RANK #415 / 996 · POP 101,098 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.0%
Craven County, North Carolina, is perhaps best known for New Bern, its county seat, which holds the distinction of being North Carolina's second-oldest town and its original colonial capital. Situated in the Coastal Plain region, New Bern lies at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, approximately 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. This waterfront setting provides abundant outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, with easy access to the Croatan National Forest for hiking and camping. The community offers a blend of historic charm and natural scenery. Life in Craven County attracts a diverse population, including young families and retirees. Craven County Schools serves the area with 25 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and two early college programs. The economy is significantly influenced by Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, which contributes nearly $2 billion annually to the region and employs thousands of military and civilian personnel. Other economic drivers include advanced manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare.
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
N.C. 43 Connector Highway
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Community Solar Portfolio
Multiple (e.g., Strata Manager, LLC, Cypress Creek Renewables)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Battery Energy Storage Systems (Maysville)
North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives (FlexGen, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative)
|
$40M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Craven County has a Boom Town Index score of 58/100, ranking #415 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $61,676, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Craven County is $194,100 with median rent at $1,056/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3178, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed +2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.08% of Craven County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.