RANK #193 / 1001 NAT · #11 / 51 NC · POP 65,550
1YR FORECAST: +0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
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.
Pender County is one of 43 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +0.2% matches the profile's typical -0.0%.
See all 43 Sun Belt Exurban Boom counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 24.4x — 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: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Pender County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
| 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 1001 counties.
Pender County ranks #193 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 81/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +9.3% and a median household income of $80,396 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Pender County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $299,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,106/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Pender County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +3.3% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +9.3% clip. Home values shifted +0.2% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.89% of Pender County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.