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).
Where to stay in New Bern
Visiting or relocating to New Bern, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.