About Pender
Pender County showcases natural beauty and a temperate climate. Dense woodlands within the county feature towering pines and ancient hardwoods, complemented by wildflowers blooming along the roadsides. Private lawns and gardens in the area are rich with flourishing plant life. Enjoying warm temperatures from early spring through November, Pender County benefits from an extended growing season. This extended timeframe allows both residents and vacationers to engage in outdoor activities nearly year-round.
Pender County was established in 1875 and was approved in the February 1875 meeting of the General Assembly. It was named for Confederate Army General William D. Pender. The county seat, Burgaw, combines the old and the new that typifies this Southern County. New, contemporary homes and buildings are juxtaposed with 18th and 19th-century architecture. Within Burgaw are banking and shopping facilities, municipal and county government offices, a hospital, and a satellite campus of Cape Fear Community College. Ranked as the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, Pender County has grown 15 percent since 2010. With a population of 67,729, Pender County has a labor force of 26,600 and a per capita income of $48,665.
Pender County has attracted several corporations, including Wieland, a manufacturer of electrical interconnect devices for the automotive industry; Polyhose, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial hoses and fittings for some of the world’s leading automotive and construction equipment; W.R. Rayson, a manufacturer of disposable paper goods; Ultrafoam, a producer of polyurethane foam for office furniture; and Chloride Systems, a manufacturer of emergency lighting systems.
The terrain in Pender County is predominantly flat, with soil that proves ideal for the county’s primary food crop—blueberries. Other significant contributors to the county’s economic foundation are various agricultural products, including sweet potatoes, strawberries, tobacco, soybeans, peanuts, corn, and grapes. Sod farms and nurseries are also visible in certain areas of the county.
Topsail Island, renowned as one of North Carolina’s most popular beaches, is located in Pender County. The county is characterized by extensive Intracoastal and inland waterways, notably the Cape Fear River, which has played a pivotal role in the county’s development since the American Revolution. Additionally, Pender County is traversed by the Black River, recognized as one of only two pollution-free rivers in the nation.
Pender County, situated in the Coastal Plains region of North Carolina, boasts picturesque streams, brooks, natural lakes, and ponds, enhancing its rural allure. Wilmington, a historic seaport city in neighboring New Hanover County, lies just under 30 miles from Pender County. The New Hanover International Airport facilitates 30-minute flights to Charlotte and is accessible within a 45-minute drive from any point in Pender County. Additionally, the Wilmington terminal of the North Carolina Ports Authority is a convenient 45-minute commute away.
Pender County enjoys seamless ground transportation with easy access to major highways such as I-40, US 17, and NC 132. The area is home to three higher education institutions, including The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, and Miller-Motte College, all situated in Wilmington.
Affordable real estate, a skilled workforce, and a thriving economy make Pender County an advantageous location for business endeavors. Whether you seek an ideal setting to raise a family or establish a business, Pender County’s relaxed lifestyle and planned development cater to diverse preferences.