Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 162,051 ↑ 0.9% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $64,544 13% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $218,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Median Age | 41.8 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 9.5% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 165 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 70 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $31,109 |
| Recent Sales | 95 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 65 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 8.20 acres |
| Active Listings | 87 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 6.37 | $63,000 | $9,884 | Catawba |
| Mar 2026 | 1.14 | $120,000 | $105,448 | Sherrills Ford |
| Mar 2026 | 3.07 | $310,000 | $100,977 | Hickory |
| Mar 2026 | 1.73 | $250,000 | $144,509 | Sherrills Ford |
| Mar 2026 | 6.60 | $315,000 | $47,727 | Catawba |
| Mar 2026 | 2.93 | $42,000 | $14,334 | Hickory |
| Mar 2026 | 10.29 | $395,000 | $38,387 | Maiden |
| Feb 2026 | 6.83 | $220,000 | $32,211 | Catawba |
| Feb 2026 | 4.93 | $75,000 | $15,213 | Vale |
| Feb 2026 | 1.58 | $135,000 | $85,443 | Conover |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $46,400 |
| Recent Sales | 105 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 74 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 78 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.38 | $225,000 | Sherrills Ford |
| Mar 2026 | 0.99 | $345,000 | Catawba |
| Feb 2026 | 0.45 | $50,000 | Sherrills Ford |
| Feb 2026 | 0.32 | $19,250 | Hickory |
| Feb 2026 | 0.40 | $19,250 | Hickory |
| Feb 2026 | 0.17 | $30,000 | Newton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.34 | $16,000 | Catawba |
| Feb 2026 | 0.51 | $66,500 | Sherrills Ford |
| Feb 2026 | 0.51 | $66,500 | Sherrills Ford |
| Feb 2026 | 0.31 | $34,000 | Newton |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 162,051 |
| Population (2020) | 160,610 |
| Population Growth | 0.9% |
| Median Household Income | $64,544 |
| Median Home Value | $218,100 |
| Total Housing Units | 72,028 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 6,827 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 9.5% |
| Median Age | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 19,976 (12.3%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.3% |
Market Overview
Catawba County, North Carolina has a population of 162,051, which has grown 0.9% since 2020. The median household income is $64,544, below the national median of $74,580 by 13.5%. With a median home value of $218,100 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 9.5% suggests balanced market conditions. Catawba 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 $31,109 per acre, with properties averaging 8.20 acres. There are currently 165 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Catawba County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Catawba County has a population of 162,051. The county has grown 0.9% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Catawba County?
The median household income in Catawba County is $64,544, which is 13.5% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Catawba County growing or shrinking?
Catawba County is growing. The population has increased 0.9% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Catawba County?
The median home value in Catawba County is $218,100. The housing vacancy rate is 9.5%, which suggests balanced market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $31,109 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $46,400.
Does Reelvest buy land in Catawba County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Catawba 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.