RANK #187 / 1001 NAT · #13 / 51 NC · POP 50,140
1YR FORECAST: -0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
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.
Columbus County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.0% runs above the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 1001 counties.
Columbus County ranks #187 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 81/100. The composite score reflects long-term strength — housing, income, and migration patterns — but near-term hiring is soft (employment is down 1.1% year-over-year). Median household income here is $49,442.
Housing in Columbus County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $146,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $824/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Both population (-0.6% YoY) and employment (-1.1%) are contracting in Columbus County, though housing tells its own story with values moving +3.0% over the past 12 months. This is a county where the trend lines are pointing in the wrong direction.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.88% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Columbus County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.