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Duplin County, NC growth snapshot

Duplin County had an estimated 51,571 residents in 2025, up 6.0% (2,911 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 48th 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 added 45 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 19,630 jobs in 2025, +6.7% since 2020 (73rd of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $916.

Unemployment averaged 3.3% in 2025, 0.7 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 127 new homes in 2025, or 2.5 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $55,148 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +27.0% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 498th.

Duplin County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202551,571+569
202451,002+1,060
202349,942+877
202249,065+500
202148,565−95
202048,660–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Duplin County

Duplin County grew by 2,911 people since 2020; the largest part came from international migration (+2,243).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths+43+153
International migrationfrom and to other countries+479+2,243
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+45+501
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+2+14
Total change+569+2,911

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 growth30th of 100498th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents83rd of 1001,762nd of 3,108
Private-sector job growth48th of 100970th of 3,092
Median household income72nd of 1002,439th of 3,107
Average weekly wage87th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate7th of 100697th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents85th of 1001,331st 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

Over 2020–25, Duplin County's population change (+6.0%) was ahead of 5 of its 6 neighbouring counties and behind 1 (Pender County).

4 of its 6 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Duplin County's $55,148 (2020–24).

Duplin 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
Duplin County, NC This county51,571+6.0%0.92.5$55,148
Lenoir County, NC55,837+1.4%10.12.3$45,143
Wayne County, NC122,278+3.8%1.47.8$59,733
Pender County, NC72,111+19.0%26.111.6$80,396
Sampson County, NC61,504+4.1%1.11.9$52,432
Jones County, NC9,575+4.6%11.14.8$59,641
Onslow County, NC217,175+5.9%0.36.3$68,148

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 Duplin County?

About 51,571 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Duplin County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 6.0% between 2020 and 2025, about 2,911 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 48th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Duplin County?

On net, about 45 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Duplin County?

Employers there reported 19,630 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +6.7% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $916 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Duplin County?

It averaged 3.3% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Duplin County?

Building permits authorized 127 new housing units in 2025, 2.5 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Duplin County?

$55,148 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Duplin County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 30th of 100 for population growth; 83rd of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 48th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 72nd of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 498th 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.