Pender
North Carolina

What stands out

Three things set Pender County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is among the fastest growing in America (+4.3% a year), natural-hazard risk is in the top 6% of American counties (94 of 100), and homeownership is in the top 9% of American counties (82%). Within North Carolina it ranks 2nd of 100 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Pender County, North Carolina. 61,592 people live here with you. The population grew 4.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,798).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $74,538 a year, higher than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,159. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 52% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,974 a year.

Home

The median home costs $436K, pricier than 89% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $824 a month. Property tax is 0.75% of home value, roughly $1,796 a year on that median home, lower than 60% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 75% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.0 years, longer than 52% of American counties. There are 45 active physicians in the county, about 7.3 per 10,000 people. 10.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 60% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 63°F, highs near 73 and lows near 53, warmer than 76% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 94 out of 100, riskier than 94% of American counties; the county has had 31 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 273 Mbps down, faster than 85% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.