Pamlico County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 91st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Pamlico County, North Carolina is 12,315 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 91st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $61,624, the median home value is $209,800, and the median age is 54.1.
The population of Pamlico County has declined 4.3% since 2010 (13,108 → 12,550), a -0.31% annualized rate.
12,315
Population
-0.31%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$61,624
Median Income
$209,800
Median Home Value
Pamlico County covers 337 sq mi of land at 36.6 people per square mile.
About Pamlico County, NC
Pamlico County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 12,315. It ranks #91 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 54.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.
The median household income in Pamlico County is $61,624, below the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $209,800, with monthly rent averaging $909. The homeownership rate of 83.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pamlico County reflects 25.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.2 minutes each way.
Pamlico County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pamlico County had a population of 13,108 in 2010 and 12,550 in 2024, a -4.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,242 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.30%.
12,550
Population (2024)
13,108
Population (2010)
13,242
Peak (2011)
-0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,108 |
| 2011 | 13,242 |
| 2012 | 13,016 |
| 2013 | 12,878 |
| 2014 | 12,870 |
| 2015 | 12,739 |
| 2016 | 12,771 |
| 2017 | 12,631 |
| 2018 | 12,600 |
| 2019 | 12,650 |
| 2020 | 12,312 |
| 2021 | 12,367 |
| 2022 | 12,269 |
| 2023 | 12,450 |
| 2024 | 12,550 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.6% |
| Black or African American | 18.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.1
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
30.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.4% · Seniors (65+): 30.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,624$-8,280 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,899 |
| Per-capita income | $35,042 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pamlico County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
0.3%
Carpool
82.3%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$209,800$-49,600 vs state
Median home value
$909
Median rent
83.3%
Homeownership rate
7,239
Total housing units
72.2%
Occupied
27.8%
Vacant
16.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
35.1%
Foreign-born
12.3%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.0%
High School+
25.4%
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
Pamlico County, North Carolina has a population of 12,315 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 91st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Pamlico County has declined 4.3% since 2010 (13,108 → 12,550), a -0.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pamlico County, North Carolina is $61,624, with mean (average) household income of $81,899 and per-capita income of $35,042. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pamlico County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.6%), Black or African American (18.6%), 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 Pamlico County, North Carolina is 54.1 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Pamlico County is $209,800 and median monthly rent is $909. 83.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,239 total housing units, 27.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pamlico County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Pamlico 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.