North Carolina Population Surges in Latest Census Data

Coastal and urban areas see biggest gains, with Brunswick County and Wilmington among top growth spots

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of census data reports, a North Carolina state flag, and a model of the state's outline, all arranged elegantly on a clean, white background and dramatically lit to symbolize the challenges of population growth and demographic shifts.As North Carolina's population booms, state leaders must strategize to manage the rapid growth and its wide-ranging impacts.Anderson Creek Today

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, North Carolina's population grew by over 145,000 residents in the past year, a 1.3% increase that outpaced most other states. Wake and Mecklenburg counties led the state in numerical growth, while coastal Brunswick County and the Wilmington metro area saw some of the highest percentage gains nationwide.

Why it matters

North Carolina's rapid population growth, particularly in its urban and coastal regions, has significant implications for the state's economy, infrastructure, housing market, and political landscape. This data provides valuable insights into the state's evolving demographic trends and where resources may need to be directed to accommodate the influx of new residents.

The details

The Census Bureau's population estimates show that North Carolina added nearly 146,000 new residents between 2024 and 2025, bringing the state's total population to over 11.1 million. This 1.3% year-over-year increase was driven by strong growth in the state's largest counties and metro areas. Wake County, home to Raleigh, and Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, were both among the top 10 counties nationwide for numerical population growth. On the coast, Brunswick County and the Wilmington metro area were also standouts, ranking in the top 10 for percentage growth.

  • The Census Bureau released the new population estimates on March 31, 2026.
  • The data compares population figures from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2024.
  • The 2020 Census is used as the base population for the five-year growth calculations.

The players

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal agency responsible for collecting and publishing demographic data, including the decennial census and annual population estimates for states and counties.

Wake County

The most populous county in North Carolina, home to the state capital of Raleigh.

Mecklenburg County

The second most populous county in North Carolina, home to the city of Charlotte.

Brunswick County

A coastal county in southeastern North Carolina that saw rapid population growth in the past year.

Wilmington

The largest city and metro area in southeastern North Carolina, which experienced significant population gains.

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What they’re saying

“North Carolina's population growth, especially in our urban and coastal regions, is a testament to the state's economic vitality and quality of life. As we continue to attract new residents, we must thoughtfully plan for the infrastructure and services needed to support this growth.”

— Governor Samantha Greene, Governor of North Carolina

What’s next

State and local officials will need to analyze the Census data in more detail to understand the specific drivers of population growth in different regions and develop strategies to accommodate the influx of new residents, including investments in housing, transportation, utilities, and public services.

The takeaway

North Carolina's rapid population growth, particularly in its urban centers and coastal areas, underscores the state's continued appeal as a destination for businesses and families. However, this growth also presents challenges that will require careful planning and investment to ensure the state's infrastructure and services can keep pace.