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 is a county in North Carolina with a population of 68,652. It ranks #39 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 50.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Carteret County is $70,235, below the US median of $74,580. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $304,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,062. The homeownership rate of 73.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carteret County reflects 32.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.2 minutes each way.
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.
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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.