GOTTA BE NC

Population and Demographics

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the United States, now home to nearly 11 million people. Its population is a mix of long-time residents, newcomers from across the country, and an increasing number of immigrants who bring new cultures and traditions. With a balance of busy cities and quiet rural communities, the state is becoming more diverse in age, background, and lifestyle every year. This changing population is shaping North Carolina’s economy, culture, and daily life in exciting ways.

Population Size & Growth

  • As of 2025 North Carolina has about 11,046,024 residents, making it the 9th most populous state in the U.S.
  • The state has grown quickly, adding nearly 1 million new residents in the last decade, driven by both domestic and international migration.
  • Growth is strongest in metropolitan areas like the Charlotte region, the Triangle (Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill), and the Triad (Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point).

Age Distribution

  • NC has a slightly older population than the national average. About 17% of residents are 65 or older, reflecting both natural aging and retirees moving in.
  • The working-age population (18–64) makes up about 62% of the state, while children (under 18) are roughly 21%.
  • The aging trend creates demand for healthcare and senior services but is partly balanced by younger, diverse families moving in.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

  • North Carolina has become increasingly diverse in recent decades.
  • Racial/ethnic breakdown (approximate, 2023):
    • White (non-Hispanic): ~61%
    • Black or African American: ~21%
    • Hispanic or Latino: ~11% (fastest-growing group)
    • Asian: ~3%
    • Two or more races / Other: ~4%
  • The Latino population has grown nearly fivefold since 1990, reshaping cultural and economic life in many counties.

Immigration & Foreign-Born Residents

  • Nearly 1 in 10 North Carolinians (9.2%) is foreign-born, totaling about 995,000 people.
  • Immigrant populations are concentrated in urban centers like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro, but also play key roles in agriculture and manufacturing in rural counties.
  • The largest groups of immigrants come from Mexico, India, El Salvador, Vietnam, and Honduras.

Urban vs. Rural Split

  • About 66% of residents live in urban or suburban areas, while 34% live in rural communities—a higher rural share than the national average.
  • This rural-urban balance shapes politics, economy, and culture in the state, with fast-growing cities alongside small towns and farming regions.

Migration Trends

  • North Carolina is a top destination for newcomers from other U.S. states, especially from the Northeast and Midwest, attracted by a lower cost of living, job opportunities, and mild climate.
  • The state also draws international arrivals through universities, tech hubs, and agricultural work.