North Carolina State Facts & Information

North Carolina's population reached 11.05 million in 2024, representing a 1.51% increase from 2023. Between 2020 and 2024, the state gained 596,372 residents (5.71% growth), significantly outpacing the national growth rate of 2.57%. North Carolina is projected to reach 11.7 million by 2030 and is on track to become the nation's 7th most populated state in the early 2030s.

Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, served as North Carolina's 75th governor from 2017 through 2024. During his tenure, the state added more than 640,000 jobs and billions in economic investments. North Carolina was named America's Top State for Business by CNBC in 2022 and 2023, finishing 2nd in 2024. The state has ranked in the top three for five consecutive years under his administration.

North Carolina's real GDP reached $661.9 billion in 2024, showing a strong 3.7% increase from 2023. The GDP per capita stands at $59,926, up 2.2% from the previous year, ranking 30th among all states. The professional and business services industry is the largest contributor at $101.4 billion, followed by manufacturing at $87.6 billion and real estate, rental, and leasing at $83.6 billion. The state's diversified economy continues to attract major corporate investments.

North Carolina has a highly diversified economy spanning multiple key sectors. Professional and business services lead with significant presence in Charlotte's banking sector and the Research Triangle's technology companies. Manufacturing remains vital, particularly in furniture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts. The Research Triangle Park area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is one of the nation's premier technology and research hubs, home to major tech companies and biotech firms. Agriculture maintains importance with tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry production. Tourism thrives along the coast and in the mountains. The film industry has grown substantially, with Wilmington serving as a production hub. Charlotte hosts major banking operations including Bank of America's headquarters, making finance a crucial sector.

North Carolina features several major metropolitan areas and distinct regions. Charlotte is the state's largest city and a major financial center. Raleigh serves as the state capital and anchors the Research Triangle along with Durham and Chapel Hill, creating a major technology and education hub. Greensboro and Winston-Salem form the Piedmont Triad region with strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Wilmington on the coast is known for beaches, historic downtown, and film production. Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains attracts tourists and artists. Other significant cities include Fayetteville (military presence from Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty), Cary (high-tech corridor), and Greenville. The state divides into three geographic regions: the coastal plain in the east, the Piedmont plateau in the center, and the Appalachian Mountains in the west.

North Carolina is home to an extensive and highly regarded higher education system. The University of North Carolina System includes 16 public universities, with flagship UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University in Raleigh (known for engineering and agriculture), and UNC Charlotte among the most prominent. Duke University in Durham is one of the nation's elite private research universities, particularly renowned for medicine and basketball. Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem is another top-tier private institution. Davidson College and Elon University are highly ranked liberal arts schools. North Carolina A&T State University is the largest historically black university in the nation. The state's 58 community colleges provide accessible pathways to education and workforce training. This strong educational infrastructure supports the state's technology, research, and business sectors.

North Carolina offers diverse attractions from mountains to coast. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (shared with Tennessee) is America's most visited national park, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides stunning mountain vistas. The Outer Banks feature historic lighthouses, beaches, and sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. Biltmore Estate in Asheville is America's largest home. Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores protect pristine coastal ecosystems. Historic attractions include Old Salem (Moravian settlement), Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, and numerous Civil War sites. The state's craft beer scene, BBQ culture (both eastern and western styles), and NASCAR heritage at Charlotte Motor Speedway draw enthusiasts. Outdoor recreation includes skiing at mountain resorts, kayaking, fishing, and golf at world-class courses including Pinehurst.

North Carolina's geography spans from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains, creating diverse climate zones within 500 miles. The coastal plain features barrier islands, sounds, and beaches with a humid subtropical climate and mild winters. The Piedmont plateau in the center has rolling hills and experiences four distinct seasons with moderate temperatures. The mountain region includes peaks over 6,000 feet, with Mount Mitchell being the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. This elevation creates cooler temperatures and even skiing opportunities in winter. The state experiences varied weather including coastal hurricanes, mountain snowstorms, and occasional tornadoes in the Piedmont. This geographic diversity supports varied agriculture from coastal seafood and sweet potatoes to mountain Christmas tree farms and apple orchards. The climate allows for year-round outdoor recreation and contributes to the state's appeal for both residents and tourists.