New Hanover County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in North Carolina
The population of New Hanover County, North Carolina is 231,214 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $72,892, the median home value is $353,700, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of New Hanover County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (203,295 → 243,333), a +1.29% annualized rate.
231,214
Population
+1.29%
Annual growth
1203
People / sq mi
$72,892
Median Income
$353,700
Median Home Value
New Hanover County covers 192 sq mi of land at 1202.8 people per square mile.
About New Hanover County, NC
What distinguishes New Hanover County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,203 people per square mile. With 231,214 residents, New Hanover County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #11 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $72,892 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Only 7.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $353,700, with typical rent around $1,343.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 44.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 17.8% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in New Hanover County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
New Hanover County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of New Hanover County had a population of 203,295 in 2010 and 243,333 in 2024, a 19.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 243,333 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.30%.
243,333
Population (2024)
203,295
Population (2010)
243,333
Peak (2024)
1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 203,295 |
| 2011 | 206,006 |
| 2012 | 209,118 |
| 2013 | 213,033 |
| 2014 | 216,112 |
| 2015 | 219,619 |
| 2016 | 224,922 |
| 2017 | 228,863 |
| 2018 | 232,566 |
| 2019 | 234,275 |
| 2020 | 226,442 |
| 2021 | 230,167 |
| 2022 | 236,147 |
| 2023 | 240,054 |
| 2024 | 243,333 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.4% |
| Black or African American | 11.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
52.3%
Female
47.7%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,892+$2,988 vs state |
| Mean household income | $103,112 |
| Per-capita income | $46,083 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in New Hanover County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
72.4%
Public transit
17.8%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$353,700+$94,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,343
Median rent
60.7%
Homeownership rate
117,236
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
39.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.4%
With health insurance
96.3%
With broadband internet
44.5%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
91.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
44.8%
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
New Hanover County, North Carolina has a population of 231,214 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 1203 people per square mile.
The population of New Hanover County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (203,295 → 243,333), a +1.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in New Hanover County, North Carolina is $72,892, with mean (average) household income of $103,112 and per-capita income of $46,083. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In New Hanover County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (77.4%), Black or African American (11.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in New Hanover County, North Carolina is 40.1 years. Residents are 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
The median home value in New Hanover County is $353,700 and median monthly rent is $1,343. 60.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 117,236 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in New Hanover County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with New Hanover 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.