Elections
As of 2024, Onslow County, NC has approximately 134,000 residents, with over 90,000 registered voters. Voters register as Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Unaffiliated, with Republicans comprising about 40%, Democrats 22%, and Unaffiliated 37%. The Board of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections, using 30+ polling locations across the county. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 67% of the vote. Key local issues include military community interests and coastal development. The county ensures secure polling places and absentee voting, with election results posted promptly by the Onslow County Board of Elections.
County Crime & Safety
Onslow County, NC, reported a violent crime rate of 309.5 per 100,000 residents in 2022, lower than the national average of 380. Property crime was also below average at 1,685.9 per 100,000. The Sheriff’s Office and local police agencies regularly update crime data and encourage public reporting via tip lines and online portals. While urban areas like Jacksonville experience higher incident rates, overall crime has declined by approximately 8% since 2020, reflecting increased community policing and safety initiatives.
Education, Employment and Housing
Onslow County, NC operates 40 public schools, including 8 high schools, serving over 27,000 students. Around 88% of adults are high school graduates, while 18% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2023). The average school district score is 5/10 (GreatSchools). Onslow County Schools offer Advanced Placement (AP), Career & Technical Education (CTE), and gifted programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all middle and high schools. Adult education is supported via Coastal Carolina Community College, offering GED and vocational training.
Onslow County, NC, as of 2023, has an employment rate of approximately 58.3%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (13.4%), Retail Trade (12.7%), and Accommodation & Food Services (11%). Major occupations include Office & Administrative Support (13%), Sales (10.5%), and Management (8.3%). About 81% of Onslow residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.1 minutes. Most employees work within the county, though 16% commute to neighboring areas such as New Hanover and Pender counties for employment.
Onslow County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 56%, with median home values around $215,000 and median rent at $1,275. Recent years have seen steady property value growth, driven by military demand and coastal proximity. Housing ranges from single-family homes and townhouses in neighborhoods like Jacksonville and Sneads Ferry to apartments near base areas. New construction is common, particularly near Holly Ridge. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective rate of 0.68%. The area appeals to both military families and retirees, with diverse housing to meet various needs.
Demographics
As of 2023, Onslow County, NC, has a population of approximately 210,000. The median age is 26.7 years, reflecting a large military presence. About 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The racial/ethnic makeup is 67% White, 17% Black or African American, 14% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian, and 6% reporting two or more races. The county's youthful demographic and gender distribution are influenced by Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Michael Smith
- William Smith
- Christopher Smith
- James Smith
- David Brown
- James Johnson
- Michael Williams
- James Jones
- James Williams
- Michael Jones
- David Miller
- Andrew Smith
- Christopher Davis
- William Brown
- Jennifer Smith
- Michael Brown
- William Jones
- David Smith
- Michael Miller
- Christopher Miller
- James Miller
- John Williams
- Jessica Smith
- Melissa Smith
- Robert Johnson
- William Parker
- Ashley Smith
- Jennifer Johnson
- Mary Jones
- Michael Davis
- Richard Smith
- Robert Jones
- Robert Taylor
- Robert Williams
- Amanda Smith
- Christopher Williams
- Crystal Johnson
- David Johnson
- David Williams
- Jennifer Miller
- John Davis
- Michael Thomas
- Robert Smith
- David Jones
- James Brown
- James Davis
- James Taylor
- James White
- Jessica Jones
- Michelle Williams
- Daniel Jones
- Donald Miller
- James Wright
- Jason Davis
- John Miller
- Joseph Johnson
- Joseph Williams
- Joshua Williams
- Linda Smith
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alamance
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Anson
- Ashe
- Avery
- Beaufort
- Bertie
- Bladen
- Brunswick
- Buncombe
- Burke
- Cabarrus
- Caldwell
- Camden
- Carteret
- Caswell
- Catawba
- Chatham
- Cherokee
- Chowan
- Clay
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Craven
- Cumberland
- Currituck
- Dare
- Davidson
- Davie
- Duplin
- Durham
- Edgecombe
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Gates
- Graham
- Granville
- Greene
- Guilford
- Halifax
- Harnett
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Hertford
- Hoke
- Hyde
- Iredell
- Jackson
- Johnston