Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 68,652 ↑ 1.4% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $70,235 6% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $304,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Median Age | 50.1 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 39.6% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 196 transactions |
| Active Listings | 186 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 102 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Jan 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $37,007 |
| Recent Sales | 51 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 97 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 12.00 acres |
| Active Listings | 53 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 1.25 | $50,000 | $40,000 | Beaufort |
| Mar 2026 | 3.67 | $29,000 | $7,902 | Beaufort |
| Feb 2026 | 4.33 | $150,000 | $34,642 | Newport |
| Feb 2026 | 3.05 | $73,000 | $23,934 | Newport |
| Feb 2026 | 101.55 | $335,000 | $3,299 | Newport |
| Feb 2026 | 1.59 | $350,000 | $220,681 | Peletier |
| Feb 2026 | 1.96 | $125,000 | $63,776 | Stella |
| Jan 2026 | 2.38 | $85,000 | $35,714 | Stella |
| Jan 2026 | 3.17 | $2,750,000 | $867,508 | Beaufort |
| Jan 2026 | 1.51 | $40,000 | $26,490 | Beaufort |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $144,000 |
| Recent Sales | 145 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 104 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 133 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.35 | $95,000 | Stella |
| Mar 2026 | 0.46 | $32,500 | Beaufort |
| Mar 2026 | 0.43 | $100,000 | Swansboro |
| Mar 2026 | 0.19 | $100,000 | Newport |
| Mar 2026 | 0.94 | $240,000 | Morehead City |
| Mar 2026 | 0.94 | $240,000 | Morehead City |
| Feb 2026 | 0.63 | $215,000 | Newport |
| Feb 2026 | 0.91 | $80,000 | Beaufort |
| Feb 2026 | 0.96 | $80,000 | Beaufort |
| Feb 2026 | 0.14 | $90,000 | Beaufort |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 68,652 |
| Population (2020) | 67,686 |
| Population Growth | 1.43% |
| Median Household Income | $70,235 |
| Median Home Value | $304,200 |
| Total Housing Units | 51,615 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 20,417 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 39.6% |
| Median Age | 50.1 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 10,634 (15.5%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.3% |
Market Overview
Carteret County, North Carolina has a population of 68,652, which has grown 1.43% since 2020. The median household income is $70,235, below the national median of $74,580 by 5.8%. With a median home value of $304,200 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 39.6% suggests soft market conditions. Carteret County is part of North Carolina's land market, attracting both local and out-of-state buyers. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $37,007 per acre, with properties averaging 12.00 acres. There are currently 186 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Carteret County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Carteret County has a population of 68,652. The county has grown 1.43% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Carteret County?
The median household income in Carteret County is $70,235, which is 5.8% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Carteret County growing or shrinking?
Carteret County is growing. The population has increased 1.43% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Carteret County?
The median home value in Carteret County is $304,200. The housing vacancy rate is 39.6%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $37,007 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $144,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Carteret County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Carteret County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.