Pender County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Pender County, North Carolina is 63,475 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $76,838, the median home value is $267,100, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Pender County has grown 33.7% since 2010 (52,415 → 70,077), a +2.10% annualized rate.
63,475
Population
+2.10%
Annual growth
73
People / sq mi
$76,838
Median Income
$267,100
Median Home Value
Pender County covers 871 sq mi of land at 72.9 people per square mile.
About Pender County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Pender County: 81.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 63,475 residents, Pender County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #44 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Households take in a median $76,838, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 7.0%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $267,100, with typical rent around $1,072.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Pender County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Pender County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pender County had a population of 52,415 in 2010 and 70,077 in 2024, a 33.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 70,077 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.11%.
70,077
Population (2024)
52,415
Population (2010)
70,077
Peak (2024)
2.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 52,415 |
| 2011 | 53,180 |
| 2012 | 53,730 |
| 2013 | 54,804 |
| 2014 | 55,931 |
| 2015 | 57,463 |
| 2016 | 58,829 |
| 2017 | 60,787 |
| 2018 | 62,121 |
| 2019 | 63,046 |
| 2020 | 60,625 |
| 2021 | 62,994 |
| 2022 | 65,697 |
| 2023 | 68,356 |
| 2024 | 70,077 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 12.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,838+$6,934 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,152 |
| Per-capita income | $38,296 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pender County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
11.4%
Work from home
30.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$267,100+$7,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,072
Median rent
81.8%
Homeownership rate
31,007
Total housing units
77.9%
Occupied
22.1%
Vacant
18.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
40.8%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
92.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.5%
High School+
29.8%
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
Pender County, North Carolina has a population of 63,475 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 73 people per square mile.
The population of Pender County has grown 33.7% since 2010 (52,415 → 70,077), a +2.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pender County, North Carolina is $76,838, with mean (average) household income of $97,152 and per-capita income of $38,296. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pender County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.7%), Black or African American (12.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pender County, North Carolina is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Pender County is $267,100 and median monthly rent is $1,072. 81.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 31,007 total housing units, 22.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pender County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Pender County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Pender County, NC Climate
Pender County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.8°C (62°F) and receives about 1364 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.8°C
Avg Temp
1364
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 107 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 97 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 104 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 77 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 113 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 137 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 201 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 164 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 129 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 69 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 77 mm |
| December | 8° / 47° | 89 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 Pender County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Pender County, NC are typically May, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pender County
Visiting or relocating to Pender County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Pender County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Pender County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Pender County, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 1,130,906
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
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.