Caldwell Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Caldwell County, NC, has a population of approximately 80,914. The median age is 45.1 years. Females make up 50.7% of residents, while males are 49.3%. Racially, the county is 87.2% White, 5.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 4.2% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 6.8% of the population.

Caldwell County, NC, has over 58,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 45% Republican, 24% Democrat, and 31% unaffiliated. The county participates in municipal, primary, and general elections, with around 30 polling locations. Recent elections saw Republicans win most offices; in 2020, Donald Trump received 73% of the vote. Key issues include economic development and education. Voter registration is managed by the Caldwell County Board of Elections, adhering to state guidelines. Both parties actively campaign, with turnout rates near 67% in presidential election years.

Caldwell County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value near $164,000 and average rent around $900/month. The housing market has seen property values rise approximately 6% year-over-year as of 2024. Typical housing types include single-family homes, with some apartments and townhomes, especially in Lenoir and Granite Falls neighborhoods. The county’s property tax rate is roughly $0.60 per $100 of assessed value, making taxes affordable compared to state averages. Popular neighborhoods offer a mix of historic charm and new developments, catering to various budgets.

Caldwell County, NC, had an unemployment rate of 3.7% in March 2024. The leading employment sectors are manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (11%). Major occupation types include production (17%), office/administrative support (14%), and sales (10%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 24 minutes; 54% work within the county, while 46% commute to nearby counties like Catawba and Burke. Key employers include Caldwell UNC Health Care and Bernhardt Furniture.

Caldwell County, NC, has 29 public schools, including 4 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%, with 18% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores average 7.5/10, reflecting strong security measures. The district offers specialized programs, including Advanced Placement, Career & Technical Education, and early college programs. Adult education is supported through Caldwell Community College, serving over 3,500 learners. Standardized test performance is near the state average, with schools scoring 6/10 on GreatSchools.

Caldwell County, NC, has a crime rate of 34.24 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the state average. In 2022, there were 2,732 reported crimes, including 335 violent (such as assault and robbery) and 2,397 property crimes (theft, burglary). The sheriff’s office maintains regular reporting and community outreach. Residents have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a crime victim. While property crime remains the main concern, efforts continue to improve safety through neighborhood watch programs and increased law enforcement presence.