Exploring Bolivia, North Carolina: A Southern Gem's Location

Bolivia, North Carolina is a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The town has a population of 143 people as of the 2020 census and is named after the country of Bolivia in South America. Bolivia was settled by European Americans in the 1890s and was incorporated in 1911. The town has a total area of 0.62 square miles (1.6 km2) and is located northeast of Wilmington and southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The physical address of the town hall is 105 Danford Road SE, Bolivia, NC 28422.

Bolivia, North Carolina's population and demographics

Bolivia, North Carolina is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The town was settled by European Americans in the 1890s and was incorporated in 1911. It is believed that the town was named after the country in South America due to the name appearing on many boxes being shipped from the area.

Population and Demographics:

According to the 2020 census, the population of Bolivia, North Carolina was 143 or 149, depending on the source. However, by 2022, the population had increased to 227, and the 2024 projected population is 277, assuming a 22% increase. This makes Bolivia the 690th most populated city in North Carolina.

The town covers a total area of 0.62 square miles (1.6 sq km), with a population density of 224.7 inhabitants per square mile (86.8/sq km) as of the 2000 census. As of 2022, the population density is 394.50 per square mile.

The racial composition of Bolivia as of the 2020 census was predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 96.62%, with 1.35% African American, 1.35% Native American, and 0.68% of residents identifying with two or more races. By 2022, the racial composition had shifted slightly, with 97.5% White and 2.5% Black or African American residents.

The median household income in Bolivia has also seen an increase over time. In 2020, the median household income was $33,125, rising to $50,972 in 2022, and $53,035 in 2024. However, it is important to note that 10.9% of Bolivia families were living below the poverty line in 2022, and this rate increased to 16.58% in 2024.

The median age in Bolivia is 43.2 years, with a slight gender disparity: 36.5 years for males and 43.8 years for females. The town has a relatively high rate of homeownership, with 95.83% of residents speaking only English.

The town's 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 out of the area were stamped with the word "Bolivia", referring to the country in South America. Since many 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 the South American nation, but without specifying the reason for this connection.

Bolivia is a small town, with a population of 143 as of the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Brunswick County and is located about 50 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and less than 20 miles southeast of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Local attractions and amenities

Bolivia, North Carolina is a small town in Brunswick County, with a population of 143 as of the 2020 census. The town is named after the country of Bolivia in South America.

Brunswick County is home to a variety of attractions, including the beautiful Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, which feature hundreds of plants with different types blooming each week. The county is also home to several golf clubs, including the Carolina National Golf Club, which offers a scenic course with bridges and marsh-facing holes, and The Reserve Golf Club at St. James Plantation. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Shallotte River Swamp Park offers ziplining and boat tours.

Bolivia also boasts the Helpers of Our Farm Petting Farm, a great attraction for families, with a country store next door. The Dinah E Gore Fitness & Aquatics Center is another popular amenity, featuring an indoor pool, equipment room, large gym, conference rooms, and an indoor track.

For history buffs, Moores Creek National Battlefield is a must-see, and the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden offers a unique botanical experience. The town also has several highly-rated restaurants, including D's Italian Restaurant, and seafood spots like Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant and Old Ferry Seafood.

With its small-town charm and array of attractions, Bolivia, North Carolina offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Real estate and housing market

Bolivia, North Carolina, is a small town in Brunswick County with a population of 143 as of the 2020 census. The town covers a total area of 0.62 square miles.

The real estate market in Bolivia, North Carolina, offers a mix of single-family homes, condos, townhouses, multi-family homes, and land for sale. As of August 2024, there were 272 homes for sale in the area, with a median list price of $364,900 and an average listing age of 74 days. The market seems to be slowing down, with a decrease in median home prices compared to the previous year.

In May 2024, the median home price in Bolivia was $324,000, a 5% decrease from the previous year. Homes spent a median of 55 days on the market, a significant decrease from the previous year. The median value of a home in Bolivia was $203 per square foot.

Bolivia has a mix of established neighbourhoods and new construction. The town has a high proportion of single-family homes, and it is relatively affordable to live there, with costs 1% lower than the national average.

The town has a diverse range of housing options, with homes listed by various real estate agencies, including Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, RE/MAX at the Beach / Oak Island, Keller Williams Innovate-Wilmington, and D.R. Horton, Inc., among others.

Demographics and Income

Bolivia has a population of around 42 residents, with a high proportion of homeowners (78%) and a median household income of $50,972. The per capita income in 2022 was $19,372, which is considered low relative to North Carolina and the nation. However, Bolivia has a mix of wealthy and poor residents.

The town has a well-educated population, with 45.14% of adults holding a bachelor's or advanced degree, which is significantly higher than the national average. The town is also popular among families, with 36% of residents being single with no children.

Schools and Commute

Bolivia has four schools, with the public school, Bolivia Elementary School, rated 8 out of 10 by GreatSchools.org. The town does not have a public transportation system, so residents rely on other means of transportation, such as cars.

Weather and climate

Bolivia, North Carolina, is located in Brunswick County and has a total area of 0.62 square miles (1.6 km2). The town experiences a mix of sun and clouds throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the mid-80s °F. The wind is generally light and variable, blowing at speeds of 5 to 10 mph.

Being in the path of recent hurricanes and tropical storms, such as Milton and Helene, Bolivia has also experienced the impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding. This has led to the need for countywide aerial mosquito spraying to protect the health and safety of residents.

The town can also experience scattered thunderstorms, as seen in the forecasts for several days in September 2024. The air quality in Bolivia is generally considered satisfactory, with little to no risk from air pollution. However, there may be moderate health concerns for a small number of people sensitive to certain pollutants.

In terms of seasonal allergies, grass pollen and ragweed pollen levels can be moderate in the area. The flu risk is typically very low in Bolivia, North Carolina.

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