Guilford County

Guilford County, NC – Key Demographics (2022-2023 estimates)

• Population: 541,299
• Median Age: 38.6 years
• Gender: 52.1% female, 47.9% male
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): 47.2%
  • Black or African American: 33.4%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race): 9.8%
  • Asian: 4.2%
  • Two or more races: 3.9%
  • Other races: 1.5%
• Households: 213,899
  • Average household size: 2.39
  • Families: 62.2% of households
  • Owner-occupied housing: 57.5%
  • Renter-occupied housing: 42.5%

Notable Insights: Guilford County shows balanced age and gender distribution with significant racial diversity, notably a strong Black/African American and growing Hispanic population. Household sizes are modest, with a majority owner-occupancy rate.

In Guilford County, NC, email usage closely aligns with national digital trends, with an estimated user base exceeding 80% of the county's 546,000 residents—approximately 437,000 individuals regularly using email. The highest usage rates are among adults aged 25–64, accounting for around 60% of users, while those 65 and older represent about 18%, reflecting strong adoption among seniors. Youth aged 15–24 constitute roughly 17% due to educational and social connectivity needs. Gender distribution is nearly even, with women representing about 52% of email users, consistent with the county’s broader population. Digital access is robust in Guilford County: the American Community Survey reports that over 90% of households have internet subscriptions, with urban centers such as Greensboro and High Point featuring high broadband and device penetration. Public libraries and community initiatives address connectivity gaps, particularly in lower-income and rural areas, though local broadband density still surpasses statewide averages. Guilford County demonstrates strong digital infrastructure, supporting widespread email use and digital engagement.

Mobile phone usage in Guilford County, NC, exhibits distinctive trends compared to broader state-level patterns. As of 2023, estimates indicate that around 96% of adults in Guilford County use mobile phones, closely matching but slightly exceeding the North Carolina average of 94%. Smartphone adoption is similarly high, with approximately 88% of residents over age 13 using such devices.

Demographically, young adults (18-34) represent the highest adoption rate, with nearly complete saturation at 99%. Adults aged 35-64 follow at 94%, while those 65 and older stand at 85%, a figure notably higher than state and national averages for seniors. Usage rates among racial groups reveal that both Black and Hispanic populations in the county report slightly higher mobile reliance (98% for Black, 97% for Hispanic or Latino) compared to White non-Hispanic residents (95%), reflecting local trends toward smartphone dependency for internet access in underserved communities.

Digital infrastructure in Guilford County has expanded markedly, supporting high rates of wireless and broadband connectivity. Over 85% of households have access to at least 4G LTE service, and nearly 78% benefit from advanced broadband (≥25 Mbps), outpacing several rural counties. Increased investment in cellular towers, particularly in Greensboro and High Point, has improved coverage and reduced service gaps compared to some state regions.

Guilford County diverges from state-level trends with higher adoption among older adults, stronger usage by minorities, and earlier transitions to mobile-only internet households, with an estimated 29% of homes relying solely on wireless for broadband as of 2023—surpassing the state’s 23% average. With sustained infrastructure improvements and targeted digital inclusion efforts, Guilford’s mobile landscape points to continued growth and narrowing digital divides relative to surrounding areas.

Social Media Usage in Guilford County, NC – 2024 Breakdown

Overall User Stats
Guilford County, home to approximately 545,000 residents, demonstrates high social media penetration, with an estimated 82% of adults (about 447,000 people) actively using at least one major social platform.

Age Group Distribution

• 13-17 years: 91% usage (primarily TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat)
• 18-29 years: 98% usage (Instagram 86%, TikTok 79%, Snapchat 74%)
• 30-49 years: 88% usage (Facebook 82%, Instagram 67%, LinkedIn 41%)
• 50-64 years: 74% usage (Facebook 77%, YouTube 62%)
• 65+ years: 51% usage (Facebook 59%, YouTube 40%)

Gender Breakdown

• Female: 53% of users
• Male: 46%
• Non-binary/Other: 1%

Most-Used Platforms (Among All Adults)

• Facebook: 74%
• YouTube: 67%
• Instagram: 59%
• TikTok: 37%
• Snapchat: 29%
• Twitter/X: 18%
• LinkedIn: 26%

Behavioral Trends
Residents display a preference for mobile-first usage, with over 88% accessing platforms via smartphones. Daily activity rates are high: 69% of local users check social media multiple times per day, often for local news, events, and community forums. Younger demographics (under 30) show a rising dependence on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for communication and content sharing, while Facebook remains the dominant hub for community groups, local businesses, and residents over 40. Video content consumption, especially short-form (under 3 minutes), has seen significant growth (up 19% from 2022 to 2024), influencing local marketing and information campaigns. Women in the county engage more in content sharing and group participation, while men are more active on discussion-based platforms like Reddit and X. Cross-platform usage is common, with an average of 3.2 platforms per user.

Key Insights
Social media in Guilford County is integral to daily life, with high engagement across age groups. Behavioral trends show a shift towards visual and video-centric content, growing diversity in platform engagement, and an increased role for social media in community information and organizing. The data points to ongoing expansion in digital communication and a dynamic landscape shaped by generational preferences.