RANK #636 / 1001 NAT · #36 / 51 NC · POP 102,612
1YR FORECAST: +1.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
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.
Craven County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +2.7% runs above the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 1001 counties.
At 36/100, Craven County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $65,873 combined with job growth of -1.2% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Craven County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $231,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,110/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Craven County is attracting residents (population +1.5% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -1.2%. Housing values changed +2.7% over the past 12 months. People may be moving here for affordability or lifestyle reasons rather than job opportunities.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.48% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Craven County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.