Carteret County

As of the 2020 census, Carteret County, NC, has a population of approximately 67,686. The racial composition is predominantly White (87.1%), followed by Black or African American (4.2%), Native American (0.5%), Asian (1.1%), and those of two or more races (4.7%). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent about 4.7% of the population. The median household income is $55,972, with 12.5% of residents living below the poverty line. The county encompasses an area of 1,341 square miles, with education levels showing about 89.7% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Carteret County, NC has a median home value of approximately $272,000. The median monthly rent is around $1,200. Homeownership rate stands at about 72%. The median household income is roughly $55,000. The real estate market has seen a 7-8% annual appreciation rate in recent years. The county's population is circa 70,000, with Morehead City being one of the key urban centers. Housing types range from single-family homes to waterfront properties and vacation rentals.

Carteret County, NC, holds elections for various local, state, and national offices. The Board of Elections manages these processes. Voter turnout varied in recent elections: in 2020, it was around 78%, while the 2018 midterms saw approximately 55%. Key 2023 candidates include:

• County Commissioners: Bob Cavanaugh (R, incumbent, Newport), Jimmy Farrington (R, incumbent, District 2), and Mark Mansfield (R, District 3).
• School Board: Paula L. Willis (District 1), Travis Day (District 2).

Election dates include primary (May) and general elections (November). Key issues have included local development, environmental stewardship, and education funding.

As of recent data, around 89% of Carteret County, NC residents over the age of 25 have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, which is slightly above the national average of approximately 88%. However, only about 25% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of around 33% and the North Carolina state average of approximately 31%. The county's graduation rates for high school students tend to hover around the state average, which is about 87%. Carteret County’s education system faces challenges similar to other rural areas, such as limited access to higher education institutions and fewer resources compared to urban districts.

As of the latest data, Carteret County, NC, has an approximate labor force of 28,912. The top industries in Carteret County are healthcare and social assistance (employing around 18% of the workforce), retail trade (15%), and accommodation and food services (14%). The unemployment rate in Carteret County stands at about 4.1%, lower than the national average of 5.2% but slightly higher than North Carolina's state average of 3.8%.

In comparison, the national top industries consist of healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Statewide, the dominant sectors in North Carolina include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Carteret County’s strong accommodation and food services sector is notably larger in proportion compared to state and national figures due to its coastal tourism-driven economy.

As of the latest data, Carteret County, NC, has an average annual household income of approximately $59,000. This stands somewhat lower compared to the national average, which is around $68,700. Within the state of North Carolina, the average annual household income is roughly $62,000, indicating that Carteret County's average is also below the state level.

Here is a brief comparison of these figures:

These figures highlight that Carteret County's average household income is below both state and national averages.

As of the most recent data available, Carteret County, NC, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate in Carteret County is approximately 14.21 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a table that breaks down various types of crimes:

These statistics suggest that property crimes, particularly theft, are more prevalent in Carteret County, while violent crimes occur at a much lower rate. It is important to consult local law enforcement or crime reports for the most up-to-date information.