Craven Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Craven County, NC has a population of approximately 100,720. About 75% are White, 18% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% identify with other races or multiracial backgrounds. The gender split is nearly even, with 51% female and 49% male. Around 21% of residents are under 18 years old, while 20% are 65 or older, reflecting a balanced mix of youth and seniors.

Craven County, NC, has approximately 69,000 registered voters as of 2024, with about 36% unaffiliated, 34% Democrat, and 29% Republican. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices at over 22 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was 70%, and Republicans typically win local races. Major issues include hurricane recovery, job growth, and education. Elections are managed by the Craven County Board of Elections, ensuring compliance with state law. Party representation is balanced but slightly favors conservatives, impacting policy and candidate selection within the county.

Craven County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $215,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,050. Housing types range from historic homes in downtown New Bern to suburban developments and waterfront properties. Neighborhoods like Trent Woods and River Bend are popular for families. Property values have shown a 7% annual increase in recent years. Property tax rates average $0.56 per $100 valuation. The rental market remains steady, catering to both military families from nearby bases and retirees seeking coastal living.

As of 2022, Craven County, NC, had an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance (21.2%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (12%). The top occupations are Office & Administrative Support (12.7%), Sales (10.7%), and Production (10.5%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21.8 minutes; 73% work within the county. Construction of the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is a major employment driver.

Craven County, NC has approximately 25 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving around 13,000 students. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 22% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are slightly below the North Carolina average, but specialty programs in STEM and career/technical education are offered. School safety measures include SROs and controlled access in most facilities. Adult education is available via Craven Community College, supporting workforce development and continuing education needs.

Craven County, NC, reported a crime rate of 25.5 per 1,000 residents in 2023, with property crimes (burglary, larceny, theft) comprising 80% of incidents. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 3.5 per 1,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments utilize online reporting tools and neighborhood patrols, enhancing community safety. Despite a slight decrease in overall crime rates (down 4% from 2022), residential burglary remains an area of concern, prompting ongoing prevention initiatives and public-awareness campaigns.