Pamlico County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Pamlico County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 12,315. It is the 91st most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Pamlico County is 54.1 years. This is 38% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 14.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 12.6% 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 Pamlico County is $61,624. This is 12% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $209,800. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 83.3% 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 Pamlico County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 18.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.6%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

25.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% 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 90.0%.