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Alleghany County, NC growth snapshot

Alleghany County had an estimated 11,479 residents in 2025, up 5.4% (588 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 56th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 131 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 3,404 jobs in 2025, +11.5% since 2020 (47th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $903.

Unemployment averaged 3.8% in 2025, 0.6 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 82 new homes in 2025, or 7.1 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $47,172 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +26.9% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 563rd.

Alleghany County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202511,479+77
202411,402+70
202311,332+132
202211,200+116
202111,084+193
202010,891–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Alleghany County

Alleghany County grew by 588 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+864).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−70−349
International migrationfrom and to other countries+16+72
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+131+864
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+0+1
Total change+77+588

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn North CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth37th of 100563rd of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents25th of 100423rd of 3,108
Private-sector job growth83rd of 1001,911th of 3,092
Median household income91st of 1002,861st of 3,107
Average weekly wage91st of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate43rd of 1001,319th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents34th of 100325th of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Alleghany County grew faster than all 4 of its neighbouring counties (+5.4%, 2020–25).

Its median household income ($47,172, 2020–24) is lower than in all 4 of its neighbouring counties.

Alleghany County, NC and its 4 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Alleghany County, NC This county11,479+5.4%11.47.1$47,172
Grayson County, VA15,230−0.3%4.52.2$47,730
Wilkes County, NC66,233+0.5%2.62.3$51,721
Ashe County, NC27,514+3.5%10.07.1$56,866
Surry County, NC72,287+1.3%3.23.4$55,656

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 100 North Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Alleghany County?

About 11,479 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Alleghany County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 5.4% between 2020 and 2025, about 588 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 56th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Alleghany County?

On net, about 131 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Alleghany County?

Employers there reported 3,404 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +11.5% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $903 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Alleghany County?

It averaged 3.8% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Alleghany County?

Building permits authorized 82 new housing units in 2025, 7.1 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Alleghany County?

$47,172 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Alleghany County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 37th of 100 for population growth; 25th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 83rd of 100 for private-sector job growth; 91st of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 563rd of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.