New census figures show NC's older and Hispanic populations grew by large percentages
Older adults did outnumber children in nearly half of the U.S. counties in 2024, including most of the North Carolina High Country, but statewide, children still outnumber older North Carolinians. U.S. Census map
According to new census figures covering the period from 2020 to 2024, North Carolina’s population has topped 11 million.
Part of the state’s growth can be explained by a boom in the Hispanic population, which is up by about 18 percent. That’s more than four times the growth rate of non-Hispanics.
North Carolina’s senior population is also booming.
The 65 and older group grew by 14 percent in the Tar Heel state. That’s far above the national growth of older Americans, which ticked up by about 3 percent.
Demographers say the increase is partly driven by retirees seeking homes in the mountains and at the coast.
The under-18 cohort in the state grew as well, but by less than 2 percent.
Children still outnumber older North Carolinians, even if the growth rate is smaller.
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