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

Total population
118,484
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,187/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
58,044
1.2% year-over-year change

Henderson County population

How many people live in Henderson County

Henderson County is home to 118,484 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Henderson County locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
118,484
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
57,269
Female
51.7%
61,215
Value Percent YoY change
Male 57,269 48.3% 0.8%
Female 61,215 51.7% 1.0%
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 Henderson County is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
26.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,967 15.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 11,691 9.9% 0.2%
25 to 44 26,025 22% 1.4%
45 to 64 31,425 26.5% 0.1%
Over 65 31,376 26.5% 2.7%
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 Henderson County, 90.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.5% of locals are Caucasian, 2.9% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 107,422 90.7% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,384 4.5% 9.7%
Non-citizens 5,678 4.8% 10.4%
Racial breakdown
White
81.5%
Black or African American
2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 96,573 81.5%
Black or African American 3,434 2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,524 1.3%
Asian 1,444 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 242 0.2%
Two or more races 8,537 7.2%
Other 6,730 5.7%

Households in Henderson County

A peek inside Henderson County households

Henderson County has 51,067 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
51,067
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,261
Family households
34,806
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,261 31.8% -0.5%
Family households 34,806 68.2% 2.1%
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 Henderson County

The housing landscape of Henderson County

Henderson County's housing consists of 58,044 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 15.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
58,044
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 40,244 69.3%
1 unit, attached 2,545 4.4%
2 units 864 1.5%
3 or 4 units 1,663 2.9%
5 to 9 units 1,296 2.2%
10 to 19 units 925 1.6%
20 to 49 units 813 1.4%
50 or more units 721 1.2%
Mobile home 8,799 15.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 174 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
1,306
124.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Henderson County

In Henderson County, the median construction year is 1990. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,643 4.6% -2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,401 2.4% -8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,882 6.7% -0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,130 7.1% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,993 13.8% 0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,003 15.5% -3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,584 18.2% 3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10,707 18.4% 1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,395 11% 4.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1,306 2.2% 124.4%
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.

Henderson County occupancy rates

Out of the 51,067 occupied housing units in Henderson County, 75% are owner-occupied, while 25% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
51,067
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,756
Owner occupied
38,311
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,756 25% -1.9%
Owner occupied 38,311 75% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

Henderson County housing costs

Housing costs in Henderson County come to a median of $1,058 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,187.

Median housing costs per month
$1,058/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 Henderson County
$1,187/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 Henderson County

Henderson County education at a glance

About 31.7% of the population in Henderson County went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,692 3.8% 3.5%
High school diploma 30,536 31.7% 2.6%
College diploma 19,251 20% -8.1%
Associate degree 9,965 10.3% 3.7%
Bachelor's degree 20,864 21.7% 4.2%
Graduate degree 12,033 12.5% 7.5%
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 Henderson County

How much people earn in Henderson County

The average annual household income in Henderson County was $92,991 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,187, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Henderson County
$92,991/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Henderson County
$68,187/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Henderson County income by age

In Henderson County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,548. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,001 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,475, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,528 in earnings. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,475 22.4%
25 - 44 $71,548 6.0%
45 - 64 $79,001 -0.9%
Over 65 $60,528 -0.1%
Above poverty level
102,759
Below poverty level
13,330
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 102,759 88.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 13,330 11.5% -0.3%

Employment in Henderson County

Workforce and job types in Henderson County

The job market in Henderson County is powered by 54,648 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
54,648
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
41,771
Blue collar
12,877
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 41,771 76.4% 0.5%
Blue collar 12,877 23.6% 2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,889 12.6% -5.3%
Private companies 36,092 66% 1.9%
Governmental workers 6,654 12.2% 4.5%
Not for profit companies 5,013 9.2% -0.3%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Henderson County stands at 3.5%, 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 Henderson County

How people get around in Henderson County

Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 46,955 87.7% 0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 23 0% -48.9%
Bicycle 56 0.1% -17.6%
Walk 351 0.7% -0.8%
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 Henderson County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28704 24,138 8,810 $81,096 $115,027
28726 4,363 1,539 $54,152 $66,280
28729 3,681 1,427 $84,413 $108,658
28731 8,672 3,783 $66,309 $98,275
28732 19,279 7,326 $81,852 $115,222
28735 124 89 $0 $219,125
28739 20,843 9,584 $73,582 $100,743
28742 2,710 1,123 $99,007 $110,488
28759 7,555 2,856 $107,609 $119,576
28773 3,441 1,391 $70,703 $103,324

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FAQs about Henderson County demographics 

What is the total population of Henderson County?

Henderson County has a total population of 118,484 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Henderson County?

The gender ratio in Henderson County is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (57,269 residents)
  • 51.7% females (61,215 residents)

What is the median age in Henderson County?

The median age in Henderson County is 47.5.

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

The age distribution in Henderson County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (17,967 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (11,691 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (26,025 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (31,425 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.5% (31,376 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Henderson County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Henderson County is as follows:
  • White: 81.5% (96,573 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.9% (3,434 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (1,524 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (1,444 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (242 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (8,537 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (6,730 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.7% of the population in Henderson County.

How many housing units are there in Henderson County?

There are 58,044 housing units in Henderson County, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Henderson County has a total of 51,067 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Henderson County?

Henderson County has a median household income of $68,187, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Henderson County, with a workforce of 54,648 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.4% (41,771 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.6% (12,877 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (6,889 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (36,092 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (6,654 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (5,013 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