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

Total population
42,322
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,465/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,489
0.3% year-over-year change

Vance County population

How many people live in Vance County

Vance County is home to 42,322 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Vance County locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
42,322
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
20,096
Female
52.5%
22,226
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,096 47.5% 1.8%
Female 22,226 52.5% -1.8%
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 Vance County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
19.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,470 20% -1.0%
15 to 24 5,320 12.6% 3.2%
25 to 44 9,774 23.1% -0.6%
45 to 64 10,595 25% -2.5%
Over 65 8,163 19.3% 2.6%
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 Vance County, 93.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 38% of locals are Caucasian, 47.3% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,703 93.8% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,071 2.5% 50.9%
Non-citizens 1,548 3.7% -4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
38%
Black or African American
47.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
5.8%
Value Percent
White 16,070 38%
Black or African American 20,032 47.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 509 1.2%
Asian 288 0.7%
Two or more races 2,978 7%
Other 2,445 5.8%

Households in Vance County

A peek inside Vance County households

Vance County has 16,147 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,147
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,000
Family households
10,147
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,000 37.2% -0.1%
Family households 10,147 62.8% 0.7%
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 Vance County

The housing landscape of Vance County

Vance County's housing consists of 19,489 units, with 63.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 25.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,489
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,373 63.5%
1 unit, attached 236 1.2%
2 units 593 3%
3 or 4 units 450 2.3%
5 to 9 units 468 2.4%
10 to 19 units 104 0.5%
20 to 49 units 209 1.1%
50 or more units 103 0.5%
Mobile home 4,953 25.4%
Homes built since 2020
188
45.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Vance County

In Vance County, the median construction year is 1982. About 7.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,417 7.3% 7.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 538 2.8% -28.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,136 11% 4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,384 12.2% -6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,647 13.6% -6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,837 14.6% 0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,902 20% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,494 12.8% 8.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 946 4.8% -2.2%
Built in 2020 or later 188 1% 45.7%
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.

Vance County occupancy rates

Out of the 16,147 occupied housing units in Vance County, 60.2% are owner-occupied, while 39.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,147
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,435
Owner occupied
9,712
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,435 39.8% -6.2%
Owner occupied 9,712 60.2% 5.3%
Unoccupied housing units
17.1%
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.

Vance County housing costs

Housing costs in Vance County come to a median of $834 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $883.

Median housing costs per month
$834/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 Vance County
$883/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 Vance County

Vance County education at a glance

About 47.4% of the population in Vance County went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,851 5.8% -2.1%
High school diploma 15,231 47.4% 3.9%
College diploma 7,044 21.9% -3.1%
Associate degree 2,885 9% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,732 11.6% -5.1%
Graduate degree 1,419 4.4% -14.2%
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 Vance County

How much people earn in Vance County

The average annual household income in Vance County was $68,426 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,465, reflecting a +7.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Vance County
$68,426/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Vance County
$50,465/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Vance County income by age

In Vance County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,609. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,054 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,214, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,678 in earnings. Overall, 80.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,214 -1.5%
25 - 44 $55,609 16.3%
45 - 64 $58,054 4.5%
Over 65 $43,678 8.6%
Above poverty level
33,393
Below poverty level
8,123
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 33,393 80.4% -1.1%
Below poverty level 8,123 19.6% 4.2%

Employment in Vance County

Workforce and job types in Vance County

The job market in Vance County is powered by 17,859 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 75.4% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,859
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
12,826
Blue collar
5,033
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,826 71.8% -3.8%
Blue collar 5,033 28.2% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
75.4%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,287 7.2% -0.8%
Private companies 13,462 75.4% -0.1%
Governmental workers 2,473 13.8% -9.2%
Not for profit companies 637 3.6% -10.2%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
19.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Vance County stands at 8.2%, 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 Vance County

How people get around in Vance County

Commuting methods vary: 89% 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 15,446 89% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.1% 27.3%
Walk 231 1.3% -3.8%
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 Vance County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27507 1,811 679 $120,849 $117,786
27536 15,298 6,342 $39,985 $55,212
27537 24,708 8,986 $57,834 $76,215
27544 3,329 1,300 $66,304 $77,426
27553 1,506 534 $43,952 $77,143
27556 142 41 $0 $57,363

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FAQs about Vance County demographics 

What is the total population of Vance County?

Vance County has a total population of 42,322 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 Vance County?

The gender ratio in Vance County is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (20,096 residents)
  • 52.5% females (22,226 residents)

What is the median age in Vance County?

The median age in Vance County is 39.9.

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

The age distribution in Vance County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (8,470 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (5,320 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (9,774 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (10,595 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.3% (8,163 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Vance County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vance County is as follows:
  • White: 38% (16,070 residents)
  • Black or African American: 47.3% (20,032 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (509 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (288 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (2,978 residents)
  • Other: 5.8% (2,445 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.8% of the population in Vance County.

How many housing units are there in Vance County?

There are 19,489 housing units in Vance 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 Vance County and what is the average household size?

Vance County has a total of 16,147 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Vance County?

Vance County has a median household income of $50,465, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.8% in Vance County, with a workforce of 17,859 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.8% (12,826 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.2% (5,033 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (1,287 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.4% (13,462 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (2,473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (637 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