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
New Hanover County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 231,214. It ranks #11 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
The median household income in New Hanover County is $72,892, near the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $353,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,343. The homeownership rate of 60.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in New Hanover County reflects 44.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 17.8% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.5 minutes each way.
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.