Pender County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Pender County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 63,475. It is the 44th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Pender County is 41.8 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Pender County is $76,838. This is 10% higher than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%. This is 19% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $267,100. Housing costs are 3% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 81.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Pender County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.3%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

29.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% 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 90.5%.