Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 80,618 ↓ 0.0% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $55,401 26% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $174,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
| Median Age | 45.5 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 12.0% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 198 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 148 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $23,408 |
| Recent Sales | 121 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 140 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 9.90 acres |
| Active Listings | 173 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 2.02 | $140,000 | $69,307 | Granite Falls |
| Mar 2026 | 1.08 | $69,500 | $64,352 | Granite Falls |
| Mar 2026 | 2.85 | $67,500 | $23,684 | Granite Falls |
| Mar 2026 | 15.38 | $110,000 | $7,152 | Lenoir |
| Feb 2026 | 5.00 | $76,900 | $15,380 | Granite Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 13.97 | $158,000 | $11,308 | Granite Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 1.59 | $50,000 | $31,447 | Boomer |
| Feb 2026 | 1.47 | $149,000 | $101,361 | Granite Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 1.81 | $107,000 | $59,116 | Lenoir |
| Feb 2026 | 4.24 | $165,000 | $38,915 | Lenoir |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $39,000 |
| Recent Sales | 79 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 160 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 25 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.20 | $49,000 | Lenoir |
| Mar 2026 | 0.20 | $49,000 | Lenoir |
| Mar 2026 | 0.20 | $49,000 | Lenoir |
| Mar 2026 | 0.20 | $49,000 | Lenoir |
| Mar 2026 | 0.81 | $69,000 | Granite Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 0.25 | $39,000 | Lenoir |
| Feb 2026 | 0.25 | $39,000 | Lenoir |
| Feb 2026 | 0.67 | $125,000 | Hickory |
| Feb 2026 | 0.56 | $42,500 | Granite Falls |
| Feb 2026 | 0.55 | $24,500 | Granite Falls |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 80,618 |
| Population (2020) | 80,652 |
| Population Growth | -0.04% |
| Median Household Income | $55,401 |
| Median Home Value | $174,000 |
| Total Housing Units | 37,231 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 4,465 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 12.0% |
| Median Age | 45.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 7,571 (9.4%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.5% |
Market Overview
Caldwell County, North Carolina has a population of 80,618, which has declined 0.04% since 2020. The median household income is $55,401, below the national median of $74,580 by 25.7%. With a median home value of $174,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.5%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 12.0% suggests balanced market conditions. Caldwell County is part of North Carolina's land market, attracting both local and out-of-state buyers. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $23,408 per acre, with properties averaging 9.90 acres. There are currently 198 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Caldwell County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Caldwell County has a population of 80,618. The county has declined 0.04% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Caldwell County?
The median household income in Caldwell County is $55,401, which is 25.7% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Caldwell County growing or shrinking?
Caldwell County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.04% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Caldwell County?
The median home value in Caldwell County is $174,000. The housing vacancy rate is 12.0%, which suggests balanced market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $23,408 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $39,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Caldwell County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.