Exploring Bolivia, Nc: A Map-Centric Overview

Bolivia, North Carolina is a small town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. It has a population of around 150 people and is named after the country in South America. The town was settled in the 1890s and became incorporated in 1911. It is located at 34.06917°N, 78.14778°W and is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Nearby cities include Oak Island, Southport, and Holden Beach.

Bolivia, NC's location and coordinates

Bolivia, North Carolina is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. It is situated at the coordinates 34.0677° N, 78.1483° W, or 34.06917° N, 78.14778° W. The town is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area and serves as the county seat of Brunswick County.

Bolivia, NC, is a small town with a population of around 143-185 people as of recent estimates. It was settled by European Americans in the 1890s and was officially incorporated in 1911. The town is believed to have been named after the country of Bolivia in South America, as many boxes being shipped from the area bore the name "Bolivia".

Bolivia is strategically located along the Old U.S. Route 17 (Old Ocean Highway), which passes through its centre, while the current U.S. Route 17 bypasses it to the northwest. This highway connects Bolivia with nearby cities such as Wilmington, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The town covers a land area of approximately 0.62 to 0.66 square miles, with a population density lower than that of other cities in North Carolina.

Population and demographics

Bolivia, North Carolina, is a small town in Brunswick County, close to the cities of Oak Island, Southport, Holden Beach, Leland, and Kure Beach. The town is named after the country of Bolivia in South America.

The population of Bolivia, NC, has grown significantly in recent years. As of 2024, the population is projected to be 251, a 10.57% increase since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 153. In 2022, the population was 197, a 1.55% increase from 2021 when it was 194. The population was 148 in the 2000 census, and 143 in 2020.

The median age in Bolivia is 43.2 years, with a median household income of $50,972 as of 2022. The average household income is $53,035, with a poverty rate of 16.58%. The per capita income is $19,372. The average commute time is 20.8 minutes, and most people drive alone to work. The average number of cars per household is 2.

In terms of racial composition, as of 2022, 97.5% of the population is White (non-Hispanic), 2.54% is Black or African American (non-Hispanic), and 0.53% is Native American (non-Hispanic). 95.83% of residents speak only English, while 4.17% speak other languages, with the largest non-English-speaking group being speakers of other Indo-European languages (3.13%).

The town has a high rate of homeownership, with a rate of 79.4% in 2022, and a median property value of $268,200. 100% of residents are US citizens, and 49.75% were born in North Carolina.

History and naming

The town of Bolivia, North Carolina, was settled by European Americans in the 1890s and was incorporated in 1911. There was an effort for re-incorporation in the late 1930s to early 1940s, indicating that there may have been a problem with the initial process.

There are several theories about how the town received its name. The most prevalent theory is that during the 1880s, many boxes of tar and turpentine being shipped from the area were stamped with "Bolivia", referring to the country in South America. Since many of the locals worked in the naval stores industry, they noticed where their products were being shipped and liked the sound of the name, so they adopted it for their town. Another theory is that the town is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan military and political leader who led what are now the countries of Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama to independence from the Spanish Empire.

In 1977, the county seat of Brunswick County was moved from Southport to Bolivia, and a new Brunswick County Government Complex was erected as a result. This decision was made in a county-wide referendum, with voters choosing to move the county seat to a more central location within Brunswick County. The move to Bolivia brought new businesses and government operations to the town, stimulating its economy and helping it to grow.

Local attractions and amenities

The small town of Bolivia, North Carolina, is located in Brunswick County and has a population of around 150 people. Despite its size, there are several attractions and amenities in and around Bolivia that draw visitors to the area.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Brunswick Nature Park and the beautiful Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, which feature hundreds of plant species and are a great spot for photographers and those looking for a quiet walk. The area also boasts several golf clubs, including the scenic Carolina National Golf Club, which offers a challenging course and stunning views of bridges and marshland.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Shallotte River Swamp Park offers ziplining and boat tours, while the Fin Fisher Charter Services provide fishing charters and tours on the water. Bolivia is also home to the Helpers of our Farm Petting Farm, a great attraction for families with children.

The town has a variety of dining options, including seafood restaurants such as Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant and Cape Fear Boil Company, as well as American cuisine at 42nd Street Bar and Grill and Salt 64. For those looking to unwind with a drink, The Office Coffee & Wine Bar is a popular spot.

Bolivia is also known for its arts and entertainment venues, including the Odell Williamson Auditorium, which hosts a range of performances, and the Dinah E Gore Fitness & Aquatics Center, a modern facility offering a range of fitness and recreational activities.

Transport links

Bolivia, North Carolina is located at 34.06917°N 78.14778°W (34.069119, -78.147755) in Brunswick County. The town is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Old U.S. Route 17 (Old Ocean Highway) passes through the centre of Bolivia, while the current U.S. Route 17 (Ocean Highway) bypasses it to the northwest. US-17 leads 18 miles (29 km) northeast to Wilmington and 53 miles (85 km) southwest to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In the 1930s, Greyhound and Trailways buses stopped at Bolivia to pick up and drop off passengers travelling to and from Wilmington.

The Wilmington, Bolivia, and Southport Railroad took passengers and freight between the three towns. There was a train station in Bolivia behind the Ford dealership on Highway 17.

The nearest city with a population of over 50,000 is Wilmington, NC, which is 17.2 miles away. The nearest city with a population of over 200,000 is Raleigh, NC, which is 124.3 miles away.

Frequently asked questions