Beaufort County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Beaufort County, North Carolina is 44,597 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $57,997, the median home value is $181,200, and the median age is 47.1.
The population of Beaufort County has declined 6.8% since 2010 (47,826 → 44,576), a -0.50% annualized rate.
44,597
Population
-0.50%
Annual growth
54
People / sq mi
$57,997
Median Income
$181,200
Median Home Value
Beaufort County covers 833 sq mi of land at 53.6 people per square mile.
About Beaufort County, NC
Beaufort County skews on age — the median resident is 47.1, older than the national median. With 44,597 residents, Beaufort County is a county in North Carolina.
Median household income is $57,997, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.8%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $181,200, with typical rent around $859.
20.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 8.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Beaufort County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Beaufort County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Beaufort County had a population of 47,826 in 2010 and 44,576 in 2024, a -6.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 47,826 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.49%.
44,576
Population (2024)
47,826
Population (2010)
47,826
Peak (2010)
-0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 47,826 |
| 2011 | 47,685 |
| 2012 | 47,442 |
| 2013 | 47,394 |
| 2014 | 47,349 |
| 2015 | 47,403 |
| 2016 | 47,407 |
| 2017 | 47,097 |
| 2018 | 47,127 |
| 2019 | 47,096 |
| 2020 | 44,690 |
| 2021 | 44,462 |
| 2022 | 44,356 |
| 2023 | 44,410 |
| 2024 | 44,576 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.8% |
| Black or African American | 22.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
52.5%
Female
47.5%
Male
24.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 24.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,997$-11,907 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,396 |
| Per-capita income | $33,912 |
| Poverty rate | 12.8%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Beaufort County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
83.5%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$181,200$-78,200 vs state
Median home value
$859
Median rent
70.1%
Homeownership rate
24,385
Total housing units
78.3%
Occupied
21.7%
Vacant
29.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.5%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
93.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.1%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Beaufort County, North Carolina has a population of 44,597 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 54 people per square mile.
The population of Beaufort County has declined 6.8% since 2010 (47,826 → 44,576), a -0.50% annualized rate.
The median household income in Beaufort County, North Carolina is $57,997, with mean (average) household income of $77,396 and per-capita income of $33,912. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Beaufort County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.8%), Black or African American (22.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Beaufort County, North Carolina is 47.1 years. Residents are 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
The median home value in Beaufort County is $181,200 and median monthly rent is $859. 70.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,385 total housing units, 21.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Beaufort County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Beaufort County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Beaufort County, NC Climate
Beaufort County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.3°C (61°F) and receives about 1299 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.3°C
Avg Temp
1299
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 108 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 95 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 101 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 84 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 115 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 122 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 159 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 151 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 114 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 83 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 80 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 87 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 Beaufort County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Beaufort County, NC are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Beaufort County
Visiting or relocating to Beaufort County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.