The Enigmatic Brunswick County: A North Carolina Gem

Brunswick County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the southernmost county in the state, with a population of 136,693 as of the 2020 census. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people. Brunswick County is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area and its economy is largely built around tourism, with beach communities lying along the south-facing beaches past Cape Fear, such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island.

Brunswick County's history and demographics

Brunswick County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the southernmost county in the state and the 18th or 19th largest, with a total area of 1,049.54 square miles. The county was formed in 1764 from parts of Bladen County and New Hanover County and was named for the colonial port of Brunswick Town, itself named for George I, the King of England and Duke of Brunswick.

As of the 2020 census, the population of Brunswick County was 136,693, a significant increase from the 2000 population of 73,143. The population continued to grow, reaching 138,168 in 2020, 134,000 in 2021, and an estimated 167,020 in 2024. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people.

Brunswick County is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the eastern section of the county in the suburbs of Wilmington, such as Leland, Belville, and Southport. The county's economy is largely based on tourism, with beach communities like Bald Head Island and Oak Island attracting visitors. The county also has a growing film industry due to its proximity to Cinespace Wilmington.

In terms of demographics, Brunswick County is predominantly White (81-82%), with a Black population of around 8-9% and a Hispanic population of about 2-5%. The median household income in the county has varied in recent years, with estimates ranging from $59,763 in 2020 to $71,193 in 2022. The median age in the county is around 55, and the poverty rate is between 6.9% and 10.2%.

Brunswick County's economy and tourism

Brunswick County, located in the US state of North Carolina, has a thriving economy centred around tourism. The county boasts a diverse range of attractions, from its pristine beaches and coastal towns to its rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking sun, sand and seafood.

The county's six beaches, spread across five islands, offer a unique experience for visitors. From the dog-friendly, laid-back atmosphere of Sunset Beach to the vibrant Oak Island, each beach has its own charm. The islands also provide a wealth of activities, such as climbing the state's oldest and newest lighthouses, paddling in the many creeks and rivers, and fishing on ocean piers or charter boats. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the historic maritime towns, with their oak-lined streets and waterfronts, offer a glimpse into the past.

Brunswick County is also known for its culinary delights, particularly its fresh seafood and Calabash-style fried seafood, which has put the town of Calabash on the map. The county's proximity to Cinespace Wilmington has also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, adding to its cultural significance.

The county's population has been steadily increasing, with a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% between 2000 and 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. This growth has been driven in part by the in-migration of retirees, resulting in a substantial amount of income generated through dividends, pensions and Social Security payments. The growing population has contributed to a robust and expanding local economy, particularly in the food service and retail sectors.

Brunswick County's diverse offerings, from its natural beauty and outdoor adventures to its culinary and cultural experiences, make it a sought-after tourist destination in North Carolina. With its growing economy and ever-increasing popularity, the county continues to be a vibrant and exciting place to visit and explore.

Brunswick County's attractions and activities

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a bustling tourist destination, offering scenic shorelines, impressive seaside attractions, and plenty of entertainment options. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to enjoy during your visit:

Beaches and Water Activities

The Brunswick Islands boast six beautiful beaches: Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island. These beaches provide opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, surfing, and other water sports. Nature enthusiasts can explore the ecosystems of cypress swamps and salt marshes or observe sea turtle hatchlings making their journey to the ocean. Bird Island on Sunset Beach is a great spot for wildlife watching, while Bald Head Island offers miles of secluded beaches and the Old Baldy Lighthouse, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse.

Golfing

Brunswick County is a golfer's paradise, with over 30 acclaimed golf courses across the Brunswick Beaches area. Oyster Bay Golf Links in Sunset Beach, for example, challenges golfers with rolling greens and vast bunkers. The area also offers golf resorts and golf packages for those who want to make the most of their time on the greens.

Historical Sites and Museums

History buffs can explore the Fort Fisher Historic Site, the Museum of North Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach, and the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge & Museum. The Old Brunswick County Jail Museum in Southport, built in 1904, provides a glimpse into the past with living quarters and prison cells on display. The Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson in Winnabow are historical landmarks that showcase the remains of a major port torn down in 1776 by British troops.

Festivals and Food

The Brunswick Islands host several festivals throughout the year, including the NC 4th of July Festival, the NC Festival by the Sea, and the NC Oyster Festival. The area is also known for its delicious seafood, especially the original Calabash seafood prepared by local fishermen's families. Visitors can also sample southern staples such as eastern BBQ and salty beach burgers.

Shopping and Relaxation

From antique shops to outlet malls, the Brunswick Islands offer a diverse shopping experience. Southport is a great place to start, with its mix of modern boutiques, surf shops, and maritime antique stores. For fashion finds, Shallotte offers name brands at discounted prices. Additionally, visitors can unwind at one of the many day spas in the area, offering a range of relaxing services.

Brunswick County's schools and education

Brunswick County Schools is a PK–12 graded school district serving Brunswick County, North Carolina. It has 20 schools and 12,640 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 or 16:1. The district's minority enrollment is 40%, and 65.9% of students are economically disadvantaged.

The student body at Brunswick County Schools is 62.1% White, 14% Black, 0.6% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 16.1% Hispanic/Latino, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Additionally, 6.5% of students are two or more races, and 0% have not specified their race or ethnicity.

The district spends $10,535 per student each year, with an annual revenue of $170,863,000. It spends $79.5 million on instruction, $48 million on support services, and $449.2 million on other expenses.

Brunswick County Schools has four high schools, five middle schools, nine elementary schools, one Career/Technical centre, and one combined middle/elementary school. The high schools are:

• Brunswick County Early College High School
• North Brunswick High School
• South Brunswick High School
• West Brunswick High School

Brunswick County's real estate and property

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is the southernmost county in the state. It has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles, with a population of 136,693 as of the 2020 census. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people.

The Brunswick County real estate market offers a range of property types, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, mobile homes, and land for sale. As of August 2023, the median listing home price was $389,000, with a median of 48 days on the market. However, by May 2024, the median listing home price had dropped to $317,390, with homes spending an average of 63 days on the market.

Some popular neighbourhoods in Brunswick County include Waterford of the Carolinas, Brunswick Plantation, Northside, Crow Creek, and Landfall. The county also includes the cities of Leland, Supply, Shallotte, Bolivia, and Oak Island, among others.

When buying a home in Brunswick County, it is recommended to get pre-approval from a lender to strengthen your offer. Additionally, conducting research on the neighbourhood for any red flags is advised.

Some current properties for sale in Brunswick County include:

• A 1,104 sq. ft. condo for sale on 1712 Deerfield Drive SW in Ocean Isle Beach.
• A 1,839 sq. ft. house for sale on 1195 Grandiflora Drive in Leland.
• A 1,759 sq. ft. new construction home for sale in Supply.
• A 925 sq. ft. house for sale on 185 Long Leaf Hills Drive SE in Bolivia.
• A 1,843 sq. ft. house for sale on 7627 Dunbar Drive SW in Sunset Beach.

Frequently asked questions