According to numbers recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Wilmington and surrounding areas continued to grow during the period from July 2012 to July 2013.
Brunswick County is ranked the fastest growing county in the state during the period, seeing the greatest growth in its popular retirement communities near the coast.
The southern Brunswick County community of St. James saw a population growth of an estimated 9.7%, or approximately 350 people, between July 2012 and July 2013. That would translate into a growth of more than 25% (more than 800 residents) since the 2010 Census.
Leland was the second-fastest growing city in the region, growing by an estimated 6.1%, or nearly 1,000 residents, between July 2012 and July 2013. Its population swelled by nearly 2,500 since the 2010 Census.
Southport had the third-fastest growth rate in the region, with an approximate population increase of 3.7%, or just over 100 residents.
Wilmington remains the eighth largest city in North Carolina. While The Port City only saw an estimated 2% population increase from July 2012 to July 2013, Wilmington did add the most residents. More than 2,000 people moved to Wilmington during that 1 year period, and is estimated to have grown by more than 5,500 since the 2010 Census.
Pender County continues to see dramatic growth, especially the coastal communities within the county.
Surf City saw an estimated 3.6% growth rate between July 2012 and July 2013, Topsail Beach grew by almost 3% and Burgaw saw an estimated 1.5% increase in population during the 1 year period.
Officials don’t expect the area’s growth to slow down anytime soon, saying the region could double its population over the next 25 years. That would translate into a regional population of over 650,000 residents by the year 2040.
If you have any questions about how this growth will affect local real estate, call Just For Buyers Realty at 910-202-4813.