Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.0 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.21 |
| Below Poverty | 12.0% ▲ 20% above avg |
| College Grads | 57.6% ▲ 49% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,772 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 25,481 (16.7%) |
| Some College | 15,934 (10.5%) |
| Associates | 21,344 (14%) |
| Bachelors | 17,903 (11.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 69,910 (45.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $75,956 ≈ Avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $353,873 ▲ 27% above avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,389/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 118,089 |
| Vacant Units | 14,988 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
New Hanover County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 15 ZIP codes spanning 5 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 232,900 residents. With a median age of 40, it is a middle-aged county.
New Hanover County has a middle-income economic profile. The median household income of $75,956 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 12.0% is above the national average.
Housing in New Hanover County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $353,873 — above the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $1,389. Homeownership rates are high at 62.0%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of New Hanover County are primarily White (75.25%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 57.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average.
New Hanover County, NC is a middle-income area in North Carolina. The 15 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28428 | Carolina Beach | 7,034 | $87,670 | $490,100 | $1,515 | 8.6% | 57.4% |
| 28429 | Castle Hayne | 9,083 | $73,259 | $231,900 | $870 | 3.0% | 43.6% |
| 28449 | Kure Beach | 2,017 | $106,518 | $643,400 | $1,356 | 1.3% | 63.2% |
| 28401 | Wilmington | 21,820 | $52,159 | $263,000 | $1,183 | 5.7% | 48.4% |
| 28403 | Wilmington | 40,292 | $50,988 | $337,600 | $1,293 | 5.2% | 59.9% |
| 28405 | Wilmington | 35,159 | $67,809 | $337,000 | $1,405 | 6.6% | 53.6% |
| 28409 | Wilmington | 35,013 | $108,241 | $382,900 | $1,445 | 2.7% | 64.4% |
| 28411 | Wilmington | 37,303 | $94,200 | $363,600 | $1,685 | 5.3% | 63.1% |
| 28412 | Wilmington | 42,452 | $67,396 | $342,600 | $1,326 | 3.3% | 54.5% |
| 28480 | Wrightsville Beach | 2,727 | $165,682 | $1,049,500 | $1,892 | 1.3% | 78.1% |