RANK #781 / 996 · POP 50,827 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.4%
Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina's largest Carolina Bay lake, is a central feature of Columbus County, offering distinctive natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Located in southeastern North Carolina, the county is a short distance from Wilmington and the coast, providing residents with access to city amenities and beaches. Commutes within the county and to nearby areas are primarily car-dependent, though local transportation services exist. The community maintains a rural feel with a slower pace of life. Beyond the lake, the Lumber River, a National Wild and Scenic River, and the Green Swamp Preserve offer additional opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Life in Columbus County often appeals to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The local economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with crops like sweet potatoes and corn, alongside manufacturing in textiles and wood products. Recent economic developments show a focus on attracting new residents through significant residential construction, particularly in the southern part of the county, driven by growth spilling over from neighboring areas. There is also investment in sectors like IT services and automotive parts, contributing to job creation. Columbus County Schools serve the area, with Whiteville being the largest town and the county seat.
Below national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential Developments (Cottonwood Place, Carolina Bluff, McGill Meadows, Gragg Tract, and others)
Multiple Developers
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects including Midfield Solar, Trojan Solar, Beckwith Solar, Cathcart Solar, Arthur 2 Solar)
Various (e.g., Oakhurst Energy, Strata Manager, Altus Power America Management)
|
$75M | Operating/Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Columbus County has a Boom Town Index score of 22/100, ranking #781 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -3.5% and a median household income of $43,206, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Columbus County is $119,800 with median rent at $738/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3607, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -3.5%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.41% of Columbus County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.