We think you'll like what we have to offer
Affordable country living with easy beach access. Situated in southeastern North Carolina, Columbus County offers businesses and residents an outstanding location in proximity to local lakes, beaches, golf courses, and the historic port city of Wilmington. Our rich agricultural heritage combined with a diligent workforce and excellent infrastructure have created the foundation for a strong agri-business and food processing cluster -- one that will only strengthen as the surrounding area continues to grow.
Recreational opportunities are abundant in Columbus County. Golf, youth athletics, hiking and fishing at Lake Waccamaw State Park and zipline fun at Cape Fearless Extreme are just a few of the many ways to get out and enjoy the mild climate and open land. Known for a rich legacy of players and coaches, baseball is strong in Columbus County. MacKenzie Gore, pitcher for Whiteville High School, was recognized as the 2016-2017 National Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year and was the MLB third draft pick in 2017. In 1986, Sports Illustrated declared Whiteville "Baseball Town U.S.A." In 2017 and 2018, Whiteville High School baseball teams won back-to-back state championships and have earned nine state championships in team history.
COLUMBUS DEMOGRAPHIC QUICK FACTS
Population - Columbus County 55,655 (2018) & North Carolina 10.49 million (2019)
Taxes
Columbus County - FY 2017-2018 $0.8050 per $100 valuation
City of Whiteville - FY 2017-2018 $0.530
Town of Chadbourn - FY2017-2018 - $0.6200
Town of Fair Bluff - FY2017-2018 - $0.6500
Town of Lake Waccamaw - FY 2017-2018 $0.2000
Town of Tabor City - FY 2017-2018 $0.6700
Employment
Labor Force - Columbus County 21,604 employed and 1,221 unemployed
Unemployment - Columbus County 5.3% unemployment rate
Average Weekly Wage - Columbus County $665 average weekly wage
Higher Education
Southeastern Community College
Education
18 county schools
4 Whiteville city schools
Columbus Charter elementary & middle school
Columbus Christian Academy
Columbus Adventist Academy
Graduation rate is 85%
