DWELL

New Bern represents a blend of historic charm, economic activity, and a diverse population. With a population of 25,168 within a 10-minute drive and a modest growth rate of 0.47% from 2020 to 2024, the area is steadily evolving while retaining its small-town appeal. Here’s a closer look at what makes this community tick:

Who Lives Here?

New Bern is a predominantly middle-aged community with a median age of 45.5, reflecting a population that includes young families, professionals, and retirees. Here's the generational breakdown:

Baby Boomers (26.61%) form the largest group, showcasing a strong retiree presence.
Millennials (21.13%) and Generation Z (19.38%) make up nearly 40% of the population, reflecting the area's appeal to younger individuals and families.
Generation Alpha (7.98%) points to a growing younger demographic, driven by families settling in the region.

The gender distribution leans slightly female (52.61% women, 47.39% men), with median ages of 48.8 for women and 42.2 for men. About 49.79% of residents aged 15+ are married, while 27.91% have never married.

Economic Snapshot

New Bern's economy is stable, supported by a mix of retail, housing, and disposable income:

Median Household Income: $62,823 (below the national average but reflective of affordable living costs).
Average Household Income: $95,850.
Aggregate Disposable Income: $806 million, fueling local businesses and retail opportunities.
The housing affordability index (120) indicates homes are relatively affordable, with a median home value of $210,806.

Unemployment sits at a low 4.1%, though higher rates among younger populations (11.5% for ages 16-24) suggest opportunities to attract entry-level or youth-focused jobs.

Living Conditions and Housing

Residents value homeownership, with 59.35% owning homes. Renters make up 40.65%, with relatively affordable rents (median rent index: 69). Many homes were built before the 2000s, giving the area a charming historic vibe.

Family life thrives, with 22.16% of owner-occupied households and 25.11% of renter-occupied households having children under 18 (based on 2010 data). Meanwhile, 20.11% of households are managed by individuals aged 65+, highlighting the strong retiree presence. The fair weather, walkable downtown, affordability, and extensive recreational options makes New Bern a highly rated retirement destination.

Education and Religion

New Bern is moderately educated, with:

31.63% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
33.92% having attended some college.

Religious involvement is significant, with 44.66% attending services regularly and an additional 21.64% strongly affirming their faith. This strong faith-based community fosters a sense of belonging and shared values.

Politics and Diversity

New Bern’s political outlook reflects a moderate population:

40.03% identify as "middle of the road."
Conservatives dominate slightly (37.07% leaning conservative vs. 22.91% leaning liberal).

The diversity index (64) suggests a reasonably diverse population, making the town an inclusive environment for various backgrounds.

Safety and Crime

Crime rates in New Bern are slightly above average:

Total crime index: 124.
Personal crime index: 118.
Property crime index: 125.

These figures indicate room for improvement in public safety measures.

A Balanced and Vibrant Community

New Bern is a unique blend of tradition and growth. Its affordability, moderate population density (1,204.1 people per square mile), and engaged community make it an attractive place to live for families, retirees, and young professionals. While leveraging retail and service opportunities could enhance its appeal, New Bern offers a quality of life that many find irresistible.

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