Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Bern, NC
Thinking of moving to New Bern, NC? With a welcoming population of just over 31,000, New Bern offers affordable living—median home prices are around $224,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,090. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, short 19-minute commutes, and access to quality healthcare at CarolinaEast Medical Center. While crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from reasonable costs, scenic riverfront, and convenient local schools and colleges. Explore New Bern’s charming lifestyle and Southern hospitality as you plan your next move!
Demographics - New Bern, NC
Demographics - New Bern, NC
New Bern is home to approximately 31,300 residents, featuring a median age of 42 and a community that is predominantly White and Black, with smaller Asian and other minority populations. The city has a balanced gender ratio and around 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a modestly diverse population.
Population:
31,300
Density:
1,110 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.2%
Black:
32.2%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
11.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Bern, NC?
New Bern offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.3 and median home values around $224,000. Residents benefit from affordable housing and everyday expenses, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$224,000
Gross Rent:
$1,090
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,425
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.3
Grocery:
94.8
Housing:
74.6
Utilities:
100.4
Transportation:
90.2
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
91.6
Crime
Is New Bern, NC a safe place to live?
While New Bern boasts a friendly atmosphere, its crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 213 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 34 chance for property crime. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
469
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,983
Crime Index:
3,452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 213
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in New Bern, NC year-round?
New Bern enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows averaging 34°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and experiences 62% sunny days, making it favorable for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $49,200 and a poverty rate of 17.7%. Most residents experience short commutes averaging 19 minutes, and a high school graduation rate of nearly 90% supports a well-educated local population.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$49,200
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$30,900
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,090
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.8%
Education
How are the schools in New Bern, NC?
New Bern offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools like New Bern High and Epiphany School of Global Studies, as well as nearby colleges such as Craven Community College. Families benefit from reasonable student-teacher ratios and accessible higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
New Bern High School
Street:
4200 Academic Dr
Phone:
252-514-6400
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Brinson Memorial Elementary
Street:
319 Neuse Forrest Ave
Phone:
252-514-6431
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4

Private Schools
Name:
Epiphany School of Global Studies
Street:
2301 Trent Rd
Phone:
252-638-0122
Students:
470

Colleges
Name:
Craven Community College
City:
New Bern
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,100
Name:
East Carolina University
City:
Greenville
State:
NC
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
28,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, highlighted by CarolinaEast Medical Center, and nearly 90% have health insurance coverage. With 2 physicians per 1,000 people, New Bern provides solid healthcare resources for its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CarolinaEast Medical Center
Address:
2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560
Phone:
(252) 633-8111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Bern, NC?
The housing market in New Bern is affordable, with median home prices at $224,000 and average 2-bedroom rents of $1,090. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a steady annual home appreciation rate of 5.3%.
Median Home Price:
$224,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,090
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at 2106 Neuse Blvd, offering convenient access for licensing and registration needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2106 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560
Phone:
(252) 514-4734
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.