Catawba Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of the 2020 Census, Catawba County, NC, had a population of 160,610. The median age is 42.1 years, with females comprising 50.8% and males 49.2%. Racially, the population is 79.5% White, 8.8% Black or African American, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Asian, and 0.4% Native American. This reflects a moderately diverse community with a slightly older median age compared to the U.S. average.

Catawba County, NC, had around 110,000 residents in 2020, with about 74,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections—including municipal, county commission, and school board races. In the 2020 Presidential election, 67% backed the Republican candidate. There are 40+ polling locations across the county. Election administration is managed by a five-member bipartisan Board of Elections. Local political issues include school funding and economic development. Party registration leans Republican (about 43%), followed by Unaffiliated (34%), and Democratic (22%).

Catawba County, NC has a homeownership rate of around 71%, with median home values near $216,000 in 2023. The median rent sits at approximately $1,100 per month. The area offers housing types from single-family homes to apartments, with popular neighborhoods like Hickory and Newton. Recent market trends show home values increasing about 5% year-over-year. Property taxes average 0.80% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Catawba County provides a mix of affordable housing options, stable property values, and diverse community settings for both buyers and renters.

Catawba County, NC, had an employment rate of 95.7% in 2022. Major industries include manufacturing (23.7%), health care & social assistance (15.9%), and retail trade (11.5%). The leading occupations are production (17.8%), office & administrative support (12.6%), and sales (9.4%). About 77% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 22.7 minutes. Nearly 67% of residents work within the county, while others commute to nearby areas like Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties.

Catawba County, NC, has 40+ public schools, including 8 high schools. Approximately 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 25% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2023, the county’s average public school ranking was 7/10, above the state average. School safety initiatives are robust, with SROs present in every school. Educational programs include STEM academies, AP, and career/technical education. Catawba Valley Community College supports adult education and workforce training, enrolling over 4,000 students annually.

Catawba County, NC, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of about 23.3 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2023. The violent crime rate is approximately 3.5 per 1,000, notably below national levels. Property crime is more prevalent, at around 19.8 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively reports incidents through public platforms and annual reports. Community safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs further contribute to the county’s relatively safe environment, fostering high levels of resident trust in local law enforcement.