Brunswick County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Brunswick County, North Carolina is 145,889 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $74,034, the median home value is $314,700, and the median age is 56.1.
The population of Brunswick County has grown 54.6% since 2010 (108,070 → 167,112), a +3.16% annualized rate.
145,889
Population
+3.16%
Annual growth
172
People / sq mi
$74,034
Median Income
$314,700
Median Home Value
Brunswick County covers 850 sq mi of land at 171.6 people per square mile.
About Brunswick County, NC
Brunswick County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 145,889. It ranks #21 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 56.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
The median household income in Brunswick County is $74,034, near the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $314,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,267. The homeownership rate of 83.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brunswick County reflects 33.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.6 minutes each way.
Brunswick County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brunswick County had a population of 108,070 in 2010 and 167,112 in 2024, a 54.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 167,112 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.18%.
167,112
Population (2024)
108,070
Population (2010)
167,112
Peak (2024)
3.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 108,070 |
| 2011 | 110,196 |
| 2012 | 112,039 |
| 2013 | 114,977 |
| 2014 | 118,382 |
| 2015 | 122,322 |
| 2016 | 126,422 |
| 2017 | 130,996 |
| 2018 | 137,071 |
| 2019 | 142,987 |
| 2020 | 138,167 |
| 2021 | 144,869 |
| 2022 | 152,836 |
| 2023 | 159,855 |
| 2024 | 167,112 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.3% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
56.1
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
33.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.8% · Seniors (65+): 33.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,034+$4,130 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,633 |
| Per-capita income | $44,565 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brunswick County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
25.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$314,700+$55,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,267
Median rent
83.8%
Homeownership rate
93,977
Total housing units
68.6%
Occupied
31.4%
Vacant
16.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
96.7%
With broadband internet
53.8%
Foreign-born
11.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
33.2%
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
Brunswick County, North Carolina has a population of 145,889 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 172 people per square mile.
The population of Brunswick County has grown 54.6% since 2010 (108,070 → 167,112), a +3.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brunswick County, North Carolina is $74,034, with mean (average) household income of $98,633 and per-capita income of $44,565. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brunswick County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.3%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brunswick County, North Carolina is 56.1 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Brunswick County is $314,700 and median monthly rent is $1,267. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 93,977 total housing units, 31.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brunswick County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Brunswick 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.