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Iredell County, NC growth snapshot

Iredell County had an estimated 211,798 residents in 2025, up 12.9% (24,122 more people) since 2020. That is faster than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 13th 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 5,094 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 81,030 jobs in 2025, +8.6% since 2020 (64th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,259.

Unemployment averaged 3.6% in 2025, 0.1 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 1,835 new homes in 2025, or 8.7 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $81,419 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +30.2% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 113th.

Part of the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area.

Iredell County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
2025211,798+5,679
2024206,119+6,114
2023200,005+4,000
2022196,005+3,820
2021192,185+4,509
2020187,676–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Iredell County

Iredell County grew by 24,122 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+21,109).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths+196+310
International migrationfrom and to other countries+439+2,749
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+5,094+21,109
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−50−46
Total change+5,679+24,122

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 growth7th of 100113th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents4th of 10071st of 3,108
Private-sector job growth17th of 100433rd of 3,092
Median household income13th of 100524th of 3,107
Average weekly wage7th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate30th of 1001,074th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents22nd of 100209th 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

Over 2020–25, Iredell County's population change (+12.9%) was ahead of 8 of its 9 neighbouring counties and behind 1 (Lincoln County).

2 of its 9 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Iredell County's $81,419 (2020–24).

Iredell County, NC and its 9 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Iredell County, NC This county211,798+12.9%24.18.7$81,419
Catawba County, NC170,172+5.8%17.611.4$67,864
Alexander County, NC36,958+1.5%8.52.8$65,354
Rowan County, NC155,096+5.6%7.86.2$65,725
Davie County, NC45,855+6.9%10.85.1$75,057
Lincoln County, NC98,654+13.2%10.18.0$80,016
Yadkin County, NC38,325+2.9%2.13.0$62,932
Wilkes County, NC66,233+0.5%2.62.3$51,721
Mecklenburg County, NC1,233,383+10.5%4.06.1$87,005
Cabarrus County, NC249,725+9.9%8.98.0$89,005

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 Iredell County?

About 211,798 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Iredell County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 12.9% between 2020 and 2025, about 24,122 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 13th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Iredell County?

On net, about 5,094 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 Iredell County?

Employers there reported 81,030 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +8.6% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,259 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Iredell County?

It averaged 3.6% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Iredell County?

Building permits authorized 1,835 new housing units in 2025, 8.7 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Iredell County?

$81,419 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Iredell County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 7th of 100 for population growth; 4th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 17th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 13th of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 113th 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.