The eighteenth election to Cardiganshire County Council took place in April 1949.
35 candidates were returned unopposed resulting in fifteen contests which was eight less than in 1946 but consistent with most of the inter-war period.
There was very little change as the new council was composed entirely of Independents, apart from the sole Labour councillor who was re-elected unopposed at Aberystwyth.
Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term.
Following the 1949 election, there were eight aldermanic vacancies which were filled at the annual meeting.