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Cumberland County, NC growth snapshot

Cumberland County had an estimated 338,473 residents in 2025, up 0.4% (1,473 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 117th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration was negative in 2025: 2,118 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in.

Employers counted 122,272 jobs in 2025, +6.5% since 2020 (77th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,102.

Unemployment averaged 4.8% in 2025.

Builders were authorized to start 1,547 new homes in 2025, or 4.6 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $61,291 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +27.2% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,730th.

Part of the Fayetteville, NC metro area.

Cumberland County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
2025338,473+1,225
2024337,248−387
2023337,635−886
2022338,521−938
2021339,459+2,459
2020337,000–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Cumberland County

Cumberland County grew by 1,473 people since 2020 even though 14,761 more residents moved to other U.S. counties than came from them: births outnumbered deaths by 9,443, and net international migration added 6,437.

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths+2,023+9,443
International migrationfrom and to other countries+1,318+6,437
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties−2,118−14,761
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+2+354
Total change+1,225+1,473

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn North CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth85th of 1001,730th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents98th of 1002,681st of 3,108
Private-sector job growth59th of 1001,197th of 3,092
Median household income48th of 1001,930th of 3,107
Average weekly wage18th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate86th of 1002,397th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents64th of 100695th of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Cumberland County grew more slowly than all 6 of its neighbouring counties (+0.4%, 2020–25).

3 of its 6 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Cumberland County's $61,291 (2020–24).

Cumberland County, NC and its 6 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Cumberland County, NC This county338,473+0.4%−6.34.6$61,291
Harnett County, NC150,137+12.3%18.514.7$71,287
Hoke County, NC56,939+9.0%12.99.8$64,912
Robeson County, NC119,941+3.4%−1.43.3$41,978
Sampson County, NC61,504+4.1%1.11.9$52,432
Bladen County, NC30,007+1.3%1.23.2$42,422
Moore County, NC110,619+10.3%19.99.7$86,080

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 100 North Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Cumberland County?

About 338,473 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Cumberland County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 0.4% between 2020 and 2025, about 1,473 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 117th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Cumberland County?

On net, none in 2025: about 2,118 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Cumberland County?

Employers there reported 122,272 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +6.5% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,102 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Cumberland County?

It averaged 4.8% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Cumberland County?

Building permits authorized 1,547 new housing units in 2025, 4.6 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Cumberland County?

$61,291 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Cumberland County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 85th of 100 for population growth; 98th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 59th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 48th of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,730th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.