See where coastal North Carolina is growing fastest
For years, coastal North Carolina has been one of the state's best-kept secrets.
Today, that's no longer the case.
Across the Cape Fear region, communities are welcoming thousands of new residents drawn by beaches, boating, golf, outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life. At the same time, local leaders are working to keep up with demand through new housing developments, healthcare facilities and infrastructure improvements.
The numbers tell the story. Population growth across southeastern North Carolina continues to outpace much of the state, with Brunswick and Pender counties ranking among North Carolina's fastest-growing areas.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Brunswick County is currently the fastest-growing county in North Carolina.
- The details: Pender County ranks as the state's second-fastest-growing county. Leland continues to be one of the region's fastest-growing communities.
- Why this matters: New healthcare facilities, housing developments and amenities are helping support growth throughout the Cape Fear region.
- The more you know: Coastal living, beach access, recreation and Wilmington's cultural attractions continue to attract newcomers.
Here's a look at where growth is happening and why so many people are choosing to call the region home.
Brunswick County: North Carolina's growth leader
If one area is leading the charge, it's Brunswick County.
According to recent Census estimates highlighted in GoodLife Wilmington, Brunswick County grew by 4.7% between 2024 and 2025, making it the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. The county added nearly 8,000 residents during that period and ranked as the sixth-fastest-growing county in the United States.
The county's population reached an estimated 174,702 residents in 2025, up significantly from 136,695 residents in 2020.
Many newcomers are attracted by:
- Coastal recreation
- Easy access to beaches
- Golf communities
- Waterfront living
- New residential developments
- Proximity to Wilmington's dining and cultural scene
The region's appeal has helped transform Brunswick County from a popular retirement destination into one of the state's most dynamic growth markets.
Leland: At the center of the boom
Much of Brunswick County's growth has centered around Leland and northern Brunswick County.
Located just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, Leland offers residents convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a more suburban feel. The community has become especially attractive to retirees, active adults and families relocating from other parts of the country.
GoodLife Wilmington's retirement guide highlights several growing active-adult communities in Leland, including Inspire at Brunswick Forest and Del Webb Wilmington at Mallory Creek, both of which offer resort-style amenities and low-maintenance living.
Residents are also drawn to nearby attractions such as:
- Brunswick Riverwalk
- Cape Fear National Golf Course
- Southport beaches
- Downtown Wilmington
- Shopping and dining destinations throughout Brunswick County
As development continues, Leland remains one of the region's most closely watched growth stories.
Pender County: Growth moving north
The growth wave isn't stopping at the county line.
Pender County experienced approximately 3% population growth between 2024 and 2025, making it the second-fastest-growing county in North Carolina.
Communities throughout the county continue to attract new residents seeking more space, access to the coast and a quieter pace of life.
Healthcare investment is helping fuel that growth. The new Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center was designed to serve residents in northern New Hanover and Pender counties and includes a hospital, cancer center and medical office facilities, with room for future expansion.
Local officials say the facility helps address a long-standing need for expanded healthcare access in the rapidly growing area.
Wilmington: The region's anchor
While Wilmington's growth rate is lower than its neighboring counties, the city remains the economic, cultural and healthcare center of southeastern North Carolina.
According to Census estimates cited in GoodLife Wilmington, New Hanover County grew by 1.1% between 2024 and 2025.
What Wilmington lacks in sheer growth rate, it makes up for in amenities.
The city continues to attract newcomers with:
- Historic downtown Wilmington
- The Cape Fear Riverwalk
- Restaurants and breweries
- Arts and entertainment
- Higher education opportunities
- Major healthcare facilities
The magazine notes that proximity to institutions such as UNCW and Cape Fear Community College provides access to lectures, performances and lifelong learning opportunities, including programs through UNCW's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for adults 50 and older.
Healthcare continues to expand as well. Wilmington Health recently announced plans for a new 64,000-square-foot medical office building, while Novant Health has outlined multiple expansion projects throughout the region.
Why people keep moving here
Ask recent transplants why they chose coastal North Carolina, and you'll often hear similar answers.
The region offers:
Coastal recreation
Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, boating, fishing, kayaking and waterfront living. The magazine notes that many northern Brunswick County residents live within 30 minutes of four different beaches.
Year-round activities
From hiking and golf to festivals, concerts and cultural events, there's always something happening throughout the region.
Retirement opportunities
The area continues to attract retirees looking for active-adult communities, lower-maintenance living and access to healthcare services.
A different pace of life
For many newcomers, coastal North Carolina offers the opportunity to slow down without giving up modern conveniences.
Growing pains come with growth
Of course, rapid growth isn't without challenges.
As GoodLife Wilmington notes, population increases can create pressure on roads, schools and infrastructure. Traffic congestion and development concerns are common topics throughout the region.
Still, experts note that growth generally reflects a healthy local economy and strong demand from people who want to live, work and retire in the Cape Fear region. For now, the momentum shows little sign of slowing.
