Community Profile

Columbus County and Whiteville, North Carolina

Located in the Coastal Plain of southeastern North Carolina, Columbus County offers a balance of rural charm and accessibility. Home to approximately 50,054 residents (2024), the county’s economy, culture, and lifestyle reflect its agricultural roots and evolving modern identity. Its county seat, Whiteville—with a population of 4,721—serves as the area’s commercial and cultural hub.

Spanning 937 square miles, Columbus County borders South Carolina and sits within easy reach of Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, I-95, I-40, and U.S. 74/76. The region is known for its natural beauty, highlighted by Lake Waccamaw State Park, one of North Carolina’s largest natural lakes, offering abundant outdoor recreation.

The county’s economy remains grounded in agriculture—with crops like tobacco, peanuts, and strawberries—but has diversified into healthcare, food processing, and public services. In 2023, the median household income was $30,147, and unemployment stood at 4.5% in 2025. Whiteville’s economy is driven by retail trade, hospitality, and professional services, with a median income of $38,004 and median home value of $173,100. Moreover, the poverty rates are higher than the national average, with about 22% of county residents and 27% of Whiteville residents living below the poverty line.

Columbus County is a diverse, family-oriented community, with 59% White (Non-Hispanic), 28.6% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and a significant Waccamaw Siouan tribal presence. The median age is 42.4, the homeownership rate is 72.3%, and the average commute is about 28 minutes. The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe’s annual powwow and the North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival in Whiteville are hallmark cultural events that celebrate the area’s heritage and unity.

As the county seat, Whiteville serves as the center for government, commerce, and culture. In Whiteville, the demographics shift slightly, with a near-even split of 49% Black and 43% White, along with about 8% identifying as other or mixed races.

Its revitalized downtown—Vineland Village—is home to local shops, restaurants, and the historic Vineland Station, now a civic and event space. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville adds educational and cultural depth, drawing residents and visitors alike.

Columbus County’s identity is deeply tied to faith, family, and community engagement. Residents enjoy a slower, more intentional pace of life, supported by strong public schools, affordable housing, and close connections between neighbors. Though rural in character, proximity to major highways ensures convenience and opportunity for growth.

In essence, Columbus County and Whiteville represent the best of small-town North Carolina — a place where the past is honored, community matters, and opportunity continues to grow. For anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact, whether through service, leadership, or faith, this community offers fertile ground to plant roots and flourish.