Brunswick County, North Carolina, isn’t just growing. It’s booming. Between 2020 and mid-2024, it added roughly 33,000 residents, a population surge of more than 24%. This growth doesn’t stem from natural increase, but from migration: an influx of people relocating from elsewhere, bringing with them skills, capital, and opportunity.
So, exactly where are Brunswick County’s new residents coming from, and what does that mean for businesses considering setting up shop here?
Where Are New Residents Coming From?
Brunswick County, NC, is seeing a very high rate of domestic migration. According to recent migration data, its net domestic migration rate per 1,000 population is among the highest in the state.
Brunswick’s net gain via domestic migration is among the top in North Carolina: approximately 8,011 net new residents from other U.S. counties in 2024.
StorageCafe, a migration-analysis site, identifies the largest share of new arrivals in Brunswick County, NC, are coming from New Jersey, followed by South Carolina, Maryland, and New York.
That pattern aligns with Brunswick’s appeal as a coastal, quality-of-life destination, not just for retirees looking to settle into a more relaxed, scenic place, but also for remote workers, second-home buyers, or those seeking a slower pace.
What This Migration Means for Your Workforce
The origins and demographics of Brunswick County’s new residents have several important implications for businesses considering investing or expanding here.
Diverse, Experienced Talent Pool
The migration from states like New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and South Carolina doesn’t just bring numbers, it brings individuals with experience, education, and skilled professional backgrounds.
The fact that many newcomers are working homeowners suggests a stable, established demographic: they’re less likely to churn quickly, they may be more financially settled, and they might even bring capital or business networks.
Skilled Workforce Pipeline + Training Potential
With over 200,000 skilled workers in the region, Brunswick County is already well-positioned. But population growth accelerates this further. New residents mean higher demand for services, infrastructure, and business, which in turn spurs job creation. According to recent data, the civilian labor force in the county is well over 66,000 people, a number that has more than doubled over the last 30 years.
The presence of local higher education institutions (two universities, three community colleges) can work in tandem with this inflow. As more people settle, demand for upskilling, retraining, and continuing education increases. Your organization’s existing framework around customized training programs (e.g., through NCWorks, OJT, paid experience) can convert this demand into a real, usable talent pipeline.
Veterans and Leadership Talent
Beyond retirees, Brunswick’s region is embedded in a broader southeastern NC demographic that includes a substantial military and veteran population. Many veterans bring leadership, technical expertise (IT, engineering, communications), and decision-making skills, all highly valuable to companies looking for mature, reliable talent.
The convergence of retirees and veterans may also mean an increase in demand for management roles, mentorship, and advisory-type positions, which can be powerful for employers planning long-term growth.
Quality of Life as a Recruitment Tool
The migration data underscores that Brunswick County is not just a business destination, it’s a lifestyle destination. The influx of homeowners speaks to the county’s appeal beyond job opportunities. Brunswick County located between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, with easy access to both cities and their international airports.
For prospective employers, this is a huge plus: you can attract talent not only by offering competitive wages but by promoting Brunswick’s coastal quality of life, affordable living, and low state corporate tax (your 2.5% rate, projected to go to 0% by 2029). That makes recruitment inherently easier, especially for remote or hybrid roles and employees seeking a better work–life balance.
Why This Matters to Your Business Growth
Brunswick County’s in-migration trends are a strong signal for businesses:
- Stable, high-quality talent: The mix of veterans and experienced professionals, along with retirees, offers a reliable, mature workforce.
- Growing workforce capacity: As the population grows, so does the labor supply, especially when paired with educational institutions and customized training.
- Lifestyle as an asset: The coastal, relaxed, affordable setting becomes a strong lure in talent recruitment, especially in an era when quality of life plays a big role in location decisions.
- Partnership opportunities: Companies can partner with local colleges, NCWorks, and community leaders to build bespoke pipelines that align with both their talent needs and the county’s demographic trajectory. Also, Brunswick BID’s investors have connections throughout the area.
The Opportunity Ahead
Brunswick County’s population surge is not just about numbers. It’s about who is moving here, why they’re coming, and what that means for economic development. The trend toward in-migration from high-cost states, anchored by older, established homebuyers, suggests a stable, skilled, and relatively affluent talent pool.
For businesses looking to start, expand, or relocate here, this dynamic provides a powerful foundation: a thriving, growing workforce that values both opportunity and quality of life.
The question isn’t whether Brunswick County is growing. It’s whether your business will grow with it. Looking to expand or establish your company’s facilities? Reach out today to find out how Brunswick BID can help.