16.4%
Built in 2020 or later 759 1.7% 134.3%
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.

Cleveland County occupancy rates

Out of the 38,850 occupied housing units in Cleveland County, 70.9% are owner-occupied, while 29.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
38,850
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,310
Owner occupied
27,540
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,310 29.1% 3.5%
Owner occupied 27,540 70.9% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
12.3%
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.

Cleveland County housing costs

Housing costs in Cleveland County come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $914.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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 Cleveland County
$914/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 Cleveland County

Cleveland County education at a glance

About 42.2% of the population in Cleveland County went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,526 3.2% -8.6%
High school diploma 33,073 42.2% -1.3%
College diploma 16,791 21.4% 2.0%
Associate degree 9,964 12.7% 1.1%
Bachelor's degree 10,493 13.4% 5.8%
Graduate degree 5,616 7.2% 6.0%
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 Cleveland County

How much people earn in Cleveland County

The average annual household income in Cleveland County was $76,018 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,534, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cleveland County
$76,018/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cleveland County
$58,534/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Cleveland County income by age

In Cleveland County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,478. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,510 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,475, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,005 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,475 -0.5%
25 - 44 $65,478 10.6%
45 - 64 $67,510 6.2%
Over 65 $47,005 5.7%
Above poverty level
81,796
Below poverty level
16,092
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 81,796 83.6% 1.8%
Below poverty level 16,092 16.4% -3.6%

Employment in Cleveland County

Workforce and job types in Cleveland County

The job market in Cleveland County is powered by 45,005 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 69.5% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
45,005
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
31,161
Blue collar
13,844
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 31,161 69.2% 2.7%
Blue collar 13,844 30.8% -1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
69.5%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,890 8.6% -9.0%
Private companies 31,285 69.5% 2.8%
Governmental workers 5,912 13.1% -0.0%
Not for profit companies 3,918 8.7% 3.6%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-8.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cleveland County stands at 5.2%, 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 Cleveland County

How people get around in Cleveland County

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 40,286 91.3% 1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 100.0%
Walk 568 1.3% -35.0%
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 Cleveland County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28073 5,890 2,195 $52,557 $67,365
28086 29,460 10,903 $62,414 $74,592
28089 167 18 $75,000 $72,583
28090 7,268 2,841 $57,714 $78,146
28114 7,104 2,762 $60,500 $74,166
28150 28,142 11,499 $55,832 $77,688
28152 26,134 10,016 $57,806 $73,387
28017 663 0 $0 $0
28020 2,240 855 $59,978 $73,242
28021 13,865 5,570 $63,429 $77,675

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FAQs about Cleveland County demographics 

What is the total population of Cleveland County?

Cleveland County has a total population of 100,991 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cleveland County?

The gender ratio in Cleveland County is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (48,765 residents)
  • 51.7% females (52,226 residents)

What is the median age in Cleveland County?

The median age in Cleveland County is 41.3.

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

The age distribution in Cleveland County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (18,667 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (12,623 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (23,909 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (26,796 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (18,996 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cleveland County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cleveland County is as follows:
  • White: 71.6% (72,350 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.9% (18,099 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (353 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (1,098 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (64 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (6,783 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (2,244 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Cleveland County.

How many housing units are there in Cleveland County?

There are 44,304 housing units in Cleveland County, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cleveland County has a total of 38,850 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cleveland County?

Cleveland County has a median household income of $58,534, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Cleveland County, with a workforce of 45,005 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (31,161 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (13,844 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (3,890 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.5% (31,285 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (5,912 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (3,918 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