New Bern, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of New Bern, North Carolina is 31,563 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $56,893, the median home value is $211,500, and the median age is 40.4.
The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (29,530 → 34,218).
31,563
Population
1100
People / sq mi
$56,893
Median Income
$211,500
Median Home Value
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New Bern covers 28.7 sq mi of land at 1100 people per square mile.
About New Bern, NC
New Bern is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 45.7% of the population. With 31,563 residents, New Bern is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #33 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $56,893, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 11.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $211,500, with typical rent around $1,068.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 29.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in New Bern, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
New Bern city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of New Bern city had a population of 29,530 in 2010 and 34,218 in 2024, a 15.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,218 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.07%.
34,218
Population (2024)
29,530
Population (2010)
34,218
Peak (2024)
1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 29,530 |
| 2011 | 30,011 |
| 2012 | 30,117 |
| 2013 | 29,898 |
| 2014 | 30,031 |
| 2015 | 29,762 |
| 2016 | 29,921 |
| 2017 | 29,904 |
| 2018 | 30,010 |
| 2019 | 29,994 |
| 2020 | 31,338 |
| 2021 | 31,822 |
| 2022 | 32,544 |
| 2023 | 33,789 |
| 2024 | 34,218 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.0% |
| Black or African American | 28.9% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,893
Median Household Income
$38,594
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$211,500
Median Home Value
$1,068
Median Rent
60.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.6%
High School+
29.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
81.6%
Public Transit
6.0%
Work From Home
18.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
45.7%
Foreign Born
89.6%
Non-English at Home
15.0%
Veterans
15.6%
With Disability
92.3%
Health Insurance
92.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.4% |
| Manufacturing | 12.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.7% |
| Public Administration | 6.4% |
| Information | 5.2% |
| Construction | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
New Bern, North Carolina has a population of 31,563 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in New Bern, North Carolina is $56,893, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in New Bern, North Carolina is $211,500, with median monthly rent at $1,068 and a homeownership rate of 60.1%.
The median age in New Bern, North Carolina is 40.4 years. The population is 45.5% male and 54.5% female.
The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (29,530 → 34,218).
New Bern city, NC Climate
New Bern city, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.8°C (62°F) and receives about 1348 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.8°C
Avg Temp
1348
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 115 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 99 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 103 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 81 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 115 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 122 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 169 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 163 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 126 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 81 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 81 mm |
| December | 8° / 47° | 93 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit New Bern city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit New Bern city, NC are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near New Bern
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Full rankings of North Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.