Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 231,214 ↑ 2.4% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $72,892 2% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $353,700 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
| Median Age | 40.1 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 12.7% |
| Total Recent Sales | 189 transactions |
| Active Listings | 174 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 88 days |
Rural Land Market (1+ Acres)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $119,048 |
| Recent Sales | 31 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 78 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 5.20 acres |
| Active Listings | 51 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 7.11 | $1,479,000 | $208,017 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 21.98 | $822,500 | $37,420 | Castle Hayne |
| Mar 2026 | 1.49 | $8,200,000 | $5,503,390 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 1.64 | $220,000 | $134,230 | Castle Hayne |
| Feb 2026 | 2.11 | $360,000 | $170,924 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 1.15 | $978,500 | $850,870 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 2.10 | $360,000 | $171,429 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 2.48 | $3,800,000 | $1,532,258 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 19.19 | $1,400,000 | $72,955 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 3.22 | $345,000 | $107,143 | Wilmington |
Suburban/Urban Land Market (Under 1 Acre)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $1,479,194 |
| Recent Sales | 158 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 90 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.30 acres |
| Active Listings | 123 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.48 | $258,000 | $537,500 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 0.08 | $26,000 | $325,000 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 0.31 | $675,000 | $2,177,419 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 0.23 | $870,000 | $3,782,609 | Kure Beach |
| Mar 2026 | 0.45 | $45,000 | $99,120 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 0.54 | $633,000 | $1,163,634 | Wilmington |
| Mar 2026 | 0.18 | $340,000 | $1,888,889 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 0.46 | $453,000 | $984,812 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 0.05 | $90,000 | $1,800,000 | Wilmington |
| Feb 2026 | 0.14 | $450,000 | $3,214,497 | Wilmington |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 231,214 |
| Population (2020) | 225,702 |
| Population Growth | 2.44% |
| Median Household Income | $72,892 |
| Median Home Value | $353,700 |
| Total Housing Units | 117,236 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 14,860 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 12.7% |
| Median Age | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 46,824 (20.3%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.1% |
Market Overview
New Hanover County, North Carolina has a population of 231,214, which has grown 2.44% since 2020. The median household income is $72,892, below the national median of $74,580 by 2.3%. With a median home value of $353,700 and an unemployment rate of 3.1%, the local economy is moderate. The housing vacancy rate of 12.7% suggests soft market conditions. New Hanover County remains a key area for land acquisition in North Carolina. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $119,048 per acre, with properties averaging 5.20 acres. There are currently 174 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
- Sell Land in New Hanover County, NC
- How to Sell Land in North Carolina
- FSBO Guide
- Land Valuation Guide
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of New Hanover County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, New Hanover County has a population of 231,214. The county has grown 2.44% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in New Hanover County?
The median household income in New Hanover County is $72,892, which is 2.3% below the national median of $74,580.
Is New Hanover County growing or shrinking?
New Hanover County is growing. The population has increased 2.44% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in New Hanover County?
The median home value in New Hanover County is $353,700. The housing vacancy rate is 12.7%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, indicating a moderate local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $119,048 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median price of $1,479,194 per acre.
Does Reelvest buy land in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including New Hanover County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.