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Population Review

Craven County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in North Carolina

The population of Craven County, North Carolina is 101,074 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $64,635, the median home value is $206,200, and the median age is 39.2.

The population of Craven County has declined 0.0% since 2010 (104,180 → 104,167), a -0.00% annualized rate.

Craven County within North Carolina · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

101,074

Population

-0.00%

Annual growth

143

People / sq mi

$64,635

Median Income

$206,200

Median Home Value

Craven County covers 707 sq mi of land at 143.1 people per square mile.

About Craven County, NC

Craven County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 45.0% of the population. With 101,074 residents, Craven County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #28 among counties in North Carolina by population.

The typical household here earns about $64,635, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $206,200, with typical rent around $1,100.

Roughly 26.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.8%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Craven County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.

Craven County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Craven County had a population of 104,180 in 2010 and 104,167 in 2024, a 0.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 105,381 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: 0.00%.

2012 · 105K20102024
Craven County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

104,167

Population (2024)

104,180

Population (2010)

105,381

Peak (2012)

0.00%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010104,180
2011104,866
2012105,381
2013104,369
2014104,168
2015102,988
2016102,784
2017102,740
2018102,663
2019102,031
2020101,505
2021101,667
2022102,392
2023103,329
2024104,167

Race & Ethnicity

White67.4%
Black or African American20.3%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

39.2

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

20.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.1%
5–9
6.0%
10–14
5.9%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
8.1%
25–34
13.1%
35–44
10.9%
45–54
10.7%
55–59
6.2%
60–64
6.7%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
6.3%
85+
2.2%

Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$64,635$-5,269 vs state
Mean household income$86,928
Per-capita income$36,745
Poverty rate10.4%+1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population49.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.4%
Manufacturing
11.5%
Education & health care
10.8%
Public administration
8.8%
Finance & real estate
8.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.4%
Construction
4.9%
Retail trade
4.7%

The largest employment sector in Craven County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

1.7%

Carpool

79.1%

Public transit

6.8%

Work from home

21.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$206,200$-53,200 vs state

Median home value

$1,100

Median rent

69.9%

Homeownership rate

47,404

Total housing units

87.5%

Occupied

12.5%

Vacant

30.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

91.2%

With health insurance

92.3%

With broadband internet

45.0%

Foreign-born

14.8%

Veterans (18+)

15.9%

With a disability

91.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

91.8%

High School+

26.0%

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

Craven County, North Carolina has a population of 101,074 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 143 people per square mile.

The population of Craven County has declined 0.0% since 2010 (104,180 → 104,167), a -0.00% annualized rate.

The median household income in Craven County, North Carolina is $64,635, with mean (average) household income of $86,928 and per-capita income of $36,745. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Craven County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (67.4%), Black or African American (20.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Craven County, North Carolina is 39.2 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Craven County is $206,200 and median monthly rent is $1,100. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 47,404 total housing units, 12.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Craven County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Craven County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.


Craven County, NC Climate

Craven County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.8°C (62°F) and receives about 1348 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

16.8°C

Avg Temp

1348

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-5°5°15°25°35°169mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Craven County, NC — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January7° / 44°115 mm
February8° / 46°99 mm
March12° / 53°103 mm
April16° / 62°81 mm
May21° / 69°115 mm
June24° / 76°122 mm
July27° / 80°169 mm
August26° / 78°163 mm
September23° / 74°126 mm
October18° / 64°81 mm
November13° / 55°81 mm
December8° / 47°93 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 Craven County, NC

The most comfortable months to visit Craven County, NC are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

MayOctoberSeptember

Where to stay near Craven County

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Top-rated places to stay near Craven County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.