New data released last week from the 2020 Census shows a 17% population increase from 2010.
From its nationwide survey, the U.S. Census Bureau identified 74,740 Chathamites across the county’s 681 square miles, compared to 63,505 residents 10 years ago. They make up 30,674 households. By area, Chatham is North Carolina’s 18th-largest county.
Chatham residents’ median age is 47 years old. About 80% are 18 years or older, but only 55.4% are employed — about three percentage points beneath the state employment rate. Median household income, however, is nearly $10,000 higher than median household earnings statewide, $66,857 compared to $57,341. More Chathamites are college educated, as well. About 44% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 32% for all of N.C.
About 86% of the county speak only English at home, while 12% speak Spanish and about 3% speak other languages.