Why is this quiet North Carolina coastal county suddenly the fastest growing in the state?

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Brunswick County has transformed from a sleepy coastal region into North Carolina's fastest-growing area. Between 2020 and 2024, its population surged by 24%, adding 33,000 new residents. This rapid expansion is reshaping the county's landscape, driven by a broader trend of development across the state's coastal and suburban communities.

Brunswick County, established in 1764, has experienced a dramatic demographic shift. While its population stood at 84,000 in 2004, it reached 169,000 by 2024. This growth is not merely a recent anomaly but part of a sustained upward trajectory. Between April 2020 and July 2024, the county saw a 24% population increase, significantly outpacing the 3% average growth seen across North Carolina's 100 counties during the same period. This expansion is particularly concentrated in the eastern suburbs near Wilmington, such as Leland and Southport.

The county's geography plays a central role in its identity and development. Covering over 1,000 square miles, nearly 20% of its total area is water, including access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Cape Fear and Brunswick Rivers. This maritime connection has historically defined the region, from the colonial-era port of Brunswick Town to the modern tourism-driven economy of beach communities like Oak Island and Bald Head Island. Today, the county balances this coastal heritage with modern infrastructure, including the Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station and a complex water supply system relying on the surficial and Castle Hayne aquifers.

The recent population boom has significant implications for local governance and resource allocation. The State Demographer uses these annual estimates to project future needs and distribute funding to local entities. While 72 of North Carolina's 100 counties gained population between 2020 and 2024, Brunswick County's 5% growth between 2023 and 2024 alone highlights its unique position as a primary destination for new residents. This growth contrasts sharply with counties like Hertford, which saw an 11% decline during the same period, partly due to the closure of a major correctional facility, illustrating the volatile nature of population shifts in the state.

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