New Bern city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, New Bern city, North Carolina has a total population of 31,563, the 33rd largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $56,893, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.3%.
New Bern city Quick Facts
How New Bern city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
New Bern city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to New Bern city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanford city | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | 22.4% | 20.3% |
| Statesville city | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | 27.0% | 16.4% |
| Goldsboro city | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | 21.4% | 20.8% |
| Thomasville city | 27,261 | $58,246 | $163,200 | 15.6% | 18.4% |
| Salisbury city | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | 26.9% | 24.3% |
Population Overview
New Bern city is a mid-sized community located in North Carolina. The total population is 31,563. It ranks as the 33rd most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in New Bern city is 40.4 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 10.3% 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 New Bern city is $56,893. This is 19% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 28% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%. This is 24% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $211,500. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 60.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in New Bern city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 53.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 28.7%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (5.8% vs 3.1%).
Education
29.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% 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 91.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for New Bern city, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Bern city, North Carolina?
New Bern city, North Carolina has a population of 31,563 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in New Bern city, NC?
The median household income in New Bern city is $56,893, which is 28% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in New Bern city, NC?
The poverty rate in New Bern city is 16.3%. This means approximately 5,060 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of New Bern city, North Carolina?
New Bern city's population is 53.6% White, 28.7% Black, 6.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in New Bern city, NC?
The median home value in New Bern city is $211,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is New Bern city, North Carolina?
29.6% of adults (25+) in New Bern city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.