Morehead City Population

1860–2026

10,529

2026 projection

10.2% since 2020 (increase)

02K4K6K8K10K12K186018801900192019401960198020002020

Source: U.S. Census Bureau decennial counts and annual estimates, including 2010–2020 intercensal estimates. 2026 is a projection. Values between recorded years are interpolated.

Use the left and right arrow keys to inspect population observations.

Population by year

Population estimates for Morehead City. Annual change is shown as a percentage. Growth is the total change since the preceding observation.
202610,529+950.91%
202510,434+4654.66%
20249,969+670.68%
20239,902+360.36%
20229,866+1331.37%
20219,733+1771.85%
20209,556+310.33%
20199,525-120.13%
20189,537+2923.16%
20179,245+340.37%

Showing 10 of 32 years.

The 2020 row compares the April 1 Census count with the July 1, 2019 estimate (about nine months). Its Growth and Annual change therefore do not represent a full year.

Growth since 2020, compared

Morehead City is growing faster than Carteret County, North Carolina, and the U.S.

  • Morehead City+8.8%
  • North Carolina+7.2%
  • Carteret County+4.1%
  • United States+3.1%

Change from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2025 population estimates—not annualized growth or site projections.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. totals are summed from the 50 states and D.C.; unavailable comparisons are omitted.

Morehead City Demographics

44.2median age

Median age

Female44.7 yrs
Male42.6 yrs

Adults

8,079
2,223 seniors (65+) · 28% of adults5,856 other adults

Sex

Female 53.3% · 5,230Male 46.7% · 4,576

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table S0101

Race and ethnicity

Tap a square or a group below to highlight it.

Each square is about 1% of residents (roughly 98 people).

Hispanic or Latino residents can be of any race. All other groups exclude Hispanic residents.

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table B03002

Morehead City Income

$56,233median household income

Median household income

$56,233

Half of households earn more, half earn less

Median earnings

$43,438

Typical yearly pay for a worker 25 or older.

Poverty rate

18.1%

About 1 in 6 residents

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Tables S1901, S1501, S1701

Morehead City Marital Status

42% of residents age 15 and older are married.

MarriedNever married
Overall
Male
Female
Marital status of residents age 15 and older
StatusOverallMaleFemale
Married42%43%40%
Never married31%33%29%
Divorced16%17%15%
Widowed10%5%14%
Separated3%2%3%

U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS 5-year estimates · Table S1201