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Vance County, NC growth snapshot

Vance County had an estimated 42,638 residents in 2025, up 0.2% (84 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 120th 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: 60 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in.

Employers counted 14,173 jobs in 2025, +4.8% since 2020 (86th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $928.

Unemployment averaged 4.6% in 2025, 0.5 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 115 new homes in 2025, or 2.7 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $50,465 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +20.7% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,805th.

Part of the Henderson, NC micro area.

Vance County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202542,638+36
202442,602+243
202342,359+156
202242,203+75
202142,128−426
202042,554–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Vance County

Vance County grew by 84 people since 2020 even though 267 more residents moved to other U.S. counties than came from them: deaths outnumbered births by 398, and net international migration added 778.

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−48−398
International migrationfrom and to other countries+142+778
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties−60−267
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+2−29
Total change+36+84

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 growth87th of 1001,805th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents88th of 1002,134th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth84th of 1002,043rd of 3,092
Median household income84th of 1002,718th of 3,107
Average weekly wage77th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate82nd of 1002,217th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents82nd of 1001,228th 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

Vance County grew more slowly than all 4 of its neighbouring counties (+0.2%, 2020–25).

Its median household income ($50,465, 2020–24) is lower than in all 4 of its neighbouring counties.

Vance 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
Vance County, NC This county42,638+0.2%−1.42.7$50,465
Granville County, NC61,421+2.1%−3.54.2$71,111
Warren County, NC18,898+1.6%−1.79.3$50,638
Franklin County, NC82,037+18.8%21.29.0$74,240
Mecklenburg County, VA30,747+1.5%3.15.7$57,045

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 Vance County?

About 42,638 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Vance County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 0.2% between 2020 and 2025, about 84 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 120th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Vance County?

On net, none in 2025: about 60 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Vance County?

Employers there reported 14,173 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +4.8% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $928 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Vance County?

It averaged 4.6% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Vance County?

Building permits authorized 115 new housing units in 2025, 2.7 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Vance County?

$50,465 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Vance County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 87th of 100 for population growth; 88th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 84th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 84th of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,805th 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.