Brunswick County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Brunswick County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 145,889. It is the 21st most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Brunswick County is 56.1 years. This is 43% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 14.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 11.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Brunswick County is $74,034. This is 6% higher than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%. This is 29% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $314,700. Housing costs are 21% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Brunswick County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 8.0%. The Black or African American population (8.0%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

33.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%.