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 skews on age — the median resident is 54.1, older than the national median. With 12,315 residents, Pamlico County is a county in North Carolina.
Median household income is $61,624, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $209,800, with typical rent around $909.
Roughly 25.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Pamlico County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Pamlico County, NC Climate
Pamlico County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1389 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1389
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 119 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 100 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 104 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 81 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 115 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 122 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 164 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 164 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 137 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 95 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 91 mm |
| December | 9° / 47° | 97 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 Pamlico County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Pamlico County, NC are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pamlico County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.