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
Pender County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 63,475. It ranks #44 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Pender County is $76,838, near the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $267,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,072. The homeownership rate of 81.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pender County reflects 29.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.4% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.8 minutes each way.
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.
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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.