Brunswick County: A Sprawling Coastal Region

Brunswick County, North Carolina is located in the Coastal Plain region of southeastern North Carolina and is the fourth-largest county in the state by total area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county covers a total area of 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 square kilometres), of which 850.08 square miles (2,201.7 square kilometres) is land, and 199.46 square miles (516.6 square kilometres) is water. The county is home to 19 different municipalities and offers a diverse range of landscapes, from charming coastal towns to popular ocean communities.

Brunswick County's population

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. As of the 2020 census, the county's population stood at 136,693, a notable increase from 73,143 in 2000, representing a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% in a decade.

The population growth in Brunswick County is largely centred in the eastern section of the county, particularly in the suburbs of Wilmington, such as Leland, Belville, and Southport. However, the county seat, Bolivia, remains among the least populous county seats in North Carolina, with a population of around 150 people.

In 2021, Brunswick County's population experienced a slight decline, decreasing to 133,789, a drop of 2.56% from the previous year. Despite this minor setback, the county's population is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven primarily by the in-migration of retirees. As of 2023, Brunswick County has the highest median age in North Carolina, reflecting the appeal of the area for older adults.

The racial composition of Brunswick County is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), comprising 81.3% of the population in 2021. The second and third largest ethnic groups are Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 9%, and Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) at 3.46%, respectively. The county also has a significant population of White (Hispanic) residents, making up 2.05% of the total.

The median household income in Brunswick County has been on the rise, increasing from $59,763 in 2020 to $64,400 in 2021. This growth in income coincides with a decrease in poverty, with 10.2% of the population living below the poverty line in 2021, a figure lower than the national average of 12.6%.

Overall, Brunswick County's population trends reflect a vibrant and expanding community, attracting retirees, families, and young adults alike, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a coastal lifestyle in North Carolina.

Brunswick County's economy

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is one of the state's fastest-growing counties. As of the 2020 census, the population was 136,693, up from 73,143 in 2000. The county's population growth is largely driven by the in-migration of retirees, and as of 2023, the county has the highest median age in North Carolina.

The county's economy is relatively robust and growing, with jobs in the food service and retail sectors experiencing the most expansion in recent years. A significant amount of income in the county is generated through dividends from investments, pensions, and Social Security payments due to the large presence of retirees. Less than half of the county's residents are part of the workforce, and a significant proportion of those commute outside the county for work.

The median earnings per worker in Brunswick County are $47,216, which is the third-highest in the greater Brunswick County region. The median household income is $64,400, the second-highest in the region. The county's unemployment rate is 2.7%, the second smallest in the metro area.

Much of the county's economy is centred around tourism, with beach communities such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island being popular destinations. The town of Calabash is known for its fried seafood, and "Calabash-style" restaurants can be found throughout the region. Brunswick County is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows due to its proximity to Cinespace Wilmington.

Brunswick County's water sources

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 sq km), of which 19.00% is water. The county's principal groundwater supply sources are the surficial aquifer for domestic supplies and the Castle Hayne aquifer for municipal supplies.

Brunswick County Public Utilities provides water to more than 30,000 retail customers and 11 wholesale customers, including the towns of Oak Island, Shallotte, Ocean Isle, and Holden Beach. The Northwest Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is one of two facilities that the County operates, and it currently functions at 80% capacity on peak days. The Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer began servicing their first customers in 1987 and now serves a community of over 40,000 people.

The Brunswick River and the Cape Fear River provide access to the Atlantic Ocean. The County owns and operates the water systems in unincorporated towns within its boundaries and provides water directly to individual retail customers in those areas. Prior to 2010, the County's interbasin transfer (IBT) request was subject to the .22L statutes. However, Session Law 2010-155 made several changes to the laws governing IBTs, allowing systems transferring water to specific basins to apply for an IBT certificate under the old .22I statute through July 1, 2020.

The County has implemented several water-related initiatives, such as the F.O.G. Program, which educates the public on the proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, and the Septage Waste Disposal Program, which was introduced in 2007 to enable septage haulers to dispose of waste at the West Brunswick Water Reclamation Facility.

Brunswick County's protected areas

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is the fourth-largest county in the state, with a total area of 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 sq km). The county is home to several protected areas and sites, including:

Bald Head Island

A popular tourist destination, Bald Head Island is the southernmost point of North Carolina. It is known for its pristine beaches and resort-style atmosphere. Visitors can leave their cars behind and take a ferry to the island. Bald Head Island is also a protected natural area with a maritime forest preserve.

Brunswick Nature Park

The park offers beautiful nature trails and paddling opportunities on the Brunswick River.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

Brunswick Town was a colonial port, named for George I, the King of England and Duke of Brunswick. The town was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War, and Fort Anderson was later erected nearby by Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Columbus County Game Land (part)

This game land is a protected area for wildlife and is partially located in Brunswick County.

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

A nature preserve dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural environment.

Fort Caswell Historic District

Fort Caswell is a historic site with military significance, located on the Cape Fear River.

Green Swamp Game Land and Preserve (part)

The Green Swamp Game Land and Preserve is a protected area for wildlife and nature conservation, with a focus on preserving the Green Swamp ecosystem.

Orton Creek Preserve

A nature preserve dedicated to the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife.

Oak Island Lighthouse

A lighthouse located on Oak Island, which offers more than 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline.

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum

A historic lighthouse and museum located on Smith Island, offering insights into the area's history and maritime past.

Zekes Island Estuarine Reserve Dedicated Nature Preserve (part)

A nature preserve dedicated to the conservation of estuarine habitats and wildlife, including birds and marine life.

Cape Fear River and Brunswick River

These rivers provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and are important for transportation and economic activities.

Brunswick County's racial composition

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has experienced significant population growth over the past two decades, with its population more than doubling from 73,143 in 2000 to 136,693 in 2020. As of the 2020 census, the racial composition of Brunswick County is predominantly White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.30% of the population. The next largest racial group is Black or African American (non-Hispanic), comprising 14.38% of the population. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Native Americans (0.68%), Asians (0.27%), and Pacific Islanders (0.04%). 1.32% of the population identifies as belonging to other races, while 1.01% of the population consists of individuals from two or more races. In terms of ethnicity, 2.68% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, which can include individuals of any race.

The racial makeup of Brunswick County has likely evolved over time, with the Census Bureau adjusting its race and ethnicity categories across different years. For instance, data from 2000 onwards includes separate categories for 'Asian' and 'Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander', whereas earlier data combined these groups. Despite these changes in categorisation, the racial composition of Brunswick County appears to have remained relatively stable. According to a 2022 estimate, the racial/ethnic groups in Brunswick County are White (81.4%), followed by Black (8.6%), and Hispanic (5.1%).

The county's history is also worth noting, particularly regarding slavery and the Civil War. During the antebellum era, the county's population included a significant number of slaves, with over 44% of the population being slaves by 1860. During the Civil War, Confederate forces erected Fort Anderson near the ruins of Brunswick Town to defend against federal attacks.

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