Brunswick County: Population And Growth

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to an estimated 167,020 people as of 2024, according to the most recent United States census data. This figure represents a growth rate of 4.41% in the past year, and the county has experienced a significant increase in population since 2000, when the population was 73,143. With a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% in ten years, Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. The county seat, Bolivia, has a population of around 150 people and is among the least populous county seats in the state. The largest community in the county is Leland.

Population growth

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with a notable increase of 47% between 2000 and 2020. As of the 2020 census, the population stood at 136,693, up from 73,143 in 2000. This rapid growth has continued, with an estimated population of 167,020 in 2024, representing a 4.41% growth rate in the past year.

The county's growth has been centred primarily in the eastern section, particularly in the suburbs of Wilmington, such as Leland, Belville, and Southport. The southern portion of the county also experienced population growth in the past, specifically during the antebellum era, when the slave labour force increased to serve the plantations. However, Brunswick County did not see much development in the latter half of the 19th century.

The recent population boom has been driven by several factors, including the in-migration of retirees, attracting people with its beach communities and filming locations. The county's economy has benefited from this growth, with a robust and expanding job market, particularly in the food service and retail sectors. The large presence of retirees also contributes significantly to the local economy through dividend collections and various benefits.

The median age in Brunswick County is 55.7 years, higher than the state and national figures, indicating a relatively older population. The county's racial composition is predominantly White (81.4%), followed by Black (8.6%), and Hispanic (5.1%). The median household income in 2022 was $71,193, with a poverty rate of 5.9% for families.

Population density

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 square kilometres), 850.08 square miles (2,201.7 square kilometres) of which is land, and 199.46 square miles (516.6 square kilometres) of which is water.

As of the 2020 census, the population of Brunswick County was 136,693, giving the county a population density of 86 people per square mile (33 people per square kilometre). This figure represents a significant increase from the 2000 census, which recorded a population of 73,143, and a population density of 60 units per square mile (23 units per square kilometre).

The growth in population has been driven by the in-migration of retirees, and the county has the highest median age in North Carolina. The county seat, Bolivia, has a population of around 150 people, making it one of the least populous county seats in the state.

The racial makeup of the county in 2020 was 82.30% White, 14.38% Black or African American, 0.68% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.32% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. 2.68% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Racial composition

Brunswick County, located in the US state of North Carolina, has experienced significant growth in recent years. As of the 2020 census, the county's population stood at 136,693, a notable increase from 73,143 in 2000, marking a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% in a decade. This rapid expansion has been driven by the influx of retirees, resulting in a notable shift in the county's racial composition.

The racial makeup of Brunswick County, as revealed by the 2020 census, showcases a predominantly White population, constituting 82.30% of the total. This is followed by Black or African Americans, who comprise 14.38% of the county's residents. Native Americans make up a smaller proportion, accounting for 0.68% of the population, while those of Asian descent represent an even smaller fraction at 0.27%. Additionally, Pacific Islanders constitute 0.04% of the population, with individuals from other races accounting for 1.32%. Importantly, 2.68% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 1.01% of the residents report belonging to two or more races.

In terms of households, the 2020 census data shows that there were 59,416 households in Brunswick County, with a median household income of $35,888. The average household size was 2.38 people, and 25.70% of these households included children under the age of 18. The census also revealed that 58.10% of the households were composed of married couples living together, while 10.20% had a female householder without a husband present.

The racial composition of Brunswick County has evolved over time, influenced by historical events and demographic changes. Notably, during the antebellum era, the county witnessed an increase in its slave population, with the labour force consisting predominantly of slaves by 1860, accounting for over 44% of the total county population. However, in the latter half of the 19th century, Brunswick County did not experience significant growth, and the racial demographics remained largely unchanged until the early 20th century.

In summary, Brunswick County, North Carolina, presents a diverse racial composition, with a significant White majority, a substantial Black or African American population, and smaller proportions of Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and individuals of other racial backgrounds. The county's racial makeup has been influenced by historical events, and its recent growth has been driven by the influx of retirees, contributing to the evolving demographic landscape of the region.

Income and poverty

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a median household income of $72,820, which is about 10% higher than the amount in North Carolina and a little less than the amount in the United States. The per capita income is $45,545, which is about 20% higher than the amount in North Carolina and about 10% higher than the amount in the United States.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,888, and the median income for a family is $42,037. Males have a median income of $30,138, while females have a median income of $22,066. The per capita income for the county is $19,857.

About 9.5% of families and 12.6% of the population are below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under 18 years old and 8.1% of those aged 65 or over. The percentage of people living in poverty in Brunswick County is about half the rate in North Carolina and the United States.

The economy of Brunswick County is largely based on tourism, with beach communities and popular filming locations attracting many visitors. The food service and retail sectors have also experienced significant growth in recent years. Additionally, a large number of retirees call the county home, contributing to the economy through dividend collections and various benefits.

Education

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to a dynamic school system, serving over 13,000 students across twenty schools. The county's vision is to foster a community of well-educated, employable, and socially responsible citizens, with a mission to produce college and career-ready high school graduates. The county's schools offer a range of educational programs, from elementary to high school, including advanced placement and career and technical education.

The county is also home to Brunswick Community College, which provides accessible, high-quality, student-centred programs and services that meet the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of its diverse community. The college is committed to exceeding the expectations of its stakeholders by delivering quality education and exceptional workforce training. It offers associate degrees and continues to expand its program offerings through agreements with other educational institutions, such as Richmond Community College.

According to the 2022 Census data, 94.8% of Brunswick County residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly higher than the rates in North Carolina and the United States. Additionally, 35.1% of the county's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, which is almost the same as the rates in North Carolina and the United States.

The county has experienced significant population growth, with a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% between 2000 and 2020. This growth has impacted the education system, with the county's schools working to accommodate the increasing number of students. The growth has also contributed to the county's robust and growing economy, with jobs in the food service and retail sectors experiencing the greatest expansion in recent years.

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