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

Total population
149,875
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,725/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
64,975
1.1% year-over-year change

Rowan County population

How many people live in Rowan County

Rowan County is home to 149,875 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Rowan County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
149,875
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
74,244
Female
50.5%
75,631
Value Percent YoY change
Male 74,244 49.5% 0.7%
Female 75,631 50.5% 1.2%
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 Rowan County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 27,030 18% 0.1%
15 to 24 19,266 12.8% 1.0%
25 to 44 37,039 24.7% 1.9%
45 to 64 39,947 26.6% -0.3%
Over 65 26,593 17.7% 2.3%
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 Rowan County, 92.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70% of locals are Caucasian, 15.8% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 139,254 92.9% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,043 2.7% -3.0%
Non-citizens 6,578 4.4% 5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
70%
Black or African American
15.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
4.7%
Value Percent
White 104,854 70%
Black or African American 23,658 15.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 798 0.5%
Asian 1,200 0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 90 0.1%
Two or more races 12,269 8.2%
Other 7,006 4.7%

Households in Rowan County

A peek inside Rowan County households

Rowan County has 58,899 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
58,899
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
19,139
Family households
39,760
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 19,139 32.5% 1.2%
Family households 39,760 67.5% 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 Rowan County

The housing landscape of Rowan County

Rowan County's housing consists of 64,975 units, with 71.8% 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 15.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
64,975
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 46,640 71.8%
1 unit, attached 857 1.3%
2 units 1,991 3.1%
3 or 4 units 1,272 2%
5 to 9 units 1,674 2.6%
10 to 19 units 1,567 2.4%
20 to 49 units 377 0.6%
50 or more units 580 0.9%
Mobile home 9,985 15.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 32 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,275
72.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rowan County

In Rowan County, the median construction year is 1983. About 10.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,831 10.5% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,451 5.3% 1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,576 8.6% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,381 8.3% -4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,094 14% 1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,513 11.6% -0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,439 16.1% -4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10,269 15.8% 6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,146 7.9% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,275 2% 72.5%
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.

Rowan County occupancy rates

Out of the 58,899 occupied housing units in Rowan County, 72.3% are owner-occupied, while 27.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
58,899
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
16,306
Owner occupied
42,593
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 16,306 27.7% -1.8%
Owner occupied 42,593 72.3% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.4%
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.

Rowan County housing costs

Housing costs in Rowan County come to a median of $994 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,013.

Median housing costs per month
$994/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 Rowan County
$1,013/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 Rowan County

Rowan County education at a glance

About 41.3% of the population in Rowan County went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 15.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,424 3.8% -4.3%
High school diploma 48,167 41.3% 0.6%
College diploma 26,757 22.9% -2.4%
Associate degree 11,888 10.2% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 17,769 15.2% 8.8%
Graduate degree 7,642 6.6% 12.0%
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 Rowan County

How much people earn in Rowan County

The average annual household income in Rowan County was $84,650 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,725, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rowan County
$84,650/year
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rowan County
$65,725/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Rowan County income by age

In Rowan County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,046. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,713 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,033 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,125 6.4%
25 - 44 $73,046 4.8%
45 - 64 $79,713 3.0%
Over 65 $49,033 11.0%
Above poverty level
121,620
Below poverty level
23,058
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 121,620 84.1% 0.8%
Below poverty level 23,058 15.9% 3.5%

Employment in Rowan County

Workforce and job types in Rowan County

The job market in Rowan County is powered by 68,101 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
68,101
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
47,059
Blue collar
21,042
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 47,059 69.1% 3.1%
Blue collar 21,042 30.9% -3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
13.2%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,833 8.6% -4.2%
Private companies 48,442 71.1% 1.3%
Governmental workers 8,986 13.2% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 4,840 7.1% -0.7%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
-9.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rowan County stands at 5.3%, 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 Rowan County

How people get around in Rowan County

Commuting methods vary: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 58,889 88.2% 0.0%
Taxicab 282 0.4% 1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 234 0.4% 21.9%
Motorcycle 18 0% 12.5%
Bicycle 114 0.2% -39.4%
Walk 630 0.9% 0.2%
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 Rowan County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28071 4,219 1,572 $93,354 $98,995
28072 672 282 $93,125 $92,535
28081 29,075 11,581 $71,665 $90,592
28083 28,095 10,930 $66,257 $77,871
28088 3,054 1,283 $59,872 $80,282
28115 43,544 16,237 $87,787 $109,640
27013 6,575 2,360 $66,301 $80,748
27054 1,931 942 $92,560 $83,574
28023 15,495 6,081 $62,257 $86,999
28039 39 28 $0 $0

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FAQs about Rowan County demographics 

What is the total population of Rowan County?

Rowan County has a total population of 149,875 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 Rowan County?

The gender ratio in Rowan County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (74,244 residents)
  • 50.5% females (75,631 residents)

What is the median age in Rowan County?

The median age in Rowan County is 40.4.

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

The age distribution in Rowan County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (27,030 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (19,266 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (37,039 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (39,947 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (26,593 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rowan County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rowan County is as follows:
  • White: 70% (104,854 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.8% (23,658 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (798 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (1,200 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (90 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (12,269 residents)
  • Other: 4.7% (7,006 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.9% of the population in Rowan County.

How many housing units are there in Rowan County?

There are 64,975 housing units in Rowan County, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rowan County has a total of 58,899 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rowan County?

Rowan County has a median household income of $65,725, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.7% in Rowan County, with a workforce of 68,101 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (47,059 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (21,042 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (5,833 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (48,442 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.2% (8,986 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (4,840 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