Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 100,170 ↑ 0.7% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $55,769 25% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $180,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.7% |
| Median Age | 41.2 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 15.4% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 120 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 243 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Jan 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $16,634 |
| Recent Sales | 124 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 244 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 22.00 acres |
| Active Listings | 87 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 155.70 | $2,125,000 | $13,648 | Casar |
| Feb 2026 | 1.29 | $33,000 | $25,581 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 2.09 | $35,000 | $16,746 | Casar |
| Jan 2026 | 11.00 | $90,000 | $8,182 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 1.08 | $67,000 | $62,095 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 6.59 | $170,000 | $25,797 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 10.00 | $168,000 | $16,800 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 14.50 | $185,000 | $12,759 | Cherryville |
| Jan 2026 | 2.80 | $49,736 | $17,763 | Shelby |
| Jan 2026 | 2.52 | $50,000 | $19,841 | Cherryville |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $33,500 |
| Recent Sales | 76 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 241 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 33 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.26 | $30,000 | Shelby |
| Mar 2026 | 0.83 | $40,000 | Shelby |
| Feb 2026 | 0.27 | $40,000 | Shelby |
| Feb 2026 | 0.28 | $40,000 | Shelby |
| Feb 2026 | 0.52 | $34,000 | Kings Mountain |
| Jan 2026 | 0.42 | $15,000 | Lawndale |
| Dec 2025 | 1.00 | $835,000 | Kings Mountain |
| Nov 2025 | 0.80 | $362,000 | Kings Mountain |
| Nov 2025 | 0.59 | $292,000 | Kings Mountain |
| Nov 2025 | 0.22 | $23,500 | Shelby |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 100,170 |
| Population (2020) | 99,519 |
| Population Growth | 0.65% |
| Median Household Income | $55,769 |
| Median Home Value | $180,200 |
| Total Housing Units | 43,999 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 6,781 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 15.4% |
| Median Age | 41.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 9,312 (9.3%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 4.1% |
Market Overview
Cleveland County, North Carolina has a population of 100,170, which has grown 0.65% since 2020. The median household income is $55,769, below the national median of $74,580 by 25.2%. With a median home value of $180,200 and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 15.4% suggests soft market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $16,634 per acre, with properties averaging 22.00 acres. There are currently 120 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
- Sell Land in Cleveland County, NC
- How to Sell Land in North Carolina
- FSBO Guide
- Land Valuation Guide
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Cleveland County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Cleveland County has a population of 100,170. The county has grown 0.65% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Cleveland County?
The median household income in Cleveland County is $55,769, which is 25.2% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Cleveland County growing or shrinking?
Cleveland County is growing. The population has increased 0.65% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Cleveland County?
The median home value in Cleveland County is $180,200. The housing vacancy rate is 15.4%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $16,634 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $33,500.
Does Reelvest buy land in Cleveland County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Cleveland 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.