As the population booms in Brunswick County, what places are needed to keep up?

Brunswick County’s rapid population growth has brought with it a surge in residential and commercial development, but there’s still more to be desired.

Driving across the county, you’re bound to pass a couple of construction sites – the beginnings of a new housing development, apartment complex or grocery store.

Here’s what’s behind the development and what’s coming soon to the county.

What kind of population growth has Brunswick County seen in recent years?

Brunswick County has seen rapid population growth in the past several years. The county continues to rank among the highest in the state for population growth, and data released this year suggests it’s also among the fastest growing counties in the nation.

In July 2021, the county had an estimated population of 144,814. That number rose by 8,250 residents to 153,064 in July 2022 – a 5.7% increase in one year.

Leland – the largest town in the county – remains one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina.

U.S. Census Bureau data released last year showed between April 2020 and July 2021, Leland grew by 8.6%, bringing its total population to 25,974.

Early in the pandemic, four of the six places with the highest population increase in the state were in Brunswick County, with Northwest, Navassa and Calabash joining Leland in the list.

According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the state’s population growth is largely driven by cost of living, access to recreational activities, education, healthcare and climate.

Entertainment options lack in Brunswick

Perhaps one of Brunswick’s largest pulls is its beaches. The county has six beach towns: Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach and Bald Head Island.

Aside from the access to beaches, golf courses and some historic sites, there are a lack of entertainment options in the county.

One hope to satisfy that need is the potential project looking to bring a minor league baseball stadium to the county along U.S. 17 in Leland. The development would cover 1,400 acres near Brunswick Forest and include the stadium and entertainment complex as the anchor surrounded by an “entertainment district” to include restaurants, retail, commercial services and housing.

The project has hit a few bumps along the way and is currently awaiting an economic feasibility study by the town of Leland before potentially moving forward.

However, the Southport and Oak Island areas are getting an entertainment complex alongside more shopping and dining options.

Desires vary from town to town

On social media, residents are vocal about their desires for the county and their individual towns. Those desires vary from area to area.

In more highly populated areas, such as Leland and Shallotte where big box stores and chain restaurants are present or on the way, residents seem to desire more unique, local spots.

Gary Vidmar, former economic and community development director, told the StarNews before his June retirement that typically fast-food dining follows housing and population growth, then fine dining and other retail move in.

"That's something we're hoping to see here in the coming years," Vidmar said of fine dining in Leland.

In places where long-established local options are available – such as Calabash, Southport and the smaller beach towns – there exists a desire for more access to mainstream, chain retail and dining options.

More: After years of rumors, Brunswick beach town getting first fast-food restaurant

With the growth Brunswick County has experienced over the last decade, one thing many residents have expressed concern about is the last of medical professionals, including specialists and dentists. Many existing medical practices are not taking new patients, and doctors have large caseloads. Those who need to see a specialist may find themselves traveling to Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and many still have to wait months for an appointment.

With development also comes some impacts residents aren't thrilled about, including the loss of trees to make way for housing and other projects. With every new development proposed come concerns from residents who desire the county's green space to remain untouched.

The county's ordinances outline that clearcutting should be avoided when properties are undertaking development activity and selective removal of trees is “strongly encouraged." Also, individual municipalities within the county also have ordinances restricting the removal of trees for development.

What’s coming?

Much of the county’s commercial and retail growth is occurring in its larger towns.

In Leland, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Cook Out, 7-Eleven and more are under construction. Several more unleased commercial spaces have been approved and are in the works, meaning the potential for even more dining, retail and commercial development.

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Plans to build a Shallotte location of the popular breakfast chain Biscuitville were recently approved by the Shallotte Board of Aldermen, continuing the growth seen by the town.

The county has also approved a host of new housing developments – namely in southern Brunswick County. With more people already here and more on the way, Brunswick’s commercial development likely won’t slow any time soon.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Places needed in Brunswick County NC