Brunswick Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2023, Brunswick County, NC has an estimated population of 155,000. The median age is approximately 55, reflecting a sizeable retiree community. Females comprise about 51% of residents. The county is predominantly White (82%), with Black or African American (11%), Hispanic or Latino (4%), and other racial or ethnic groups comprising the remainder. The population has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by migration from other states.

Brunswick County, NC has over 118,000 residents, with about 99,000 registered voters as of 2024: 39% Republican, 25% Democrat, and 35% unaffiliated. The county Board of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and municipal contests. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout exceeded 77%, with the majority (62%) voting Republican. Voters choose from 24 polling locations, plus early and absentee options. Key issues include coastal development, hurricane response, and property taxes. The county’s elections are managed by a bipartisan five-member board, ensuring fair representation for all major parties.

Brunswick County, NC, boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, above the national average. Median home values reached $370,000 in 2024, up 8% year-over-year, while median monthly rents hover around $1,800. Housing options include beachfront condos, golf communities, and traditional single-family homes, with popular neighborhoods such as Ocean Isle Beach, Leland, and Southport. Property tax rates are roughly 0.52%, meaning on a $370,000 home, annual taxes are about $1,924. The county continues to attract retirees and remote workers, fueling demand and ongoing residential development.

As of 2023, Brunswick County, NC had an employment rate of approximately 57%. Top industries include healthcare (16%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation/food services (12%). Major occupation types are sales/office (28%), management/business (23%), and service occupations (19%). The average commute time is about 29 minutes, with about 50% of workers commuting outside the county for employment—primarily to Wilmington. The labor force participation rate stands at around 53%, reflecting its growing retiree population.

Brunswick County, NC operates over 19 public schools, including 5 high schools. As of 2023, about 89% of adults hold a high school diploma and 24% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is approximately 88%. School performance scores average around a B rating, with multiple schools recognized for innovative STEM and career-readiness programs. The county emphasizes school safety, investing in resource officers and security upgrades. Adult education is supported by Brunswick Community College, offering GED and workforce training. Overall, Brunswick County provides diverse and improving educational opportunities.

Brunswick County, NC, has a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. As of 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents, below the national average, and a property crime rate of 19.5 per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than North Carolina’s 18.2. The sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and transparent reporting. Recent years have seen a 7% decrease in overall crime. Neighborhoods like Leland and Oak Island report the lowest crime rates, boosting local residents' sense of safety.