Living in New Bern, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of New Bern · Census data 2020–2024
New Bern has 32,734 residents with a median age of 38.9. The median household income is $61,031 (16% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $240,100, the median rent is $1,081/month.
New Bern at a glance
- Population
- 32,734
- Median age
- 38.9State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $61,031State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $240,100State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,081/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 59.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 29.4%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is New Bern a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 17% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%.
Cons: Median household income 16% lower than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 17.3%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in New Bern
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In New Bern the median home value is $240,100, 28% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,081 per month, which is 28.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,504 a month in housing costs.
New Bern median household income
The median household income in New Bern is $61,031 and the income per person is $38,196. 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in New Bern: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 16,816
- Owner-occupied
- 59.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 40.3%
- Vacant
- 12.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1989
- Average household size
- 2.20
New Bern demographics
- Population
- 32,734
- Median age
- 38.9
- Under 18
- 22.4%
- 65 and older
- 24.5%
- Households
- 14,673
- Foreign-born
- 5.8%
- Veterans
- 14.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of New Bern ›
Education in New Bern
29.4% of adults 25 and older in New Bern have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 13.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in New Bern
- Unemployment rate
- 4.6%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 8.8%
- Drive alone
- 77.3%
- Public transit
- 0.1%
- Walk to work
- 1.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 85.9%
New Bern vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bern | 32,734 | $61,031 | $240,100 | $1,081 |
| Trent Woods | 4,032 | $107,802 | $343,100 | $1,385 |
| Brices Creek | 3,415 | $85,723 | $338,700 | — |
| Bridgeton | 427 | $38,929 | $165,500 | $1,010 |
| River Bend | 2,874 | $71,824 | $266,100 | $1,289 |
| James City | 4,789 | $58,973 | $204,400 | $1,019 |
| Fairfield Harbour | 2,948 | $72,583 | $300,600 | $1,758 |
| Pollocksville | 463 | $60,714 | $162,100 | $716 |
| Neuse Forest | 2,671 | $84,500 | $228,000 | — |
More for people moving to New Bern
New Bern ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in New Bern: FAQ
What is the median household income in New Bern, NC?
The median household income in New Bern is $61,031, 16% lower than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in New Bern?
The median home value in New Bern is $240,100, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in New Bern?
The median gross rent in New Bern is $1,081 per month, about 28.7% of household income.
Is New Bern, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 17% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%. Minuses: median household income 16% lower than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 17.3%.
What is the median age in New Bern?
The median age in New Bern is 38.9 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in New Bern?
The average commute to work in New Bern is 19 minutes; 8.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in New Bern?
The unemployment rate in New Bern is 4.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is New Bern?
29.4% of adults in New Bern have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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