Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington: The largest city in the state of North Carolina.
About
Wilmington is a city located in the county of New Hanover in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Its population at the 2010 census was 106,476. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 124,794 inhabitants.
The city was created 388 years ago in 1637.
Wilmington is a port city situated along the Cape Fear River in southeastern North Carolina. With a population of over 125,000, it is the largest city in North Carolina east of Raleigh.
History
Wilmington was settled in the 1720s and chartered in 1739. Its coastal location fueled early growth as a major seaport, facilitating trade of goods like tobacco and naval stores.
During the Civil War, Wilmington was a vital port for running the blockade for the Confederacy. The city saw intense fighting during the war's final months.
Wilmington later grew into a commercial center for agriculture and emerging industries like paper mills, fertilizer plants, and textile production.
Economy
The Port of Wilmington remains a major employer and economic engine. Other large employers are PPD, GE, UNCW, New Hanover Health, and Walmart. Tourism is also a thriving industry.
Wilmington enjoys a diverse business mix including healthcare, retail, construction, finance, communications, and corporate services. A moderate cost of living attracts many new residents.
Attractions
Popular sites include the historic USS North Carolina battleship, Wrightsville Beach, the North Carolina Aquarium, Screen Gems Studios, and the Cotton Exchange waterfront.
Annual festivals like the Azalea Festival and Riverfest celebrate Wilmington’s culture and heritage. Wilmington also has a lively arts scene and trendy culinary destinations.
Conclusion
Offering coastal charm, a rich history, historic architecture, diversified economy, and excellent quality of life – Wilmington emerges as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live in North Carolina.
Quick Facts about Wilmington
| Population | 124,794 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | North Carolina (United States) |
| County | New Hanover County |
| Postal code | 19801-19810, 19850, 19880, 19884-19887, 19889-19899 |
| Phone Area Codes | 302 |
| Water as percent of area | 35.65% |
| Land as percent of area | 64.35% |
| Latitude & Longitude | 34.2257,-77.9447 |
| Altitude | 92 feet / 28 meters |
| Capital city | Wilmington is capital of New Castle County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1638 (388 years ago) |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 20:46:30 (22nd April 2026) |
| Population growth | 14.68% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 77℉ Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Wilmington is located at 34°13'33"N 77°56'41"W (34.2257300, -77.9447100).
Wilmington map
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Official website of Wilmington
Official Website- Fulda
- Kalmar Municipality (1963 )
- Olevano sul Tusciano
- Watford
Demographics
The population of Wilmington increased by 14.68% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 106,476 | - | census |
| 2011 | 108,141 | 1.54% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 109,658 | 1.38% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 111,686 | 1.82% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 113,320 | 1.44% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 115,050 | 1.5% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 118,770 | 3.13% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 120,836 | 1.71% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 122,616 | 1.45% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 123,744 | 0.91% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 124,794 | 0.84% | estimation process |
Demographic Facts
| Estimated population as of July 1, 2019 : | 7,560 |
| Based on demographic estimates as of April 1, 2010 : | 7,715 |
| Based on demographic estimates as of 1 April 2010 : | -2.0% |
| April 1, 2020 Population : | 7,446 |
| April 1, 2010 Population : | 7,698 |
| People under 5 years old, percentage : | 5.8% |
| People under 18 years old, percentage : | 24.0% |
| People over 65 (%) : | 19.9% |
| Female persons, % : | 51.8% |
| White only, percent : | 95.4% |
| Black or African American alone, percent : | 0.5% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native only, % : | 0.5% |
| Asians alone % : | 0.1% |
| Only Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, % : | 0.0% |
| % of people who have participated in two or more races : | 3.4% |
| % of Hispanic or Latino : | 5.1% |
| White people, not Hispanic or Latino people, make up the majority of the population. : | 91.1% |
| 2015-2019 Veterans : | 510 |
| Percentage of foreign-born people, 2015-2019 : | 0.9% |
| Rate of owner-occupied housing units, 2015-2019 : | 70.5% |
Economic Facts
| Rate of owner-occupied housing units, 2015-2019 : | 70.5% |
| Owner-occupied housing unit median value, 2015-2019 : | $109,000 |
| From 2015 to 2019, the median selected monthly owner costs - with a mortgage : | $1,135 |
| Monthly owner costs, without a mortgage, at the median, 2015-2019 : | $449 |
| 2015-2019 median gross rent : | $615 |
| 2015-2019 Households : | 3,286 |
| Population per household, 2015-2019 : | 2.23 |
| Living in the same house a year ago, percentage of people aged one year and up, 2015-2019 : | 83.6% |
| Languages other than English spoken at home, as a percentage of people aged 5 and up, 2015-2019 : | 1.4% |
| Households with computers, %, 2015-2019 : | 87.9% |
| Percentage of households with a broadband Internet subscription, 2015-2019 : | 80.9% |
| Percentage of people aged 25 and up with a high school diploma or higher, 2015-2019 : | 93.6% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher, proportion of people aged 25 and up, 2015-2019 : | 20.5% |
| Percentage of people under the age of 65 who have a disability, 2015-2019 : | 8.8% |
| Persons under the age of 65 who do not have health insurance, as a percentage : | 10.7% |
| Total civilian labor force, percent of population aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : | 69.8% |
| Female labor force participation in the civilian labor force, as a percentage of the population aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : | 66.3% |
| Manufacturers' total shipments in 2012 ($1,000) : | 138,102 |
| 2012 total retail sales per capita : | NA |
| Mean commute time to work (in minutes), workers aged 16 and up, 2015-2019 : | 11.8 |
| 2015-2019 median household income (in 2019 dollars) : | $48,133 |
| Income per capita in the previous 12 months (in 2019 dollars), 2015-2019 : | $26,915 |
| Percentage of people living in poverty : | 10.2% |
| Total number of businesses in 2012 : | 1,054 |
| Men-owned businesses in 2012 : | 460 |
| Women-owned businesses in 2012 : | 230 |
| Minority-owned businesses in 2012 : | 29 |
| Non-minority-owned businesses in 2012 : | 952 |
| Veteran-owned businesses in 2012 : | 170 |
| Nonveteran-owned businesses in 2012 : | 659 |
| 2010 population per square mile : | 1,427.1 |
| 2010 land area in square miles : | 5.39 |
Best Things to Do in Wilmington
1Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States View details
Phone: +19103999100 | Website available
2Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409, United States View details
Phone: +19107987275 | Website available
3Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States View details
Phone: +19107910666 | Website available
4Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States View details
Phone: +19107987700 | Website available
5DEFY Wilmington
6431 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States View details
Phone: +19104441002 | Website available
Where to Eat in Wilmington
1Cook Out
5615 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States View details
Phone: +19103994680 | Website available
2IHOP
5628 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States View details
Phone: +19108597010 | Website available
3Mellow Mushroom Wilmington
4311 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States View details
Phone: +19104523773 | Website available
4Jason's Deli
5301 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States View details
Phone: +19107954164 | Website available
5Burger King
819 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States View details
Phone: +19107634484 | Website available
Where to Stay in Wilmington
1Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park
2320 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States View details
Phone: +19107968881 | Website available
2Holiday Inn Wilmington-Market St., an IHG Hotel
5032 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States View details
Phone: +19103921101 | Website available
3Red Roof Inn Wilmington, NC
5107 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States View details
Phone: +19103955045 | Website available
4Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District
229 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States View details
Phone: +19106322900 | Website available
5Best Western Plus Coastline Inn
503 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States View details
Phone: +19107632800 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Wilmington
1City Council
102 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417800 | Website available
2Wilmington Parks & Recreation
302 Willard St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417855
3Wilmington City Manager
102 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417810 | Website available
4Wilmington Code Enforcement
305 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103413266
5Wilmington City Garage
900 Fanning St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417881 | Website available
6Wilmington Finance Department
305 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417822 | Website available
7Wilmington City Development
305 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103413258 | Website available
8Wilmington Mayor
102 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417815 | Website available
9Wilmington City Clerk
102 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417816 | Website available
10Wilmington Budget Office
320 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 View details
Phone: +19103417827 | Website available
People born in Wilmington (200)
People born in Wilmington, including lawyer Frederic Kimber Seward, chemist Robert W. Field, computer scientist Marshall Kirk McKusick, .
More notable people
- Pierre Samuel du Pont IV (American politician) he was born in 22/01/1935
- Brett Lunger (American racecar driver) he was born in 14/11/1945
- Elisabeth Shue (American actress) she was born in 06/10/1963
- Aubrey Plaza (American actress and comedian) she was born in 26/06/1984
- Cynthia Rothrock (American actor and martial artist) she was born in 08/03/1957
- J. George Stewart (American politician (1890-1970)) he was born in 02/06/1890
- Johnny Neel (American vocalist, songwriter, and musician) he was born in 11/06/1954
- Valerie Bertinelli (actress) she was born in 23/04/1960
- Ellen J. Kullman (American business executive) she was born in 22/01/1956
- Judge Reinhold (American actor) he was born in 21/05/1957
- George Thorogood (American blues rock vocalist/guitarist) he was born in 24/02/1950
- Daniel Nathans (American Microbiologist) he was born in 30/10/1928
- Cisco Houston (American musician (1918-1961)) he was born in 18/08/1918
- Stephen K. Hayes (Martial arts master, author) he was born in 09/09/1949
- Walter McCrone (chemist) he was born in 09/06/1916
- Clifford Brown (American jazz musician) he was born in 30/10/1930
- Eldridge R. Johnson (phonograph producer and co-creator of Victor Talking Machine Company) he was born in 06/02/1867
- Matthew Shipp (American musician) he was born in 07/12/1960
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Wilmington, NC. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 198154 | Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington (NC) | 28401-3910 |
| 199078 | College of Wilmington | Wilmington (NC) | 28403 |
| 198978 | Platt College-Miller-Motte-Wilmington | Wilmington (NC) | 28405 |
| 199218 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington (NC) | 28403-5963 |
| 198084 | Brunswick Community College | Bolivia (NC) | 28422-9021 |
Nearby Transit Stations (4)
Rail and bus stations connected to Wilmington, NC. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMN | Wilmington, NC | 505 Cando St | BUS |
| JNC | Jacksonville, NC | 850 New Bridge Street | BUS |
| KNC | Kinston, NC | 101 East New Bern Road | BUS |
| HVL | Havelock, NC | 201 Tourist Center Drive | BUS |
Closest post offices linked to Wilmington.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Post Office | Wilmington (NC) | 28401 |
| Wilmington Main Post Office | Wilmington (NC) | 28401 |
| Azalea Post Office | Wilmington (NC) | 28403 |
| Dogwood Post Office | Wilmington (NC) | 28405 |
| Leland Post Office | Leland (NC) | 28451 |
Other places with the same name (9)
- Wilmington, Delaware The largest city in New Castle County, Delaware. with a population of 70,376 people.
- Wilmington, Massachusetts town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA with a population of 23,287 people.
- Wilmington, Ohio city in Clinton County, Ohio, United States with a population of 12,399 people.
- Wilmington, Illinois town in Will County, Illinois, United States with a population of 5,597 people.
- Wilmington, Indiana unincorporated community in Dearborn County, Indiana with a population of 4,193 people.
- Wilmington, Vermont town in Vermont, USA with a population of 1,786 people.
- Wilmington, New York town in New York, USA with a population of 1,269 people.
- Wilmington, Kansas city in United States of America with a population of 686 people.
- Wilmington, Minnesota unincorporated community in Houston County, Minnesota with a population of 430 people.
Other cities in New Hanover County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in New Hanover County , NC. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Masonboro | 14,826 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Murraysville | 14,215 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Myrtle Grove | 8,875 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Kings Grant | 8,278 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Ogden | 6,766 | Place in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Carolina Beach | 6,369 | Town of the United States |
| Silver Lake | 5,598 | City in Shawnee County, Kansas, United States |
| Wrightsboro | 4,896 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Seagate | 4,590 | Census-designated place in the U. |
| Northchase | 3,747 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Bayshore | 3,393 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Skippers Corner | 2,785 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
| Wrightsville Beach | 2,516 | City in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Kure Beach | 2,077 | City in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States of America |
| Sea Breeze | 1,969 | Census designated place |
| Castle Hayne | 1,202 | Township in New Hanover County, North Carolina |
Distance to Other Cities
Wilmington distances to largest North Carolina cities