Land Use Plan Update Population Study-1992

Population Study of New -HanoverCounty
= September=1992
-NewVHanover County Plannmg'Department
_ = DexterHayes Director
Patrick Lowe; Assistant Director .
_
Staff Planners _
= Walter' Pete" --Avery .
=Wanda Coston
= Sam Burgess -
- Chris O'Keefe
CAMA°Intern
D. Dylan Lee,
- Janet Lawson
Michael Hermann
Administrative. Secretary
21
- Phoebe Saavedra
Graphus Plannmg4Technician
Lisa Elaine Horne
New Hanover;County Board of Commissioners
`E. L. "Matt" Mathews, Chairman
RobertG._Greer, Vice Chairman'
-
- _ Jonathan Barfield ' °
Fred Retchm
`William H. Sutton
Planning -Board Members
:Eatnest Punkas,=Chairman - =
Kenneth A. Shankl in, :Vice Chairman
Robert -McDonald
Wesley.O Nixon ".
_ ` William Grathwol
- _ ' C Ricliard Boesky _
Charles'R. Howell
7.
-Y The prcpacatiea of tali document was fmanced, in pact. through a Costal Area Wfaoagemeat Act
by the North carol- coatal Mamg-- Progmm. thcwgh Fuada '
grmt provided p+a+ded
the Coastal Zeae Mzaagcmeat Ad of 1972, as amended, is admmisteied by the Office
by z
_
x ofOceaaaadComWRewumMwagemeat Nate Oceanic and AtmosphericAdminatnhao.`'=
-

Population Study of
New Hanover County
September 1992
Wilmington - New Hanover County
Land Use Plan Update

C
Preface
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), enacted in 1974 by the North Carolina
General Assembly, requires that the 20 coastal counties of the state prepare land use plans.
These plans provide a framework used to guide local leaders as they make decisions for the
protection, preservation, orderly development and management of the North Carolina
coastal area. The original CAMA Land Use Plan for New Hanover County was adopted in
1976. Updates to the plan are required by CAMA on five year intervals This report is part
of the third plan update (1981, 1986 and 1991) performed in conjunction with the
Wilmington -New Hanover Comprehensive Planning Program, initiated in 1974.
In accordancewithCAMArequirements, the land useplan consists ofthefollowing elements:
1.) Summary of data collection and analysis;
2.) Existing land use map;
3.) Policy discussion;.
4.) Land classification map.
This information plays an important role in the formulation of local development
regulations, such as zoning ordinances, and it provides input for growth policy decisions.
These reports also provide useful data to the public and private sector in considering
development proposals.

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10]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. SUMMARY............................................................................... 1
Past Growth Trends.................................................................. 1
Population Composition............................................................ 2
PopulationProjections.............................................................. 2
Sub-areaTrends...................................................................... 2
Housing................................................................................ 3
Income................................................................................. 3
Education.............................................................................. 3
Tourism................................................................................ 3
Decennial Census Information..................................................... 4
II. POPULATION............................................................................ 4
County Growth Trends....................................................:......... 4
A. Projections............................................................................ 8
Overview.......................................................................... 8
B. Population Characteristics.......................................................... 9
AgeStructure.................................................................... 9
Growth Analysis.................................................................12
C. Sub -area Trends......................................................................13
III. HOUSING.................................................................................14
IV. INCOME...................................................................................17
V. EDUCATION.............................................................................18
VI. TOURISM.................................................................................19
VII. CONCLUSION...........................................................................20

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1
New Hanover County Census Counts. and Projections 1930 to 2020 ......................
4
TABLE 2
Increases and Average Annual Growth Rates ..................................................
5
TABLE 3
State, Region and County Population...........................................................
6
TABLE 4
Average Annual Growth Rates...................................................................
6
TABLE 5
Population Change in New Hanover County Due to Migration .............................
8
TABLE 6
Projected Median Age in New Hanover County ...............................................
I I
TABLE 7
Trends in Age Distribution 1970 - 2020........................................................12
TABLE 8
New Hanover County Population by Race and Sex...........................................13
TABLE 9
Sub -region Data - Population by Municipality .................................................14
TABLE 10
HouseholdSize......................................................................................14
TABLE 11
Housing by Tenure...........:......................................................................16
TABLE 12
Per Capita Income..................................................................................17
TABLE 13
Median Household Income........................................................................17
TABLE 14
Educational Attainment of People 25 and Older...............................................18
TABLE 15
Annual Visitation to New Hanover County ....................................................19
U

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1
Total Population for New Hanover County and Absolute Increase for Each Decade .... 5
FIGURE 2
Region "0" and New Hanover County Population Projections ............................. 7
FIGURE 3
Population Pyramids (1980 - 2020)........................................................... 9,10
FIGURE 4
Trends in Me Distribution (1970 - 2020)......................................................12
FIGURE 5
Population and Housing, Wilmington and New Hanover County ..........................15
FIGURE 6
Percentage of People Below the Poverty Level 1979 - 1989................................18
FIGURE 7
Percentage of High School Graduates...........................................................19
K

Ee
'-Region "O"consists of
New Hanover, Pender,
Brunswick, and Columbus
Counties.
The United States
Census defines an urban
rea as an area with 1000
or more people per
square mile..
Population Study of New Hanover County
I. SUMMARY
Past Growth rends
The population of New Hanover County grew from 103,471 in 1980 to 120,284 in
1990. This population increase, however, marked the first deceleration in growth rate that
the County has experienced since the 1960 census. Despite the decline, the County's annual
growth rate of 1.5% continued to be above that of the State's 1.2%. Thus, New Hanover
County's share of the State's population continues to increase. Region "0"1 also had an
increasing growth rate during the 1980's. The Region's average annual growth rate was
1.6%, which is higher than the growth rates of both the State and County. New Hanover
County's percentage of the Region's population has remained steady with no net change
occurring in the region since 1970.
In -migration has been responsible for the majority of New Hanover County's
growth. In the past decade 11,579 new residents moved to the County, accounting for 69 %
of the increase in population. The rest of the County's growth, 5,234 residents, can be
attributed to natural increase.
Presently, New Hanover is the eleventh most populous County in the State.
Additionally, the County's large population is confined to a limited amount of land (the
County is the second smallest in the state in terms of total land area -185 square miles).
These two facts combine to make New Hanover County one of the most urban counties in
North Carolina with an estimated 1991 population density of 660 persons per square mile.
Of the County's 120,284 residents, 106,537 (88.6%)live inanurbanizedarea2. Oftheurban
residents, 101,357 were in Wilmington and the contiguous area. Only 13,747 (11.4%)
people lived in rural parts of New Hanover County.

Population Composition
As a principal demographic group, baby -boomers have a definite presence in New
Hanover County and are greatly affecting many characteristics of its population. The baby -
boom generation, people bom between 1946-1964, is getting older. In the County, one of
the baby -boom age groups, people age 35 - 44, grew by over 50%. Other age groups also
experiencing large percentage growth include the 65 and older group (45%) and the 45 - 54
age group (22 %). Growth in these populations indicates the increasing percentage of older
adults in the County. Not surprisingly, the median age for residents has changed from 30
years in 1980 to over 33 years of age in 1990. This is nearly equivalent to the State's 1990
median age of 33.
The County's declining growth rate among children, prevalent during the 1970's, has
begun to reverse. The population in the under 5 age group increased by over 10%. This
growth can also be attributed to the aging of the baby -boom generation. These people are
now young -to -middle age adults in their prime child-bearing years.
Population Projections
New Hanover County's population is expected to grow by 15,296 during the 1990's,
giving it a population of 135,580 by the year 2000. This projection reflects a continuance
of the deceleration in population growth. The Region "O" area and the State also expect
decelerating growth rates through 2020.
The age of the average New Hanover County resident is projected to increase in the
1990's and on into the twenty-first century. The median age of a resident is expected to rise
from 33.8 in 1990 to 41.5 in the year 2020. As the adult population ages past the child-bearing
years, growth by natural means will diminish. Therefore, the projected additions to the
County populations will become more dependent on in -migration. Current projections
support this, with a fairly constant number of in -migrations being responsible for the
majority of the County's population growth.
Sub -area Vends
During the 1980's, the percentage of New Hanover County's total population residing
in incorporated areas increased by 4.3%. Two annexations took place in 1984 and 1985
which helped to bolster Wilmington's percentage of the County's population by 3.7%.
Wilmington's share ofthe population rose from 42.5 % in 1980to46.2% in 1990. Atthesame
time, Carolina Beach grew by 1.1 %, increasing its share of the County's population from
1.9 % to 3.0 %. The trend was not reflected in Wrightsville and Kure Beaches where a slight
decrease in their portion of New Hanover's overall population occurred'.
K
X
-' The Town of O
Wrightsville Beach
disputes the 1990 U. S.
Census countsfor the
area.
KJ

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Housing
A rise of 13,757 housing units accompanied the increase in the County's population
which occurred in the 1980's. The total number of housing units in New Hanover County
increased by 24.1 %, from 43,319 units in 1980 to 57,076 units in 1990. Much of the increase
can be accounted for by the continued popularity of single-family housing construction. The
demand for new houses seemed to be the strongest in the coastal and estuarine areas of the
County, where a majority of construction occurred.
During the same period of time, vacancies increased by almost 2%, indicating that
construction of new houses out -paced the demand created by population growth. The
percentage of vacant homes in New Hanover County rose to 15.7 %, afar higher figure than
the national average of 10.1 %.
Although overbuilding contributes to the County's vacancy rate, many of the vacancies
in the County are the result of seasonal residencies.
Income
QNew
Hanover County residents, as awhole, improved their income standing during the
1980's. In the past decade, the County's per capita income figure ($13,863) remained above
state ($12,885) and national ($12,979) levels. The median household income also fared well
in comparison to North Carolina and the United States. At the same time the poverty rate
in the County dropped from 15.2 % to 14.0 %.
Education
New Hanover County is improving its educational status. The percentage of people 25
years or older who have a high school degree has risen from 45.5% in 1970to78.1 % in 1990.
The 1990 figures showed that the County had a higher percentage of high school graduates
than the United States.
Tourism
Tourism provides for short term boosts to the County's population. The area's tourist
attractions combined with the amenities of the coastal environment have made this region
Qa
popular tourist destination. It was estimated thatvisitation to the County between June 1990
and May 1991 was 1,328,000.

Decennial Census Information
Every ten years the federal government takes a census of the nation's population.
Census information ranges from population and housing counts to social characteristics such
as ancestry, tenure and number of vehicles owned. The first U.S. census was taken in 1790
when Thomas Jefferson supervised the country's enumeration. Decennial census data
consists of two components: the 100-Percent Component, which is comprised of population
and housing information on each and every household; and, the Sample Component, which
consists of more detailed information from a smaller sample population.
The "Population Study of New Hanover County" utilizes available 1990 census data
and data from past decennial censuses to analyze changes in size and structure ofthe County's
population. In addition to current and past population figures, the study also uses projections
developed by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, the State Data
Center, and the County Planning Department. Generally, data provided by the U.S. Census
Bureau is considered to be accurate, however, as in the case of Wrightsville Beach, these
figures are sometimes disputed.
II. POPULATION
County Growth rends
Traditionally, New Hanover County has experienced erratic growth in its population.
Over the past 50 years, events which took place during World War H produced the County's
largest growth rates. After several decades of moderate increases, the growth rate reached
a second peak during the 1970's. In this period, increases in industrial and other activities
helped to add almost 25,000 residents to the County. During the 1980's, growth continued
but at a lesser rate. Table 2 gives annual growth rates for the County. From this table, we
see that the growth rate during the 1980's declined slightly from those of the 1970's.
Table 1 - New Hanover County Census Counts and Projections 1930 to 2020
Year
Population
Percent Increase
1930
43,010
1950
63,272
32.0
.....:.:
1970
15.7
a 90 ...
1:8.
...82,996 ..
.::..........
..2........
199.........................................
120,
16.3
2000,.....:::..
135,58U..
.........
:`.., 8.
.....::............... ...... ..
2010
147,809
9.0
.. ZU20.........
..... ........... 6....::::.:...:>:::::»
........... .
> ......
Table 2 located
on page 6.
EO
Source. United States Census
4

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Table 2 - Increases and Average Annual Growth Rates
Absolute
Average Annual
Year
Increase
Growth Rate
1930-44 :
:: :.. 4,925
:;:...: 109.9
1940-50
15,337
2.81 %
t950�0.:> >
....................................................:...:.::..................................:...::.................
.....................................................................................................................
:>: ::.......8,470.....
.. :
...:. :..... .12G96....
1960-70
11,254
1.47 %
..:;:::
s,475.::,.:::::;
;:.:.:.:.;::.;:.:
:...::.:: 223
1980-90
16,813
1.52
............
1990-0Q.. '
?"` ?» 15t2 (r :: > :>»
.:...:.:...... 2 .....
2000-10
12,229
0.87
.....
2010 :€....::
:.::::.:.::
::...:1U,617 ...:::.:....:;..:...0
7U`Yo
Source: United States Census
Figure 1 - Total Population for New Hanover County and
Absolute Increase for Each Decade
200,000
49 150,000
0
0
9
c
100,000
0
a.
a. 50,000
0
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Year
O 10 Year Increase ® Total Population
Q I Population has increased in New Hanover County gradually since 1930.
From 1970 to 1980 the County experienced its largest growth period.
W

Although projections show continued population growth for the County through the
year 2020, the growth rates are expected to decline steadily. The State Data Center envisions
an aging County population producing fewer babies which, in turn, results in declining
growth rates to the year 2020.
Comparing the population counts and trends in New Hanover County to those in
Region "O" and of North Carolina helps to provide reference points to analyze changes in
New Hanover's population. Tables 3 and 4 compare the three regions and include projections
through the year 2020.
Table 3 - State, Region and County Population
Year
New Hanover
Region "O"
North Carolina
1950 :
-..
63272
151,554
4,061,929
1960
71,742
159,502
4,556,155
197Q
;:
82996
172,305
5,082,095
1980
103,471
212,500
5,881,766
1990
120,284
U- 9 7I1------------
6 628 b37
2000
135,580
285,996
7,399,715
:..:.:
20TQ
14,84916,301
$,Q36,789
2020
158,426
343,269
8,692,652
Source: United States Census
Table 4 - Average Annual Growth Rates
Year
New Hanover
Region "O"
North Carolina
1950-60 .:..::........
.........................................................................................................
126
Q,51 >'<':'::s::'
. 1 15 ;
1960-70
1.47
0.78
1.10
':;1970 8Q
;:.::..;:;
223
.::.:.:::..::.. ..:...:..::::::..::.:
.................. 1-46
1980-90
1.52
1.62
1.21
1990-00
120
..:.
_ 13T. ;':::;
..:.:.:.:
;'::: 111
2000-10 .....................0.87
..
1.01
0.83
zoYo-zo
oo ..
...:.....::.::...
0 8
>.;'> 0.7
Source: United States Census
Tables 3 and 4
located this page.
101
AW
0

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Examining the growth rates for these areas illustrates how dramatically the Regional
population has increased since 1970. During the 1950's and 1960's, the increase in the
Regional population was well below the growth rates in both New Hanover County and
North Carolina. Since 1970, however, increased development in the Region's other
attractive coastal areas has caused the population of Region "O" to increase at a faster pace
than both New Hanover County and the State. The growth rates for Pender and Brunswick
Counties should continue to outpace the rest of the Region and the State for the next several
decades.
Figure 2 - Region 11011and New Hanover County Population Projections
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
0
100,000 200,000 300,000
Population in Thousands
0 New Hanover County ® Region "O"
400,000 500,000
New Hanover County's share of the State's population continues to rise. In 1950,
the County's share of State's population was 1.56%. This percentage has risen steadily
since then and in 1990 the County was home to 1.81 % of the State's residents.
7

A. Projections
Overview
Population projections for New Hanover County are prepared by the Office of State
Budget and Management. Population projections provide a basis for evaluating the possibili-
ties of future development and for estimating future land use needs. Additionally, these
projections provide essential information in planning for the provision of public services
such as water, sewer, roads, and park facilities.
The cohort -component method is used by the State to project population. This
method projects population based on such "cohorts" as age groups, gender, and race.
Several "components" (birth, death, and migration rates) are applied to the cohorts to
forecast future population counts. Most often, age groups are aged forward for a time
increment, in this case 10 years, while death and migration rates are applied to them. In
determining the childhood population, women in their child-bearing years (usually age 1 S-
44) have birth rates applied to their age group which provides an estimate for child births.
The cohort -component method is useful in many planning functions. It can yield
detailed population data in terms of age, sex and race. This information is useful in the
planning ofhousing, schools, and otherfacilities aimed at certain segments ofthepopulation.
This method does not, however, take into account the area's economic base or carrying
capacity which can have a significant impact on the areas potential for growth. Finally, it
should be noted thatthe State's projections have historically been accurate and are considered
reliable estimates for population change.
Table 1 shows the projected population counts for New Hanover County. These
projections show steadily declining rates of growth through the year 2020. Within this
period, the effects of an aging baby -boom generation will be felt. The number of adults in
their prime child bearing years is projected to decrease, thus lowering the birth rate. This
"baby -bust "cycle will be characterized by a decrease in natural growth. Thus, the projected
population growth in New Hanover County will primarily occur through in -migration to the
area. In support of this, estimates show migration increasing its percentage of County growth
from 69% in the 1980's to 87% between the years 2010 and 2020. (see Table S)
Table 5 - Population Change in New Hanover County Due to Migration -
I County Growth By % Growth Due I
Year Growth Migration To Migration
:goo -so;
4-,
2a,4�s .::.:.:..
. . , . 0 .... % -
15109:
7....
: X ::,. ,3 8%:.....::;
1980-90
16,813
11,573
68.8%
........:.
.::;1990-00...?296
9,694.:.:.:::»<,.>'''::6
4%..
2000-10
12,229
9,512 .::::.:.
77.8%
010 20::..::::::.10
_... _.........................,,.............::;:.::.::.....
6I7
235
>;8T 090 '.`:>
Table 1 located
page 4.
Table S located
this page.
C
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Source. North Carolina State Data Center
8

IN
B. Population Characteristics
Age structure
The 1990 Census data indicates that the median age of New Hanover County's residents
continues to increase. A combination of factors, including the aging of the baby boom
generation and the influx of retired citizens, are responsible for this shift in age structure. The
65 and older age group continued to be one of the fastest growing age groups in the County,
while the 35-44 age group experienced the largest percentage gains of all age groups with a
58% increasefrom 1980to 1990. During this same period, there was a decrease of residents
age 14 and under. However, this decrease was smaller than that of the 1970's and projections
show this age group growing in the 1990's.
Figure 3 - Population Pyramids
1980
1990
9

ITIN
2010
2020
Source: North Carolina Office of State Planning
LJ
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X
01
Figure 4 located
page 12.
Table 6 - Projected Median Age in New Hanover County
Year
Age
...........................
...........................................
..........................................
...........................................
i 9a
_...._......................
.........................................
276
1980
30.0
199t><> >>`>33`
2000
37.3
...........................
..........................................
..........................................
...........................................
2020
41.5
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
1970 1990 1990 2000 2010 2020
Source: North Carolina State Data Center
The age of the average New Hanover County resident is projected to increase in the
1990's and on into the twenty-first century. The median age of a resident is expected to rise
from 33.8 in 1990 to 41.5 in the year 2020. As the adult population outgrows their child-
bearing years, natural increases in growth will diminish. This occurrence is displayed in the
population pyramids as the percentage of residents in the four and under age bracket drops
from about 3.23 % in 1990 to 2.81 % in 2020.
As shown in figure 4, there has been significant change in age distribution for all age
groups in the past twenty years. In 1970, 46.0 % of the New Hanover County population was
made up of young people (24 years old or less) while adults (people between the ages of 25
and 54) made up 36.5% of the population. At the same time, older adults (age 55 and over)
constituted 17.5% of the County's population. In the early 1980's, as the adult population
continued to increase and growth in the population of young people slowed, both age groups
had an equal share of the population.
Since the early 1980's, the adult population has continued to grow at a faster rate than
that of young people, and now contains a much larger share of the total population. In 1990,
the adult population was 43 % and the percent of young people in the County had dropped
to 35.5%. This is probably due to the fact the large baby boom population (people born
between 1946 and 1964) had reached the adult age category. Also, in 1990 the older adult
population had grown to 21.5 % of the County's population. This increase may be due in part
to New Hanover County's increasing popularity as a retirement destination.
In the year 2000, the gap between young people and adults will begin to get smaller and
thepopulation ofolder adults will beginto grow at an accelerated rate. The increase in elderly
population will come about as a result of the aging of baby boomers and the continued influx
ofretirees.
11

Table 7 - Trends in Age Distribution 1970 - 2020
Young People
%
Adults
%
Older Adults
%
1970
38,159
46.0
30,345
36.5
14,492
17.5
1980
42,396
41.0
40,537
39.1
20,538
19.9
1990
42,654
35.5
51,757
43.0
25,873
21.5
2000
44,583
32.9
59,248
43.7
31,746
23.4
2010
47,119
31.9
58,369
39.5
42,324
28.6
2020
48,074
30.3
58,081
36.7
52,276
33.0
Figure 4 - Trends in Age Distribution 1970 - 2020
50
W1
a
0
3 40
w 35
0
30
a
25
20
15 "
1970
1980 1990 2000
Year
(0-24) (25-54) (55+ )
Young People Adults Older Adults
Source. United States Census and North Carolina Office of State Planning
Growth Analysis
Both black, white, and other ethnic populations gained in numbers during the
1980's. However, the overall percentages of racial structure showed some change. In both
percentage and overall numbers, white residents in the County increased more than other
racial groups. Conversely, while the number of black residents increased, their overall
percentage of the population shrank. The reason for this difference is found when analyzing
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12

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the components ofpopulation change: The black population had a higher natural growth rate,
but the overwhelming percentage, 98.8% ofthe 11,573 new migratory residents, were white.
Projections through the year2020 show black residents increasing naturally in numbers
faster than white residents. With the addition of migration, though, the overall percentage
indicates that the ethnic make-up of the population will not change much from the present
distribution.
Table 8- New Hanover County Population by Race and by Sex
New Hanover County
North Carolina
1980
1990
1980
1990
White
80,353
94,895
4,457,507
5,008,491
Black
22,371
24,097
1,318,857
1,456,323
Other
747
1,292
105,402
163,823
Totals
103,471
120,284
5,881,766
6,628,637
Male
49,364
57,071
2,855,385
3,214,290
Female
54,107
63,213
3,026,381
3,414,347
Source: 1980 Decennial Census, 1990 Decennial Census
C. Sub -area Vends
All of the incorporated areas of New Hanover County experienced gains in population
between 1980 and 1990. Wilmington, with the annexations of Pine Valley and part of Winter
Park, received the largest population gain among the incorporated areas.. Carolina Beach
grew more than all of the other beach communities. Wrightsville Beach saw minimal gains
in resident population as counted by the census. However, according to the Wrightsville
Beach Planning Office, the northern end of Wrightsville Beach experienced significant
growth in year round population which was not accounted for by the Census Bureau in
Wrightsville Beach's population totals.
13

Table 9- Subregion Data - Population by Municipality
1960 % 1970 % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 %
Unincorporated
25,521
35.5%
33,069
39.8%
53,976
52.2%
57,568
47.9%
59,465
43.9%
Wilmington
44,013
614lQ
46,1G9
55 6'
44,000
41 SYo
55,530 462%
62,365
460Ia
Wrightsville Beach
723
1.0%
1,701
2.1'%
2,884
2.8'%
2,937
2A%
7,550
5.6%
Carolina Beach
1,192
17Ya
I,6ti3
1]'I.
2,OOa
19'�a,b30
3 OYa
4,?SO
3 5%
Kure Beach
293
OA%
394
0.5%
611
0.6'%
619
0.5%
1,450
I.1%
Totals 71,742 100.0% 82,996 100.0% 103,471 100.0% 120,284 100.0% 135,580 100.0%
Source. United States Census Bureau, Cape Fear Council of Government, Wrightsville,
Carolina and Kure Beaches and the City of Wilmington.
Of the unincorporated County, the waterfront locations were the areas that developed
the most. A great deal of development activity in these areas has occurred through the last
decade and this trend is expected to continue. Since 1980, more than 50% of the County's
population growth has been concentrated in census tracts along the coast.
M. HOUSING
The decade of the 1980's saw much activity in housing construction. Nationwide
trends of population growth and decreasing household sizes were the same factors which
helped fuel the construction boom in New Hanover County. In the past few decades, a
decrease in the average household size occurred. Thig decrease is mainly the result of more
single -person households, migrants of retirement age, and the decreasing size of the average
family. Coupled with that, New Hanover experienced large increases in its population during
the 1970's and 1980's. The result of these events was a housing market that grew
considerably. Developers responded by building new homes to accommodate the increased
demand. Table 10 and Figure 5 show the declining household size and the increase in single
person households.
Table 10- Household Size
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
New Hanover
:::3 43
3.08
2.61 <
2.43
2 3$
...._...
Wilmington
_._
3 3E
2.93
Z 45:
2.26
Z 2Z
North Carolina
3 66 _;
3.24
.......
2 80:<
2.54
:.
2 34
United States
;<3 3 .;
3.14
2 74
2.63
.
2 39 .:
Source. 1986 Population Study, New Hanover County, North Carolina Data Center
and the United States Census Bureau.
Table 10 located
on this page.
Figure 5 located
on pages 15 and 16.
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Figure 5 located
this page.
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A considerable amount of construction activity occurred within the County during the
1980's. Figure 5 reveals that during this period 13,757 units were added to the County's
housing stock. These additions were partially absorbed by new -comers to the County. New
residents typically settled in the rapidly developing areas along the coast. Some homes,
however, were also left unoccupied. Other houses were occupied on a seasonal basis. As
a result, the County's vacancy rate increased to over 15%. (77te 1990 national rate was
10.1 %). The high percentage of vacant homes indicates that the housing market maybe
saturated. Economic conditions generally dictate the demand for new housing. However,
changes in current economic conditions combined with , continued growth through in -
migration may increase the demand for housing. Despite this fact, it is unlikely that new
housing construction in the County will recover to the levels experienced in the 1980's.
With the help of two annexations, Wilmington's housing stock also expanded during
theeighties. Figure 5 illustrates thaduring the last decade, an additional 7,257 housing units
were added to the City's total. During this same period the vacancy rate for houses in the
City rose from 9.4%to 11.0 %. The increased number ofvacancies indicate thatWilmington
is also facing the same saturated housing market as the County. It should be noted that the
vacancy rate within the unincorporated County is influenced more by vacancies due to
seasonal residencies and, therefore, is higher.
Figure 5 - Population and Housing, Wilmington and New Hanover County
35,000
30,000
25,000
V!
.d
20,000
N
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Wilmington
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year
■ Occupied l] Vacant
15

80,000
60,000
43
c 40,000
20,000
0
New Hanover County
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year
■ Occupied ❑ Vacant
Note. Vacant housing projections for Wilmington in the year 2000 are based on 11.0% vacancy
rate. Vacant housing projections for the year 2000 in New Hanover County are based on a
15.0% vacancy rate.
As shown in Table 11, national trends in housing tenure generally hold true in
unincorporated New Hanover County. The majority of houses, about 6 in 10, are occupied
by their owners. In the City of Wilmington, the percentage of owner -occupied houses is
about 47 %. This lower owner occupancy rate is typical of Wilmington, though. The City
has historically provided municipal services ri.e. water and sewer) which have led to the
concentration of more multi -family, rental housing within its boundaries.
Table 11 - Housing by Tenure
%
Owner Occupied
%
Rental Occupied
1970
1980
1990
1970
1980
1990
Wilmington 51.5
47.2
47.1
Wilmington 48.5
52.8
52.9
Newlanover
.......................
..::;.62,7:::::...
.......................................................................
.................................
NewHanover...37.1..:.:....35.4:;
_ .......................
..:..37.3
United States 62.9
64.4
64.0
United States 37.1
35.6
36.0
Note. In 1970 and 1980 only year-round housing units were counted for the census.
The 1990 census includes both seasonal and year-round vacancy counts.
The 1970 -1980 Mnington and New Hanover rates were adjusted to include
seasonal and year-round vacancies.
Since 1985, the popularity of single-family homes has resulted in additional construc-
tion in the unincorporated County. Construction of single-family housing has surpassed the
construction of duplexes, multi -family complexes, and the installation of manufactured
housing units. In 1991, a total of 1331 mobile homes and other housing units were added
to the existing housing stock. Of these new housing units, 992 or 25% were single-family
dwellings.
Table 11 located
this page.
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Table 12 and 13
located this page.
Figure 6 located
page 18
W 5 —11 LCOl1 1 o
Income figures for the County remained strong in comparison to those of the State and
the Country. The 1990 census recorded the income data for 1989. In 1989, the per capita
incomefigure for New Hanover County ($13,863) was higher than that ofthe State ($12,885)
and the U.S. ($12,279). The County did fall below national levels in median household
income. Most likely, these income levels are reflective of the lower income levels found in
the South. (see Table 12 and 13)
Table 12 - Per Capita Income
Current
Constant*
1979
1989
1979 1989
New Hanover $6,747
$13,863
$8,551 $13,115
NorthCarolma $6,133
-
$I2,885
.. ....::
$7 773 $I2190
. ...:......... .
United States $6,819
$12,979
$7,906 $12,279
Source: 1991 United States Statistical Abstract, United States Census
and North Carolina Statistical Abstract.
Note: *Constant dollarfigures in 1982 dollars.
Table 13 - Median Household Income
Current
Constant*
1979 1989
1979 1989
New Hanover $15,341 $27,320
$19,444 $25,847
NorthCarofma $14,48I :`: ' ;:: $26,647
........ $t8 3S4 $25;ZI0
United States $16,461 $28,906
$20,863 $27,347
Source: 1991 United States Statistical Abstract, United States Census,
and 1991 North Carolina Statistical Abstract.
Note: *Constant dollarfigures in 1982 dollars.
When comparing poverty rates, the County lags behind State and National levels. The
poverty level varies by person or family based on qualities such as age and family size. In
1989, the poverty threshold for a family of four as defined by the United States Census was
$12,575. State and National poverty rates have remained lower than both the City and
County. On the positive side, the percentage ofpeople in both Wilmington and New Hanover
County living at or below the poverty level decreased during the 1980's. (seefigure 6.) North
Carolina, which traditionally has a high poverty rate, closed the gap substantially on the
nation. The State rate dropped to within two/tenths of a percent of the national level (12.8170).
New Hanover County also approached the national rate with a 1.2 % decrease in its poverty
rate. The City has a comparatively high poverty rate, although poverty rates are typically
higher in more urbanized areas.
17

Figure 6 - Percent of People Below the Poverty Level, 1979 - 1989
15.5
15
14.5
14
13.5
13 -
12.5 19 ' 79 1989
New Hanover County North Carolina United States
V. EDUCATION
Residents ofthe County have improved their educational attairtmentto levels above the
national average. In 1970, the percentage of New Hanover County residents over the age of
25 that had graduated from high school was 45.5%, a figure which was below the national
average. In 1990, that percentagejumped to 78.1 %, putting it above the national average of
76.9%.
Table 14 - Educational Attainment of People 25 and Older
No High School
High School
Some College/
Bachelor's
Graduate or ' Total
Diploma
Diploma
Associate Degree
Degree
Professional Degree
..... ........
............. . ...
22,578
.............
. . ..... ..... ......
11,935
..
.... .... ......
606
....... .......
77,970......
...........
......................
.... .. ... .........
(29.00/0)
. ......... ..
.... ..... ---
(153%)
.....
.. . ......... .....
.......... . (100.0%)
............... ....
Source. United States Census.
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Table 15
located below.
Figure 7 - Percentage of High School Graduates
Peroentage
90
80
70
60
50
40
30 '
1970
VI. Tourism
1980 1990
New Hanover County North Carolina Unitcd States
Tourism has traditionally had a significant effect on short-term and seasonal population
counts. The presence of regional service and retail business along with popular tourist
attractions like the Battleship North Carolina and Fort Fisher Aquarium bring many visitors
to the County. Furthermore, the area's beaches and their associated amenities make the
County a popular destination for tourists. Evidence of this can be cited in the summertime
population counts of the beach communities. During the summer, the daytime population at
Wrightsville Beach can swell by as many as 25,000 - 35,000. A considerable increase from
the permanent population of about 3,000. This situation repeats itself at the Pleasure Island
Communities of Kure Beach and Carolina Beach where they have population counts of
20,000 - 25,000 during the summer. Tourist locations are becoming more accessible as well.
With the recent completion of Interstate 40 and additions to the New Hanover International
Airport, future visitation of these sites should grow steadily.
Due to the large amount of single day visitors, or "Day -Trippers ", an accurate count
oftourists to the County is hard to determine. Using various visitor related economic figures,
The North Carolina Aquarium Feasibility Study estimated the number of annual visitors to
the County between June 1990and May 1991 to be 1,328,000. The breakdown ofthe figures
used to derive this number can be seen in Table 15. The 620,000 number for "Day -Trippers "
is an estimate of this segment of the tourist population based upon traffic counts.
Table 15 - Annual Visitation to New Hanover County
Hotel/Motel Visitors 500,000
Private Home V1sltors 208'000.
.....
Day Visitors 620,000
Total Annual Visitation to The County 1,328,000
Source: The North Carolina Aquarium Feasibility Study.
Joseph Wetzel Associates, Inc. Dec. 301991. p. 43.
19

VII. Conclusion
C
The 1992 Population Study of New Hanover County provides a wealth of information
aimed at profiling and projecting County population conditions. Most ofthe data used in this
report comes from the latest 1990 census publications, which provided the most accurate and
up-to-date figures available.
As documented in this Study, the County is continuing to urbanize. Population and
housing counts are growing and the income and education levels of County residents are
improving. The report also points out some significant issues of concern, such as the growing
number of elderly residents and the relatively high poverty rates which are present in the
County.
With the aid of this population data, plans and policies are developed to address and
improve conditions and provide for the needs of County residents. Businesses along with
the general public can use the population information as a reference. Additionally, the report
gives historical data which records how County growth has taken place.
As depicted in this study, the dynamics of population growth in New Hanover County
continue to change. This report profiles these changes in order to give the reader a better
understanding of the County's population and social conditions. As a result, this population
study will be a valuable source of information for local decision makers, businesses and the
public in planning for New Hanover County's future.
20