Brunswick County's Poverty Problem

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a population of approximately 167,020 people, with a poverty rate of 6.9%. The race most likely to experience poverty in the county is Hispanic, with 24.9% below the poverty line. The town of Brunswick, located in Columbus County, has a much smaller population of 1,081 people and a significantly higher poverty rate of 64.25%. In Brunswick County, the poverty rate among those working full-time is 2.37%, while for part-time workers, it is 10.66%, and for those not working, it is 11.5%.

Poverty rates in Brunswick County, NC, are highest among Hispanics

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a population of around 134,000 people, with a median household income of $64,400 as of 2021. The county's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a growth rate of 4.41% between 2022 and 2024.

The largest ethnic group in Brunswick County is White (Non-Hispanic), making up 81.3% of the population. This is followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 9%, and Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) at 3.46%.

Hispanics make up 5% of the population, or 6,690 people. Despite being a smaller demographic, they have the highest poverty rate in the county, with 24.9% living below the poverty line. This is significantly higher than the overall poverty rate in the county, which is estimated to be between 9.1% and 10.2%.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,888, and the median income for a family is $42,037. The per capita income is $19,857. The poverty rate for those working full-time is 2.37%, while it is 10.66% for part-time workers and 11.5% for those not working.

The county's population is spread out across different age groups, with 21.20% under the age of 18, 29.20% between 45 and 64, and 16.90% over 65. The median age is 42 years, and the county has the highest median age in North Carolina as of 2023.

The county's overall poverty rate is 6.9% or 9.1%

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a population of 134,000 to 153,064 people, depending on the source. The county's overall poverty rate is 6.9% or 9.1%—again, depending on the source.

The county's population has been growing, with a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% between 2000 and 2020. This growth is centred in the eastern section of the county in the suburbs of Wilmington, such as Leland, Belville and Southport. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people.

The largest ethnic groups in Brunswick County are White (Non-Hispanic) (81.3%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (9%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.46%), White (Hispanic) (2.05%), and Other (Hispanic) (1.68%). The percentage of Hispanic or Latino people in the county is 5.3% or 8.07%, depending on the source.

The median household income in Brunswick County is $64,400. The median age is 55.2.

The average household income in Brunswick County is $72,820

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has seen a rapid increase in population in recent years, with a growth rate of 47% between 2000 and 2010. As of the 2020 census, the population was 136,693, and it is estimated to have reached 167,020 in 2024. The county's population is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 81.3%, with Black or African Americans (non-Hispanic) making up 9% and Hispanics at 2.05%. The county's population also has a higher median age compared to the rest of North Carolina, with a large presence of retirees.

The county's economy is robust and expanding, particularly in the food service and retail sectors. Additionally, dividend collections, pensions, and Social Security payments contribute significantly to the county's income due to the large number of retirees. The employment rate is relatively low, with less than half of the residents participating in the workforce, and a significant number commuting outside the county for work.

Despite the overall positive economic indicators, there is still a notable poverty rate in the county. In 2021, 10.2% of the population lived below the poverty line, and this rate was higher among specific age groups and racial demographics. For example, 19.6% of children and 13.5% of the population under 65 were living in poverty in 2022. The Hispanic community had the highest poverty rate at 24.9%, while Native Americans had the lowest at 3.47%.

The town with the highest poverty rate in the county is Brunswick

Brunswick County in North Carolina has a population of 167,020 as per the 2024 estimates, with a growth rate of 4.41% in the past year. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people. The county has seen significant growth in recent years, especially in the eastern section in suburbs of Wilmington such as Leland, Belville, and Southport.

The overall poverty rate in Brunswick County is 6.9%, which is about half the rate of North Carolina and the United States. However, poverty rates vary across different racial groups in the county. The race most likely to be in poverty in Brunswick County is Hispanic, with 24.9% below the poverty level. The poverty rate among those working full-time for the past 12 months was 2.37%, while for those working part-time, it was 10.66%, and for those not working, it was 11.5%.

The town of Brunswick, located in Columbus County, North Carolina, has a significantly higher poverty rate. With a population of 1,081, Brunswick has an average household income of $26,341 and a poverty rate of 64.25%. The racial composition of Brunswick is predominantly Black or African American, comprising 69.67% of the population. The race most likely to be in poverty in Brunswick is Black, with 76.03% below the poverty level.

Therefore, while the overall poverty rate in Brunswick County, NC, is relatively low compared to the state and national averages, there are significant disparities within the county, with the town of Brunswick in Columbus County experiencing much higher poverty rates, particularly among the Black population.

The county's population has been growing, with a 4.41% growth rate in the past year

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has seen significant population growth in recent years, with a notable increase of 4.41% in the past year according to 2024 estimates. This trend of expansion is not new to the county, which has been experiencing a rapid rise in its population for over a decade. Between 2000 and 2020, the population grew from 73,143 to 136,693, a remarkable increase of approximately 47% in just ten years. The growth continued, and by 2022, the population had reached 153,064, representing an 11.9% increase since April 2020 and a more than 40% increase compared to the 2010 Census.

The county's position between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been a contributing factor to its appeal. The growth is particularly evident in the eastern section of the county, in the suburbs of Wilmington, including Leland, Belville, and Southport. The county's attractive beaches and its proximity to filming locations have also drawn people in.

The population growth in Brunswick County has had a range of impacts. On the one hand, it has led to a booming economy, with the county ranked as the fastest-growing in the state and seventh in the nation in terms of percentage growth. However, it has also presented challenges, particularly regarding affordable housing. The demand for housing has increased, and ensuring sufficient affordable options is a key concern for the county.

The population growth in Brunswick County has been driven by various factors, including its desirable location, natural attractions, and economic opportunities. The in-migration of retirees has also played a significant role, contributing to the county having the highest median age in North Carolina as of 2023. The growth in population has resulted in a diverse range of communities, with a mix of bedroom communities, beach communities, and suburban areas.

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