Brunswick County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
152,568
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,024/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
99,077
5.4% year-over-year change

Brunswick County population

How many people live in Brunswick County

Brunswick County is home to 152,568 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Brunswick County locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
152,568
4.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
73,340
Female
51.9%
79,228
Value Percent YoY change
Male 73,340 48.1% 4.4%
Female 79,228 51.9% 4.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Brunswick County is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.5% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.7% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.5%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
18.7%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
33.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,557 11.5% 1.9%
15 to 24 11,858 7.8% 4.8%
25 to 44 28,486 18.7% 4.3%
45 to 64 43,063 28.2% 3.8%
Over 65 51,604 33.8% 6.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Brunswick County, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 8.4% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 145,434 95.3% 4.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,864 3.2% 6.3%
Non-citizens 2,270 1.5% 13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 124,657 81.7%
Black or African American 12,809 8.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 505 0.3%
Asian 1,020 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 24 0%
Two or more races 9,323 6.1%
Other 4,230 2.8%

Households in Brunswick County

A peek inside Brunswick County households

Brunswick County has 69,124 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
69,124
7.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
20,899
Family households
48,225
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 20,899 30.2% 7.1%
Family households 48,225 69.8% 7.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Brunswick County

The housing landscape of Brunswick County

Brunswick County's housing consists of 99,077 units, with 69.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
99,077
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 68,856 69.5%
1 unit, attached 4,030 4.1%
2 units 625 0.6%
3 or 4 units 1,501 1.5%
5 to 9 units 2,812 2.8%
10 to 19 units 1,640 1.7%
20 to 49 units 1,659 1.7%
50 or more units 916 0.9%
Mobile home 17,001 17.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 37 0%
Homes built since 2020
5,766
102.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brunswick County

In Brunswick County, the median construction year is 2002. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 28.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,042 1% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 473 0.5% -9.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,800 1.8% 4.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,783 2.8% -8.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,409 7.5% -2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13,610 13.7% 3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 16,052 16.2% -5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27,836 28.1% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 22,306 22.5% 12.8%
Built in 2020 or later 5,766 5.8% 102.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Brunswick County occupancy rates

Out of the 69,124 occupied housing units in Brunswick County, 84.6% are owner-occupied, while 15.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 30.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
69,124
7.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,652
Owner occupied
58,472
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,652 15.4% 2.3%
Owner occupied 58,472 84.6% 8.2%
Unoccupied housing units
30.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Brunswick County housing costs

Housing costs in Brunswick County come to a median of $1,189 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,351.

Median housing costs per month
$1,189/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Brunswick County
$1,351/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Brunswick County

Brunswick County education at a glance

About 31.1% of the population in Brunswick County went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,799 2.1% 10.6%
High school diploma 40,790 31.1% 2.5%
College diploma 28,636 21.8% 1.7%
Associate degree 15,265 11.6% 3.6%
Bachelor's degree 27,881 21.3% 9.6%
Graduate degree 15,776 12% 10.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Brunswick County

How much people earn in Brunswick County

The average annual household income in Brunswick County was $100,289 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,024, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brunswick County
$100,289/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brunswick County
$77,024/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Brunswick County income by age

In Brunswick County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,705 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,882, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,925 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,882 7.8%
25 - 44 $79,313 10.3%
45 - 64 $86,705 3.2%
Over 65 $69,925 0.3%
Above poverty level
136,358
Below poverty level
13,728
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 136,358 90.8% 4.7%
Below poverty level 13,728 9.2% 2.9%

Employment in Brunswick County

Workforce and job types in Brunswick County

The job market in Brunswick County is powered by 62,479 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 67.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
62,479
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
48,709
Blue collar
13,770
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 48,709 78% 5.6%
Blue collar 13,770 22% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
67.7%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,607 12.2% 4.0%
Private companies 42,283 67.7% 7.6%
Governmental workers 8,974 14.4% 2.5%
Not for profit companies 3,615 5.8% 3.1%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-4.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brunswick County stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brunswick County

How people get around in Brunswick County

Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 50,452 82.4% 3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0% -22.2%
Ferryboat 377 0.6% -24.0%
Motorcycle 23 0% -20.7%
Bicycle 24 0% 84.6%
Walk 544 0.9% 8.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Brunswick County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28420 2,658 1,163 $53,935 $58,243
28422 10,059 4,092 $69,412 $95,485
28451 46,933 20,222 $81,481 $101,349
28452 1,152 406 $0 $61,304
28456 3,860 1,531 $49,670 $60,314
28461 23,762 11,150 $82,692 $112,827
28462 12,340 5,522 $60,349 $78,769
28465 8,756 4,426 $86,194 $128,304
28467 13,313 6,917 $75,341 $87,989
28468 5,154 2,642 $83,358 $102,986

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FAQs about Brunswick County demographics 

What is the total population of Brunswick County?

Brunswick County has a total population of 152,568 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brunswick County?

The gender ratio in Brunswick County is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (73,340 residents)
  • 51.9% females (79,228 residents)

What is the median age in Brunswick County?

The median age in Brunswick County is 56.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brunswick County?

The age distribution in Brunswick County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.5% (17,557 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (11,858 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.7% (28,486 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (43,063 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.8% (51,604 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brunswick County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brunswick County is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (124,657 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.4% (12,809 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (505 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (1,020 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (24 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (9,323 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (4,230 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brunswick County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Brunswick County.

How many housing units are there in Brunswick County?

There are 99,077 housing units in Brunswick County, reflecting a +5.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brunswick County and what is the average household size?

Brunswick County has a total of 69,124 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brunswick County?

Brunswick County has a median household income of $77,024, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brunswick County?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Brunswick County, with a workforce of 62,479 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (48,709 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (13,770 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (7,607 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.7% (42,283 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (8,974 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (3,615 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025