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Pamlico County, NC growth snapshot

Pamlico County had an estimated 12,758 residents in 2025, up 3.7% (450 more people) since 2020. That is slower than North Carolina as a whole (+7.2%), and the 72nd 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 183 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 4,072 jobs in 2025, +28.9% since 2020 (5th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $731.

Unemployment averaged 3.7% in 2025, 0.5 points lower than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 97 new homes in 2025, or 7.6 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $59,717 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +23.0% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 831st.

Part of the New Bern, NC micro area.

Pamlico County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202512,758+70
202412,688+257
202312,431+176
202212,255−107
202112,362+54
202012,308–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Pamlico County

Pamlico County grew by 450 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+1,064).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−120−639
International migrationfrom and to other countries+8+31
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+183+1,064
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−1−6
Total change+70+450

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 growth49th of 100831st of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents16th of 100287th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth14th of 100359th of 3,092
Median household income53rd of 1002,084th of 3,107
Average weekly wage100th of 100–
Lowest unemployment rate38th of 1001,200th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents31st of 100287th 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, Pamlico County's population change (+3.7%) was ahead of 3 of its 4 neighbouring counties and behind 1 (Carteret County).

2 of its 4 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Pamlico County's $59,717 (2020–24).

Pamlico 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
Pamlico County, NC This county12,758+3.7%14.37.6$59,717
Beaufort County, NC44,670−0.1%3.92.7$58,357
Carteret County, NC70,469+4.1%10.16.7$72,322
Craven County, NC105,025+3.5%7.65.3$65,873
Hyde County, NC4,554+1.0%−5.37.7$53,713

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 Pamlico County?

About 12,758 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Pamlico County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 3.7% between 2020 and 2025, about 450 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). North Carolina as a whole changed +7.2% over the same years. That ranks 72nd of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Pamlico County?

On net, about 183 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 Pamlico County?

Employers there reported 4,072 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +28.9% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $731 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Pamlico County?

It averaged 3.7% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Pamlico County?

Building permits authorized 97 new housing units in 2025, 7.6 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Pamlico County?

$59,717 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Pamlico County compare with other North Carolina counties?

Among North Carolina counties it ranks 49th of 100 for population growth; 16th of 100 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 14th of 100 for private-sector job growth; 53rd of 100 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 831st 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.