Cape Fear Region Overview
New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties cover nearly 2,000 square miles in Southeastern North Carolina – including some of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Here are some quick facts about the region.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
POPULATION
Total Area (square miles) 191.5
Population (2023 census estimates) 238,852
Population (2020 base) 225,707
Population growth (2020-23) 5.8%
HOUSEHOLDS
Total households (2018-22) 99,975
Housing units (2023) 123,264
Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 59.5%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $320,000
Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,249
Building permits (2023) 2,883
INCOME
Median household income (2018-22, in 2022 dollars) $67,515
Persons in poverty 11.7%
GOVERNMENT
New Hanover County Government
230 Government Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 798-7311
City of Wilmington
929 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 341-7800
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway Drive
PO Box 626
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-7900
Carolina Beach
1121 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-2999
COUNTY PARKS
Here are some of the county’s parks. Go to nhcgov.com/962/Parks-Gardens for a full list.
Arrowhead Park, 720 Arnold Road
Amenities: Picnic shelter, tennis courts, basketball court, 18-hole disc golf course and multi-purpose field
Veterans Park, 555 Halyburton Memorial Parkway
Amenities: Pickleball courts, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground, picnic shelters
River Road Park, 6500 River Road
Amenities: Accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, boat ramp for kayaks and small boats
BRUNSWICK COUNTY
POPULATION
Total Area (square miles) 847
Population (2023 census estimates) 159,964
Population (2020 base) 136,695
Population growth (2020-23) 17%
HOUSEHOLDS
Total households (2018-22) 60,915
Housing units (2023) 102,934
Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 83.7%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $284,100
Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,187
Building permits (2023) 6,663
INCOME
Median household income (2018-22, in 2022 dollars) $71,193
Persons in poverty 8.5%
GOVERNMENT
Brunswick County Government
30 Government Center Drive NE
Bolivia, NC 28422
(800) 442-7033
Town of Leland
102 Town Hall Drive
Leland, NC 28451
(910) 371-0148
Town of Oak Island
4601 E. Oak Island Drive
Oak Island NC, 28465
(910) 278-5011
City of Boiling Spring Lakes
9 East Boiling Spring Road
Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461
(910) 363-0025
COUNTY PARKS
Here are some of the county’s parks. Go to brunswickcountync.gov/367/Parks-Recreation for a full list.
Brunswick Nature Park, 2601 River Road
Amenities: 911 acres of undeveloped wilderness, kayak/canoe launch site, picnic pavilion, hiking and biking trails
Leland Community Park, 1490 Village Road NE
Amenities: Baseball fields, community building, paved walking path
Ocean Isle Beach Park, 6483 Old Georgetown Road
Amenities: Tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, dog park, amphitheater, multipurpose field
PENDER COUNTY
POPULATION
Total Area (square miles) 869.8
Population (2023 census estimates) 68,521
Population (2020 base) 60,199
Population growth (2020-23) 13.8%
HOUSEHOLDS
Total households (2018-22) 23,258
Housing units (2023) 32,794
Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 82.3%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $240,800
Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,039
Building permits (2023) 1,082
INCOME
Median household income (2018-22, in 2022 dollars) $74,538
Persons in poverty 10.5%
GOVERNMENT
Pender County Government
805 S. Walker St.
P.O. Box 5
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-1200
Town of Burgaw
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-2151
Town of Surf City
P.O. Box 2475
Surf City, NC 28445
(910) 328-4131
COUNTY PARKS
Here are some of the county’s parks. Go to pendercountync.gov/576/Parks-Recreation for a full list.
Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road
Amenities: 53 acres with athletic fields, walking trail with fitness stations, picnic area
Millers Pond in Rocky Point, 12762 US Hwy. 117
Amenities: 7-acre pond surrounded by a half-mile walking trail, fishing, kayaking, picnicking
