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Scotland County, NC growth snapshot

Scotland County had an estimated 33,322 residents in 2025, down 0.3% (91 fewer people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 124th 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 was negative in 2025: 258 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in.

Employers counted 12,552 jobs in 2025, +13.4% since 2020 (39th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,000.

Unemployment averaged 5.3% in 2025, 0.2 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 59 new homes in 2025, or 1.8 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $45,730 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +27.3% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,967th.

Part of the Laurinburg, NC micro area.

Scotland County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202533,322−288
202433,610+66
202333,544+96
202233,448+117
202133,331−82
202033,413–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Scotland County

Scotland County lost 91 people since 2020 even though 142 more people moved in from other U.S. counties than left: deaths outnumbered births by 590, and net international migration added 342.

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−100−590
International migrationfrom and to other countries+72+342
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties−258+142
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−2+15
Total change−288−91

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 growth90th of 1001,967th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents100th of 1002,765th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth46th of 100946th of 3,092
Median household income92nd of 1002,911th of 3,107
Average weekly wage39th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate96th of 1002,676th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents92nd of 1001,655th 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, Scotland County's population change (−0.3%) was ahead of 2 of its 5 neighbouring counties and behind 3.

2 of its 5 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Scotland County's $45,730 (2020–24).

Scotland County, NC and its 5 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Scotland County, NC This county33,322−0.3%−7.71.8$45,730
Richmond County, NC42,041−1.6%0.82.6$44,883
Hoke County, NC56,939+9.0%12.99.8$64,912
Marlboro County, SC25,488−3.8%1.60.2$34,301
Robeson County, NC119,941+3.4%−1.43.3$41,978
Moore County, NC110,619+10.3%19.99.7$86,080

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 Scotland County?

About 33,322 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Scotland County growing?

No. Its population fell 0.3% between 2020 and 2025, about 91 fewer people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 124th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Scotland County?

On net, none in 2025: about 258 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Scotland County?

Employers there reported 12,552 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +13.4% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,000 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Scotland County?

It averaged 5.3% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Scotland County?

Building permits authorized 59 new housing units in 2025, 1.8 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Scotland County?

$45,730 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Scotland County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 90th of 100 for population growth; 100th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 46th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 92nd of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,967th 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.