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Greene County, NC growth snapshot

Greene County had an estimated 20,700 residents in 2025, up 1.3% (259 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 105th 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 41 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 4,444 jobs in 2025, +2.0% since 2020 (103rd of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $951.

Unemployment averaged 3.4% in 2025, 0.5 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 59 new homes in 2025, or 2.9 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $53,244 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +22.2% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,492nd.

Greene County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202520,700+0
202420,700+105
202320,595+208
202220,387+113
202120,274−167
202020,441–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Greene County

Greene County grew by 259 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+367).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−34−205
International migrationfrom and to other countries−9+87
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+41+367
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+2+10
Total change+0+259

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 growth76th of 1001,492nd of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents77th of 1001,558th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth39th of 100826th of 3,092
Median household income76th of 1002,553rd of 3,107
Average weekly wage66th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate13th of 100830th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents80th of 1001,170th 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

Greene County grew more slowly than all 4 of its neighbouring counties (+1.3%, 2020–25).

3 of its 4 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Greene County's $53,244 (2020–24).

Greene County, NC and its 4 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Greene County, NC This county20,700+1.3%2.02.9$53,244
Lenoir County, NC55,837+1.4%10.12.3$45,143
Pitt County, NC182,936+5.4%6.47.0$58,188
Wayne County, NC122,278+3.8%1.47.8$59,733
Wilson County, NC81,150+1.7%2.35.1$56,423

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 Greene County?

About 20,700 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Greene County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 1.3% between 2020 and 2025, about 259 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 105th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Greene County?

On net, about 41 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 Greene County?

Employers there reported 4,444 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +2.0% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $951 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Greene County?

It averaged 3.4% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Greene County?

Building permits authorized 59 new housing units in 2025, 2.9 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Greene County?

$53,244 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Greene County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 76th of 100 for population growth; 77th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 39th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 76th of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,492nd 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.