New Bern, NC
Population 31,563 · North Carolina
About New Bern, NC
New Bern is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 31,563 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,893 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Bern features a median home value of $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions New Bern in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,068, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,314 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (8,617 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (5,728 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Bern shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Bern have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.6% of New Bern residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How New Bern Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in New Bern, NC
Compared to national averages, New Bern has a median household income of $56,893 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,500, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,068 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, New Bern's income is 12% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 8% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in New Bern, NC?
New Bern offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,068/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,893) that falls below the national average. However, New Bern’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Bern has a population of 31,563 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare New Bern with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near New Bern
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Clayton | 28,043 | $73,348 | $292,400 | 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 New Bern With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Bern
What is the population of New Bern, NC?
The population of New Bern, NC is 31,563 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in New Bern?
The median household income in New Bern, NC is $56,893 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Bern?
The median home value in New Bern, NC is $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Bern?
The median monthly rent in New Bern, NC is $1,068, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bern?
The unemployment rate in New Bern, NC is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Bern, NC a good place to live?
New Bern offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,563 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Bern, NC?
29.6% of residents in New Bern 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 New Bern?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Bern, NC: median home value is $211,500 (14% below national), median rent is $1,068/month, and median household income is $56,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in New Bern?
The poverty rate in New Bern, NC is 16.3%, 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 New Bern, NC?
New Bern's population is 2.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 28.7% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.