In recognition of Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th, we are providing some statistics about North Carolina’s veteran population. The most current version was published on November 12th, 2025, with information from 2024.
This updated profile provides the following key information on North Carolina veterans for the year 2024:
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2023, Cumberland County had the largest veteran population in North Carolina, with approximately 59,290 veterans. It was followed by Wake County with 51,403 veterans, and Mecklenburg County with 47,832. Hyde County and Tyrrell County had the fewest veterans, with just 214 and 253, respectively.
In 2024, there were approximately 621,063 veterans living in North Carolina according to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, an increase of 5623 (0.91%) compared to the veteran population from 2023.
Veterans in North Carolina vary by age and sex, with men making up most of the veteran population. Among male veterans, those aged 75 and older represented a large group—about 149,519 individuals. For female veterans, the largest age group is between 35 and 54 years old, totaling around 33,862.
Active-duty military personnel and veterans have a significant presence in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to two major military bases, Fort Bragg (Army) and Camp Lejeune (Marine Corps), as well as two Marine Corps air stations at New River, Cherry Point, and one air force base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
In 2024, there was wide variation in the educational attainment levels among veterans in NC. About 37.8% – roughly 230,893 individuals – have attended some college or earned an associate’s degree. Another 33.4% (203,702 veterans) hold a bachelor’s degree. Veterans with a high school diploma or equivalent make up 25.3% of the population, totaling around 154,344. About 3.6%, or 21,743 veterans, have less than a high school education.
In 2024, the employment status of veterans varied across different age groups. Veterans between the ages of 35 and 64 made up the largest share of those employed, totaling about 125,880 individuals. This group is followed by veterans aged 55 to 64, and then those aged 18 to 34. Despite having the highest number of employed veterans, the 35 to 64 age group also includes the largest number of unemployed veterans.
In 2024, approximately 241,168 veterans in North Carolina had a a percentage assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs that reflects the severity of a veterans disability due to injuries or illnesses from military service. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, determining the level of benefits and compensation a veteran receives.
Of these, the largest group—about 137,913 individuals—were rated at 70% or higher. Other rating levels included:
Among those with reported ratings, the 70% or higher category was the most common.
In 2024, veterans had a higher overall median income than non-veterans, earning $55,011 compared to $40,159. This difference reflects a military wage premium as military service often leads to higher wages.
Beyond veteran status, income also varies by sex. Although males earn more regardless of veteran status, the wage disparity between men and women is larger among non-veterans. Among non-veterans, males earned a median income of $47,326, while females earned $34,006— a gap of $13,320. Among veterans, males earned $56,482 compared to $48,347 for female veterans — a difference of $8,135.
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