Greater New Bern, New Bern - Cove City, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,574
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,411/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,505
1.5% year-over-year change

New Bern population

How many people live in New Bern

New Bern is home to 25,574 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of New Bern locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
25,574
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
12,262
Female
52%
13,312
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,262 48% 2.7%
Female 13,312 52% -0.1%
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 New Bern is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
25.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,162 16.3% -0.9%
15 to 24 2,884 11.3% 5.1%
25 to 44 5,849 22.9% 4.8%
45 to 64 6,200 24.2% -3.6%
Over 65 6,478 25.3% 2.8%
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 New Bern, 94.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.8% of locals are Caucasian, 18.8% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,087 94.2% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,116 4.4% 12.2%
Non-citizens 371 1.4% -7.0%
Racial breakdown
White
68.8%
Black or African American
18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 17,592 68.8%
Black or African American 4,819 18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 86 0.3%
Asian 758 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.2%
Two or more races 1,554 6.1%
Other 711 2.8%

Households in New Bern

A peek inside New Bern households

New Bern has 11,227 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,227
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,126
Family households
7,101
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,126 36.8% 6.9%
Family households 7,101 63.2% -0.2%
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 New Bern

The housing landscape of New Bern

New Bern's housing consists of 12,505 units, with 71.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 9.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,505
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,896 71.1%
1 unit, attached 555 4.4%
2 units 73 0.6%
3 or 4 units 305 2.4%
5 to 9 units 511 4.1%
10 to 19 units 257 2.1%
20 to 49 units 304 2.4%
50 or more units 348 2.8%
Mobile home 1,239 9.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
442
65.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Bern

In New Bern, the median construction year is 1984. About 4.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 615 4.9% 9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 370 3% -2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 619 5% -2.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 779 6.2% 4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,478 11.8% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,339 18.7% 8.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,814 14.5% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,413 19.3% -7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,634 13.1% 8.1%
Built in 2020 or later 442 3.5% 65.5%
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.

New Bern occupancy rates

Out of the 11,227 occupied housing units in New Bern, 72.5% are owner-occupied, while 27.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,227
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,085
Owner occupied
8,142
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,085 27.5% 5.9%
Owner occupied 8,142 72.5% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
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.

New Bern housing costs

Housing costs in New Bern come to a median of $992 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,000.

Median housing costs per month
$992/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 New Bern
$1,000/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 New Bern

New Bern education at a glance

About 31.8% of the population in New Bern went to high school, while 26.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 17.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 370 1.8% -15.9%
High school diploma 6,507 31.8% 5.5%
College diploma 5,380 26.3% -0.2%
Associate degree 2,116 10.4% -7.4%
Bachelor's degree 3,633 17.8% 8.1%
Graduate degree 2,432 11.9% 1.6%
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 New Bern

How much people earn in New Bern

The average annual household income in New Bern was $91,002 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,411, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Bern
$91,002/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Bern
$65,411/year
5.3% year-over-year change

New Bern income by age

In New Bern, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,791. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,264, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,787 in earnings. Overall, 87.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,264 8.5%
25 - 44 $87,791 19.6%
45 - 64 $76,500 -11.2%
Over 65 $53,787 -1.9%
Above poverty level
21,800
Below poverty level
3,153
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,800 87.4% 0.6%
Below poverty level 3,153 12.6% 3.4%

Average renter income in New Bern

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Bern, their median household income was $35,590 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,590
Rent-to-income ratio
33.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in New Bern

Workforce and job types in New Bern

The job market in New Bern is powered by 10,933 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 19.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,933
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
8,584
Blue collar
2,349
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,584 78.5% 1.4%
Blue collar 2,349 21.5% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
19.6%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 965 8.8% 1.4%
Private companies 6,966 63.7% 1.5%
Governmental workers 2,139 19.6% 3.5%
Not for profit companies 864 7.9% -14.4%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
13.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Bern stands at 3.8%, 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 New Bern

How people get around in New Bern

In New Bern, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
133.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,812 98.4% -1.2%
Taxicab 22 0.2% 450.0%
Bus or trolleybus 13 0.1% -62.9%
Motorcycle 26 0.3% -18.8%
Bicycle 6 0.1% -14.3%
Walk 95 1% 13.1%
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 New Bern by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28523 2,753 1,116 $45,452 $86,040
28560 28,661 12,154 $65,411 $83,254
28562 39,082 17,563 $75,012 $99,147

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FAQs about New Bern demographics 

What is the total population of New Bern?

New Bern has a total population of 25,574 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Bern?

The gender ratio in New Bern is as follows:
  • 48% males (12,262 residents)
  • 52% females (13,312 residents)

What is the median age in New Bern?

The median age in New Bern is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Bern?

The age distribution in New Bern is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (4,162 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (2,884 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (5,849 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (6,200 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.3% (6,478 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Bern?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Bern is as follows:
  • White: 68.8% (17,592 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.8% (4,819 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (86 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (758 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (1,554 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (711 residents)

What percentage of the population in New Bern are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.2% of the population in New Bern.

How many housing units are there in New Bern?

There are 12,505 housing units in New Bern, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Bern and what is the average household size?

New Bern has a total of 11,227 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Bern?

New Bern has a median household income of $65,411, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Bern?

The employment rate is 96.2% in New Bern, with a workforce of 10,933 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.5% (8,584 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.5% (2,349 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (965 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (6,966 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.6% (2,139 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (864 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