Wilmington: The Fastest Growing Coastal City in North Carolina

News Summary

Wilmington, North Carolina, has emerged as the fastest-growing metro area in the state, with a population increase of over 13% from 2020 to 2024. The coastal city attracts retirees, young professionals, and families, thanks to its vibrant downtown, pleasant weather, and proximity to beautiful beaches. Wilmington’s strong appeal is reflected in its real estate market, where home values have surged due to high demand. With 83% of recent movers coming from other areas, Wilmington is reclaiming its status as a top destination for newcomers.

Wilmington: The Rapidly Growing Coastal Gem of North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina, is making quite the splash! It has officially claimed the title of the fastest-growing metro area in the state, outpacing well-known cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. If you haven’t already heard, this vibrant coastal city has seen an impressive population growth of over 13% from 2020 to 2024, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s not just a bump; it’s a boom!

Population Surge: Numbers That Speak

To put that into perspective, Wilmington’s population grew from approximately 425,000 in 2020 to a whopping 480,522 just four years later. For context, Raleigh’s growth during the same period was commendable at 10%, while Charlotte saw an increase of 8%. Clearly, Wilmington is not only growing but is also becoming the go-to spot for many newcomers.

Why the Popularity?

So, what’s drawing people to Wilmington? The city has become a hotbed for retirees, young professionals, and families seeking a better quality of life. The three-county region, which includes Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick, is buzzing with new residential constructions and major commercial investments. It seems that everyone wants in on the action!

A Wide Appeal

The area’s appeal is undeniable, boasting a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants, delightful weather year-round, and, of course, easy access to stunning beaches. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing by the ocean or enjoying a dynamic community atmosphere, Wilmington checks all the boxes. Properly named a coastal paradise, it’s no surprise people are packing their bags and heading there.

Wilmington’s Competitive Edge

Wilmington isn’t just growing; it also leads the pack in attracting new residents. In fact, 83% of moves into the area in 2024 were inbound, while a mere 17% were outbound. This impressive statistic has helped Wilmington reclaim its status as the first ranked city on United Van Lines’ list of metropolitan areas welcoming newcomers. Interestingly, it lost the top spot in 2023 but is back with a vengeance!

National Rankings

In addition to this, Wilmington was listed 14th in U-Haul’s Growth Metro Index for 2024, which certainly adds to its impressive resume. For those keeping score, the only metro area with a growth rate surpassing Wilmington’s was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with an explosive growth of nearly 17%.

Nearby Burlington Grows Too!

Not far behind, Burlington is also making waves, experiencing a notable population increase of over 6.6% to reach around 183,000 residents. This goes to show that the entire state is buzzing with development and growth.

The Housing Market Hustle

Of course, with a surge in population comes a competitive real estate market. Home values in Wilmington and surrounding areas have skyrocketed as demand outstrips supply. In February 2025, the typical home value in the U.S. was around $357,377, reflecting a modest 2.1% increase from the prior year. In Wilmington’s metro area, the growth in home values over the last five years has been remarkable, keeping pace with other bustling regions like Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Asheville.

Looking Ahead

As the Wilmington area continues to grow, it remains an intriguing blend of opportunity, comfort, and a beach-loving lifestyle. With all these developments, it’s clear that Wilmington is not just a place on the map but a thriving community capturing the hearts of many. Whether you’re relocating, visiting, or just daydreaming of sunny days by the shore, one thing is for sure—Wilmington’s future is as bright as its beaches!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The News & Observer
• Wikipedia: Wilmington, North Carolina
• Star News Online
• Google Search: Wilmington North Carolina
• WECT News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
• Carolina Journal
• Google News: Wilmington growth