Carteret County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 39th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Carteret County, North Carolina is 68,652 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $70,235, the median home value is $304,200, and the median age is 50.1.
The population of Carteret County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (66,700 → 70,259), a +0.37% annualized rate.
68,652
Population
+0.37%
Annual growth
135
People / sq mi
$70,235
Median Income
$304,200
Median Home Value
Carteret County covers 508 sq mi of land at 135.2 people per square mile.
About Carteret County, NC
Carteret County skews on age — the median resident is 50.1, older than the national median. Carteret County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 68,652. It ranks #39 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Median household income is $70,235, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.8%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $304,200, with typical rent around $1,062.
College attainment is above the local norm at 32.3%, below the national 35.0%. About 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Carteret County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Carteret County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carteret County had a population of 66,700 in 2010 and 70,259 in 2024, a 5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 70,259 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.
70,259
Population (2024)
66,700
Population (2010)
70,259
Peak (2024)
0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 66,700 |
| 2011 | 67,432 |
| 2012 | 67,792 |
| 2013 | 68,417 |
| 2014 | 68,670 |
| 2015 | 68,766 |
| 2016 | 68,875 |
| 2017 | 69,014 |
| 2018 | 69,547 |
| 2019 | 69,513 |
| 2020 | 67,695 |
| 2021 | 68,707 |
| 2022 | 69,369 |
| 2023 | 69,712 |
| 2024 | 70,259 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.1
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
26.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.9% · Seniors (65+): 26.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,235+$331 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,931 |
| Per-capita income | $42,707 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carteret County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$304,200+$44,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,062
Median rent
73.5%
Homeownership rate
51,615
Total housing units
60.4%
Occupied
39.6%
Vacant
26.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.7%
With health insurance
96.2%
With broadband internet
40.7%
Foreign-born
12.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.7%
High School+
32.3%
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
Carteret County, North Carolina has a population of 68,652 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 135 people per square mile.
The population of Carteret County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (66,700 → 70,259), a +0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carteret County, North Carolina is $70,235, with mean (average) household income of $93,931 and per-capita income of $42,707. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carteret County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.7%), Black or African American (4.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carteret County, North Carolina is 50.1 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Carteret County is $304,200 and median monthly rent is $1,062. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 51,615 total housing units, 39.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carteret County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Carteret County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Carteret County, NC Climate
Carteret County, NC has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F) and receives about 1443 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17°C
Avg Temp
1443
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 126 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 103 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 107 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 78 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 114 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 120 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 162 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 171 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 153 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 105 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 99 mm |
| December | 9° / 48° | 105 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 Carteret County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Carteret County, NC are typically May, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carteret County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.