Brunswick, NC
Population 981 · North Carolina
About Brunswick, NC
Brunswick is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 981 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,542 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brunswick features a median home value of $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brunswick one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 160 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (59 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (72 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brunswick shows an unemployment rate of 34.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 57.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brunswick have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.8% of Brunswick residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brunswick Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Brunswick, NC
Compared to national averages, Brunswick has a median household income of $28,542 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,900, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Brunswick's income is 56% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 63% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Brunswick, NC?
Brunswick offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,542) that falls below the national average. However, Brunswick’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brunswick has a population of 981 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Brunswick with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Brunswick
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maysville | 982 | $57,969 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Patterson Springs | 980 | $55,625 | $116,000 | Compare |
| Castle Hayne | 978 | $69,729 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Cooleemee | 984 | $49,135 | $134,200 | Compare |
| Barker Ten Mile | 976 | $77,841 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Manns Harbor | 972 | $27,087 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Rowland | 972 | $31,667 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Woodlawn | 996 | $74,712 | $278,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brunswick With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brunswick
What is the population of Brunswick, NC?
The population of Brunswick, NC is 981 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Brunswick?
The median household income in Brunswick, NC is $28,542 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brunswick?
The median home value in Brunswick, NC is $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Brunswick?
The median monthly rent in Brunswick, NC is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brunswick?
The unemployment rate in Brunswick, NC is 34.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brunswick, NC a good place to live?
Brunswick offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 981 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brunswick, NC?
4.8% of residents in Brunswick aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brunswick?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brunswick, NC: median home value is $83,900 (66% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $28,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brunswick?
The poverty rate in Brunswick, NC is 57.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brunswick, NC?
Brunswick's population is 1.9% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 66.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.