Elections

Duplin County, NC, had approximately 34,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Democrats (44%), Republicans (33%), and Unaffiliated (22%). The county holds municipal, primary, and general elections, with recent results favoring Republicans by a 10% margin in 2022. Polling locations include over 20 sites, such as schools and churches in Warsaw, Kenansville, and Beulaville. Key issues include agriculture, education, and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Duplin County Board of Elections, ensuring compliance with state regulations and voter accessibility.

County Crime & Safety

Duplin County, NC, experiences a crime rate of 24.51 per 1,000 residents annually, which is slightly lower than the national average. Violent crime makes up about 3.3 per 1,000 people, while property crime accounts for 21.2. In recent years, overall crime has seen a modest decline, but burglary and larceny remain concerns. Law enforcement agencies regularly report data to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, ensuring accurate crime statistics. Residents generally consider the southern parts of the county to be safer compared to some northern areas.

Demographics

As of 2022, Duplin County, NC has an estimated population of around 47,130. The median age is approximately 40 years. The population is about 50.4% female and 49.6% male. Racially, the county is 56% White, 23% Black or African American, and about 2% Asian; 1% report two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up roughly 24% of the total population, reflecting a significant ethnic presence in the area.

Education, Employment and Housing

Duplin County, NC, has 16 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving about 8,500 students. Around 72% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School performance scores average 50–60 out of 100. The district offers vocational programs, early college, and dual enrollment options. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all high schools. Adult education is available through James Sprunt Community College, offering GED and job training programs to over 1,200 adult learners annually.

As of 2022, Duplin County, NC, had an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing (17.3%), health care, and retail trade. About 27% of workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations, while 21% work in service jobs. The median commute time is 26.1 minutes, with 85% of residents commuting by car, and nearly 30% working outside the county, primarily in neighboring Wayne and Sampson counties.

Duplin County, NC, has a homeownership rate of approximately 67%, with median home values around $123,000 and median rents near $745/month. The housing market remains affordable, with property values rising modestly by 3% annually since 2020. Common housing types include single-family homes and mobile homes, especially in neighborhoods like Wallace, Kenansville, and Warsaw. Property tax rates in Duplin County are about $0.72 per $100 assessed value, making taxes relatively low. Rental opportunities are available, though limited compared to owner-occupied homes, and the county’s rural setting shapes a predominantly spacious, suburban housing landscape.