Carteret County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Carteret County - Carteret County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Carteret County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Carteret County located in the map, major cities in Carteret county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Carteret County, North Carolina

About Carteret County, North Carolina

Carteret County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Beaufort. As per 2020 census, the population of Carteret County is 68541 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,341 sq mi (3,473 km2). Carteret County was established on 1722.

Carteret County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatBeaufort
Largest City/TownMorehead City
Established1722
Total Area1,341 sq mi (3,472 sq km)
Land Area506 sq mi (1,311 sq km)
Water Area835 sq mi (2,161 sq km)
Population67,686 (Census 2020)
Population Density134 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-70, NC-24, NC-58, NC-101
Major RiversNewport River, White Oak River
Neighboring CountiesCraven County, Jones County, Onslow County
Famous ForCrystal Coast, barrier islands, beaches, maritime history
Top AttractionsCape Lookout National Seashore, Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort Historic District
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Carteret County, North Carolina

Carteret County is located in the eastern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1722. The county seat is Beaufort, while Morehead City is the largest town. The county lies along the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, barrier islands, and strong maritime heritage along the Crystal Coast.

Cities and Towns in Carteret County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Beaufort (county seat)4,46434.7182°N, 76.6638°W
Morehead City9,55634.7229°N, 76.7260°W
Atlantic Beach1,36434.6999°N, 76.7402°W
Emerald Isle3,84734.6779°N, 76.9508°W
Cape Carteret2,12634.6902°N, 77.0647°W
Cedar Point1,86634.6866°N, 77.0797°W
Indian Beach22334.6895°N, 76.8708°W
Pine Knoll Shores1,33434.6932°N, 76.8133°W
Newport4,36434.7871°N, 76.8583°W
Bogue (CDP)80034.7000°N, 77.0000°W
Harkers Island (CDP)1,20034.7000°N, 76.5500°W
Stella (CDP)1,00034.7400°N, 77.1000°W
Mill Creek (CDP)90034.7800°N, 76.9500°W

Golf Courses in Carteret County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Crystal Coast Country ClubPine Knoll Shores34.6940°N, 76.8138°W
Brandywine Bay Golf ClubMorehead City34.7600°N, 76.7300°W
Star Hill Golf ClubCape Carteret34.7100°N, 77.0600°W

Roads and Highways in Carteret County, North Carolina

Carteret County is connected by coastal highways that link beach communities and inland areas.

  • US-70 – main route connecting Morehead City to New Bern and inland North Carolina
  • NC-24 – runs west connecting the county to Jacksonville
  • NC-58 – coastal highway linking Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach
  • NC-101 – connects Beaufort to Havelock

Neighboring Counties of Carteret County

  • Craven County (north)
  • Jones County (northwest)
  • Onslow County (west)

Top Attractions in Carteret County, North Carolina

The county is a major destination for beaches, history, and coastal recreation.

  • Cape Lookout National Seashore – pristine barrier islands with lighthouse and wild horses
  • Fort Macon State Park – historic fort with beaches and scenic views
  • Atlantic Beach – popular beach destination with family-friendly attractions
  • Emerald Isle – scenic beach known for fishing, boating, and relaxation
  • Beaufort Historic District – charming waterfront town with historic homes
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum – exhibits on coastal history and shipwrecks
  • Shackleford Banks – barrier island known for wild horses and natural beauty

Distance from Carteret County to Nearby Cities

  • Beaufort to New Bern – 40 mi (64 km)
  • Beaufort to Jacksonville – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Beaufort to Wilmington – 95 mi (153 km)
  • Beaufort to Raleigh – 140 mi (225 km)
  • Beaufort to Greenville – 85 mi (137 km)

FAQs about Carteret County

Where is Carteret County located?

Carteret County is located in eastern North Carolina along the Atlantic Ocean on the Crystal Coast.

What is the population of Carteret County?

The population of Carteret County is 67,686 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Carteret County known for?

Carteret County is known for its beaches, barrier islands, maritime history, and coastal tourism.

What are the major highways in Carteret County?

Major highways include US-70, NC-24, NC-58, and NC-101.

Are there golf courses in Carteret County?

Yes, Carteret County has golf courses including Crystal Coast Country Club, Brandywine Bay Golf Club, and Star Hill Golf Club.