Carteret County, North Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,472 km² (1,341 mi²). 1,346 km² (520 mi²) of it is land and 2,126 km² (821 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 61.22% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 59,383 people, 25,204 households, and 17,365 families residing in the county. The population density is 44/km² (114/mi²). There are 40,947 housing units at an average density of 30/km² (79/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.28% White, 6.99% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.74% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 25,204 households out of which 26.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.00% are married couples living together, 9.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.10% are non-families. 26.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 2.76.

In the county the population is spread out with 20.70% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 28.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $38,344, and the median income for a family is $45,499. Males have a median income of $31,365 versus $22,126 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,260. 10.70% of the population and 8.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.40% are under the age of 18 and 9.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Atlantic Beach
• Beaufort
• Bogue
• Cape Carteret
• Cedar Point
• Emerald Isle
• Harkers Island
• Indian Beach
• Morehead City
• Newport
• Peletier
• Pine Knoll Shores