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 is a county in North Carolina with a population of 44,597. It ranks #57 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 47.1, older than the national median. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The median household income in Beaufort County is $57,997, below the US median of $74,580. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $181,200, with monthly rent averaging $859. The homeownership rate of 70.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Beaufort County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.2 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
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.