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

Total population
14,992
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,602/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,697
0.3% year-over-year change

Mitchell County population

How many people live in Mitchell County

Mitchell County is home to 14,992 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Mitchell County locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
14,992
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
7,331
Female
51.1%
7,661
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,331 48.9% -0.6%
Female 7,661 51.1% 0.8%
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 Mitchell County is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.6% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26% are 65 or older.

Median age
48
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
21.6%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
26%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,138 14.3% -3.5%
15 to 24 1,636 10.9% 3.4%
25 to 44 3,231 21.6% 1.2%
45 to 64 4,096 27.3% -1.8%
Over 65 3,891 26% 2.1%
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 Mitchell County, 96.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,528 96.9% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 300 2% 14.9%
Non-citizens 164 1.1% -37.9%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 13,678 91.2%
Black or African American 139 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 42 0.3%
Asian 71 0.5%
Two or more races 691 4.6%
Other 371 2.5%

Households in Mitchell County

A peek inside Mitchell County households

Mitchell County has 6,587 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,587
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,411
Family households
4,176
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,411 36.6% 3.3%
Family households 4,176 63.4% 2.4%
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 Mitchell County

The housing landscape of Mitchell County

Mitchell County's housing consists of 8,697 units, with 76.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% 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 15.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,697
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,649 76.4%
1 unit, attached 82 0.9%
2 units 126 1.4%
3 or 4 units 143 1.6%
5 to 9 units 144 1.7%
10 to 19 units 109 1.2%
20 to 49 units 106 1.2%
Mobile home 1,338 15.4%
Homes built since 2020
28
47.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mitchell County

In Mitchell County, the median construction year is 1978. About 9.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 796 9.2% -13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 744 8.6% 3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,031 11.8% 0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 890 10.2% 7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,101 12.7% 1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,199 13.8% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,348 15.5% -10.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,102 12.7% -0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 458 5.3% 43.1%
Built in 2020 or later 28 0.3% 47.4%
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.

Mitchell County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,587 occupied housing units in Mitchell County, 76.3% are owner-occupied, while 23.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,587
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,564
Owner occupied
5,023
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,564 23.7% 8.8%
Owner occupied 5,023 76.3% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
24.3%
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.

Mitchell County housing costs

Housing costs in Mitchell County come to a median of $681 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $813.

Median housing costs per month
$681/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 Mitchell County
$813/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 Mitchell County

Mitchell County education at a glance

About 36.4% of the population in Mitchell County went to high school, while 25.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.8% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 328 2.6% -14.4%
High school diploma 4,494 36.4% -2.7%
College diploma 3,173 25.7% -3.1%
Associate degree 1,582 12.8% 12.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,716 13.9% 11.2%
Graduate degree 1,062 8.6% -0.8%
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 Mitchell County

How much people earn in Mitchell County

The average annual household income in Mitchell County was $78,464 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,602, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mitchell County
$78,464/year
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mitchell County
$57,602/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

Mitchell County income by age

In Mitchell County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,487. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,145 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,609, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,899 in earnings. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,609 -0.3%
25 - 44 $69,487 -7.7%
45 - 64 $69,145 5.7%
Over 65 $39,899 3.2%
Above poverty level
12,600
Below poverty level
1,863
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,600 87.1% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,863 12.9% -0.7%

Employment in Mitchell County

Workforce and job types in Mitchell County

The job market in Mitchell County is powered by 6,688 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.4% run their own businesses, 55.7% are employed by private companies, and 20.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,688
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,588
Blue collar
2,100
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,588 68.6% -1.6%
Blue collar 2,100 31.4% 6.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.4%
Private companies
55.7%
Governmental workers
20.7%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 826 12.4% 27.9%
Private companies 3,726 55.7% -7.5%
Governmental workers 1,386 20.7% 8.9%
Not for profit companies 750 11.2% 9.0%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mitchell County stands at 6.5%, 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 Mitchell County

How people get around in Mitchell County

Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 5,803 89.8% 0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.3% 125.0%
Walk 107 1.7% -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 Mitchell County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28705 6,732 2,739 $54,858 $85,516
28740 2,158 1,038 $48,214 $73,216
28777 10,178 3,989 $63,378 $76,645

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FAQs about Mitchell County demographics 

What is the total population of Mitchell County?

Mitchell County has a total population of 14,992 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 Mitchell County?

The gender ratio in Mitchell County is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (7,331 residents)
  • 51.1% females (7,661 residents)

What is the median age in Mitchell County?

The median age in Mitchell County is 48.

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

The age distribution in Mitchell County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (2,138 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (1,636 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.6% (3,231 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (4,096 residents)
  • Over 65: 26% (3,891 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mitchell County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mitchell County is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (13,678 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (139 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (42 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (71 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (691 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (371 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.9% of the population in Mitchell County.

How many housing units are there in Mitchell County?

There are 8,697 housing units in Mitchell 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 Mitchell County and what is the average household size?

Mitchell County has a total of 6,587 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mitchell County?

Mitchell County has a median household income of $57,602, 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 Mitchell County?

The employment rate is 93.5% in Mitchell County, with a workforce of 6,688 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (4,588 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (2,100 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.4% (826 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.7% (3,726 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.7% (1,386 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (750 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