RANK #755 / 996 · POP 61,592 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
Pender County, North Carolina, is distinguished by Topsail Island, a popular beach destination, and the Black River, recognized as one of the nation's least polluted rivers. Located in the Coastal Plains region, the county offers a blend of rural charm and natural beauty, with extensive waterways like the Cape Fear River and dense woodlands. Burgaw, the county seat, combines historic 18th and 19th-century architecture with newer developments. Commuting to Wilmington, a nearby city, typically takes 20-30 minutes, though Highway 17 can experience heavy traffic. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and exploring parks such as Hampstead Kiwanis Park and Abbey Nature Preserve.
Life in Pender County offers a small-town atmosphere, appealing to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The public school system serves over 11,000 students across 19 schools and is considered above average. The county has experienced rapid population growth, with new housing developments emerging across the area, including in towns like Hampstead and Rocky Point. This growth is driving an expansion of commercial services within the county. While agriculture, particularly blueberries, remains a foundational industry, there is also increasing investment in manufacturing and other sectors.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 7.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Pender County Solar Farm
Cubico Sustainable Investments
|
$105M | Operating |
|
Community Solar Portfolio
Various (e.g., John Laing US Solar Corp., Quarter Horse Farm LLC)
|
$100M | Operating |
|
New K-8 School
Pender County Schools
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Pender County Utility Infrastructure Upgrades
Pender County Utilities
|
$41M | Planned/Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Pender County has a Boom Town Index score of 24/100, ranking #755 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.7% and a median household income of $74,538, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Pender County is $240,800 with median rent at $1,039/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3095, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.7%. Home values changed -0.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.45% of Pender County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.