Farms and land in Brunswick County attract investors and home buyers from across the nation. The southernmost county in North Carolina, Brunswick County land encompasses 1,050 square miles, and the population of the county is 143,000 residents. Agriculture uses take up 44,700 acres with woodlands accounting for 37 percent of the total. Two-thirds of agriculture sales are from livestock and poultry. Whether looking for rural property or beaches, Brunswick County land will not disappoint. The county has an economic base made up of tourism, industry and agriculture. Five barrier islands that include six beaches attract thousands of visitors each year, and a wide assortment of additional natural resources lures hunters in search of bear, deer, rabbits, quail and pheasant. Fishermen cast their lines for a shot at catching king mackerel, wahoo, grouper and mahi-mahi. Golf, museums and two lighthouses are favorites with visitors. Old Baldy, the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, and Oak Island Lighthouse welcome visitors year-round. Among the top private employers are Progress Energy, Wal-Mart, Food Lion, Novant Medical Center and Lowes Food Stores. Brunswick County Schools provides K-12 public education, and Brunswick Community College offers higher education. Nearby, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington has traditional four-year programs as well as higher degrees.
