New Bern, NC
Population 31,563 · North Carolina
About New Bern, NC
New Bern is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 31,563 residents. The median household income is $56,893 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in New Bern is 40.4 years.
Housing in New Bern has a median home value of $211,500 and median monthly rent of $1,068. Of the 16,314 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 8,617 owner-occupied and 5,728 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in New Bern is 4.1% and the poverty rate is 16.3%. 29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.2 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in New Bern?
The median household income in New Bern, NC is $56,893 per year.
What is the median home value in New Bern?
The median home value in New Bern, NC is $211,500.
What is the average rent in New Bern?
The median monthly rent in New Bern, NC is $1,068.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bern?
The unemployment rate in New Bern, NC is 4.1%.