Carteret County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Carteret County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 68,652. It is the 39th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Carteret County is 50.1 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 10.2% 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 Carteret County is $70,235. This is about average than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $304,200. Housing costs are 17% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Carteret County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.7%. The Black or African American population (4.2%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.7%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

32.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% 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 92.7%.