New Hanover County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
235,229
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,166/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
120,050
2.4% year-over-year change

New Hanover County population

How many people live in New Hanover County

New Hanover County is home to 235,229 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of New Hanover County locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
235,229
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
111,940
Female
52.4%
123,289
Value Percent YoY change
Male 111,940 47.6% 1.5%
Female 123,289 52.4% 2.0%
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 Hanover County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 34,516 14.7% -0.4%
15 to 24 36,459 15.5% 2.9%
25 to 44 60,363 25.7% 1.7%
45 to 64 59,081 25.1% 0.9%
Over 65 44,810 19% 3.6%
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 Hanover County, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.6% of locals are Caucasian, 10.9% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 218,063 92.7% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,721 3.7% -4.5%
Non-citizens 8,445 3.6% 3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
76.6%
Black or African American
10.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 180,170 76.6%
Black or African American 25,672 10.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 405 0.2%
Asian 3,250 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0%
Two or more races 16,326 6.9%
Other 9,364 4%

Households in New Hanover County

A peek inside New Hanover County households

New Hanover County has 104,856 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.1% are families, while the remaining 44.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
104,856
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
47,042
Family households
57,814
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 47,042 44.9% 3.6%
Family households 57,814 55.1% 1.5%
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 Hanover County

The housing landscape of New Hanover County

New Hanover County's housing consists of 120,050 units, with 61.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% 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 2.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
120,050
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 73,298 61.1%
1 unit, attached 7,091 5.9%
2 units 4,600 3.8%
3 or 4 units 5,118 4.3%
5 to 9 units 6,228 5.2%
10 to 19 units 7,661 6.4%
20 to 49 units 7,359 6.1%
50 or more units 5,359 4.5%
Mobile home 3,298 2.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0%
Homes built since 2020
4,685
73.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Hanover County

In New Hanover County, the median construction year is 1993. About 5.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,478 5.4% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,706 3.9% 1.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,310 4.4% 2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,400 5.3% 0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 13,930 11.6% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16,661 13.9% -5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 21,969 18.3% -1.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 22,693 18.9% 2.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17,218 14.3% 5.2%
Built in 2020 or later 4,685 3.9% 73.0%
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 Hanover County occupancy rates

Out of the 104,856 occupied housing units in New Hanover County, 61.4% are owner-occupied, while 38.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
104,856
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
40,473
Owner occupied
64,383
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 40,473 38.6% 0.6%
Owner occupied 64,383 61.4% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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 Hanover County housing costs

Housing costs in New Hanover County come to a median of $1,439 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,417.

Median housing costs per month
$1,439/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 Hanover County
$1,417/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 Hanover County

New Hanover County education at a glance

About 23.4% of the population in New Hanover County went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 27.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,510 2.3% 1.6%
High school diploma 45,172 23.4% 2.2%
College diploma 42,470 22% -1.3%
Associate degree 20,992 10.9% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 53,283 27.6% 3.9%
Graduate degree 26,680 13.8% 3.5%
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 Hanover County

How much people earn in New Hanover County

The average annual household income in New Hanover County was $107,828 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,166, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Hanover County
$107,828/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Hanover County
$75,166/year
3.1% year-over-year change

New Hanover County income by age

In New Hanover County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,966. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,766 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,150, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,585 in earnings. Overall, 87.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,150 -13.1%
25 - 44 $85,966 6.5%
45 - 64 $90,766 0.2%
Over 65 $62,585 0.8%
Above poverty level
199,628
Below poverty level
27,870
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 199,628 87.8% 2.1%
Below poverty level 27,870 12.2% 0.5%

Employment in New Hanover County

Workforce and job types in New Hanover County

The job market in New Hanover County is powered by 123,647 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.6% run their own businesses, 66.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
123,647
3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
104,409
Blue collar
19,238
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 104,409 84.4% 4.6%
Blue collar 19,238 15.6% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.6%
Private companies
66.6%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 18,013 14.6% 3.0%
Private companies 82,414 66.6% 4.0%
Governmental workers 15,408 12.5% 7.0%
Not for profit companies 7,812 6.3% -1.9%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
-1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Hanover County stands at 4.5%, 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 Hanover County

How people get around in New Hanover County

Commuting methods vary: 76.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 93,343 76.9% 0.7%
Taxicab 292 0.2% 57.0%
Bus or trolleybus 240 0.2% -7.3%
Motorcycle 110 0.1% 182.1%
Bicycle 746 0.6% 25.6%
Walk 1,710 1.4% 6.3%
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 Hanover County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28401 22,007 11,085 $57,968 $76,158
28403 40,319 18,577 $54,547 $86,760
28405 35,467 15,899 $70,274 $109,255
28409 36,163 14,544 $111,048 $143,750
28411 37,233 15,924 $97,387 $118,944
28412 44,166 20,169 $71,636 $100,588
28428 7,136 3,246 $93,241 $141,824
28429 9,662 3,896 $72,337 $81,433
28449 2,131 913 $107,563 $148,906
28480 2,776 1,360 $172,500 $211,703

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FAQs about New Hanover County demographics 

What is the total population of New Hanover County?

New Hanover County has a total population of 235,229 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 +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Hanover County?

The gender ratio in New Hanover County is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (111,940 residents)
  • 52.4% females (123,289 residents)

What is the median age in New Hanover County?

The median age in New Hanover County is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Hanover County?

The age distribution in New Hanover County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (34,516 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (36,459 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (60,363 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (59,081 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (44,810 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Hanover County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Hanover County is as follows:
  • White: 76.6% (180,170 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.9% (25,672 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (405 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (3,250 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (16,326 residents)
  • Other: 4% (9,364 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in New Hanover County.

How many housing units are there in New Hanover County?

There are 120,050 housing units in New Hanover County, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

New Hanover County has a total of 104,856 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Hanover County?

New Hanover County has a median household income of $75,166, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.5% in New Hanover County, with a workforce of 123,647 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (104,409 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (19,238 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.6% (18,013 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.6% (82,414 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (15,408 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (7,812 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