Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 50,453 ↓ 0.3% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $48,184 35% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $128,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
| Median Age | 42.4 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 18.4% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 191 transactions |
| Active Listings | 116 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 331 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Jan 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $9,975 |
| Recent Sales | 143 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 322 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 17.80 acres |
| Active Listings | 76 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 5.75 | $38,000 | $6,609 | Whiteville |
| Feb 2026 | 7.96 | $50,000 | $6,281 | Nakina |
| Feb 2026 | 11.20 | $26,500 | $2,366 | Cerro Gordo |
| Feb 2026 | 1.50 | $49,000 | $32,667 | Nakina |
| Feb 2026 | 1.00 | $10,000 | $10,000 | Whiteville |
| Jan 2026 | 24.24 | $179,900 | $7,422 | Clarendon |
| Jan 2026 | 20.00 | $170,000 | $8,500 | Fair Bluff |
| Jan 2026 | 17.00 | $110,000 | $6,471 | Clarendon |
| Jan 2026 | 3.55 | $51,000 | $14,366 | Whiteville |
| Jan 2026 | 1.82 | $21,500 | $11,813 | Whiteville |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $22,000 |
| Recent Sales | 48 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 357 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 40 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.47 | $18,500 | Tabor City |
| Jan 2026 | 0.51 | $19,000 | Whiteville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.65 | $45,000 | Lake Waccamaw |
| Jan 2026 | 0.20 | $6,000 | Tabor City |
| Dec 2025 | 0.31 | $30,000 | Whiteville |
| Dec 2025 | 0.30 | $15,000 | Tabor City |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 50,453 |
| Population (2020) | 50,623 |
| Population Growth | -0.34% |
| Median Household Income | $48,184 |
| Median Home Value | $128,300 |
| Total Housing Units | 23,560 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 4,333 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 18.4% |
| Median Age | 42.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 3,623 (7.2%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.9% |
Market Overview
Columbus County, North Carolina has a population of 50,453, which has declined 0.34% since 2020. The median household income is $48,184, below the national median of $74,580 by 35.4%. With a median home value of $128,300 and an unemployment rate of 3.9%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 18.4% suggests soft market conditions. Columbus County remains a key area for land acquisition in North Carolina. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $9,975 per acre, with properties averaging 17.80 acres. There are currently 116 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Columbus County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Columbus County has a population of 50,453. The county has declined 0.34% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Columbus County?
The median household income in Columbus County is $48,184, which is 35.4% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Columbus County growing or shrinking?
Columbus County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.34% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Columbus County?
The median home value in Columbus County is $128,300. The housing vacancy rate is 18.4%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $9,975 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $22,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Columbus County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.