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Population Review

Duplin County, North Carolina Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in North Carolina

The population of Duplin County, North Carolina is 49,053 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $51,880, the median home value is $123,200, and the median age is 40.7.

The population of Duplin County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (58,663 → 50,539), a -1.06% annualized rate.

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

49,053

Population

-1.06%

Annual growth

60

People / sq mi

$51,880

Median Income

$123,200

Median Home Value

Duplin County covers 815 sq mi of land at 60.2 people per square mile.

About Duplin County, NC

Duplin County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 49,053. It ranks #52 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 40.7, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

The median household income in Duplin County is $51,880, below the US median of $74,580. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,200, with monthly rent averaging $815. The homeownership rate of 70.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Duplin County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.9 minutes each way.

Duplin County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Duplin County had a population of 58,663 in 2010 and 50,539 in 2024, a -13.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 59,449 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.94%.

2012 · 59K20102024

50,539

Population (2024)

58,663

Population (2010)

59,449

Peak (2012)

-0.94%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201058,663
201159,215
201259,449
201359,323
201459,426
201558,879
201659,284
201758,942
201859,001
201958,802
202048,668
202148,575
202249,072
202349,819
202450,539

Race & Ethnicity

White57.5%
Black or African American22.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.7

Median Age

50.7%

Female

49.3%

Male

19.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.2%
5–9
7.2%
10–14
6.0%
15–19
6.6%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
10.9%
35–44
11.0%
45–54
12.4%
55–59
7.5%
60–64
6.1%
65–74
11.6%
75–84
5.8%
85+
2.2%

Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$51,880$-18,024 vs state
Mean household income$67,269
Per-capita income$27,599
Poverty rate12.5%+3.1% vs state
Unemployment rate2.8%
Employment-to-population56.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.2%
Manufacturing
18.0%
Construction
11.2%
Finance & real estate
8.3%
Retail trade
7.4%
Agriculture
6.1%
Education & health care
5.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.5%

The largest employment sector in Duplin County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

1.2%

Carpool

80.3%

Public transit

5.4%

Work from home

29.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$123,200$-136,200 vs state

Median home value

$815

Median rent

70.0%

Homeownership rate

23,823

Total housing units

84.4%

Occupied

15.6%

Vacant

30.0%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

84.8%

With health insurance

88.1%

With broadband internet

17.1%

Foreign-born

7.7%

Veterans (18+)

17.3%

With a disability

77.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

81.9%

High School+

17.5%

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

Duplin County, North Carolina has a population of 49,053 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 60 people per square mile.

The population of Duplin County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (58,663 → 50,539), a -1.06% annualized rate.

The median household income in Duplin County, North Carolina is $51,880, with mean (average) household income of $67,269 and per-capita income of $27,599. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Duplin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.5%), Black or African American (22.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Duplin County, North Carolina is 40.7 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.

The median home value in Duplin County is $123,200 and median monthly rent is $815. 70.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 23,823 total housing units, 15.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Duplin County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

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

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

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