Onslow County, North Carolina Real Estate Investing Guide

Onslow County is located in the southeastern coastal region of North Carolina, approximately 120 miles east of Raleigh and 50 miles north of Wilmington. The county seat is Jacksonville, which serves as the primary population and economic center. Other communities include Swansboro, Richlands, Holly Ridge, North Topsail Beach, and Sneads Ferry.

Investors are drawn to Onslow County primarily due to the presence of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River—two of the largest military installations on the East Coast. Camp Lejeune alone creates an economic impact of $4 million annually and supports over 43,000 active duty service members, plus 6,500 civilian government employees. This military presence drives consistent rental demand from military personnel, families, and civilian contractors who frequently rotate through the area on orders.

The county’s strategic coastal location provides access to the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, while maintaining more affordable housing costs than nearby coastal markets. The military-driven economy provides rental stability with high occupancy rates, as service members require housing both on and off base. Additionally, the county has experienced steady population growth of 2.8% between 2020 and 2023, reaching over 214,000 residents, making it the 13th most populous county in North Carolina.

Population & Demographic Overview

Current population: 208,537 (2023). datausa.io

Trend: +2.38% growth from 2022 → 2023. datausa.io

Median household income: $64,568 (2019–2023, inflation-adjusted). Census.gov+1

Median age (signal for tenant profile): ~27.1 (DataUSA), consistent with a younger, service-member-heavy market.

The median household income in Onslow County is $64,568, which is above the state median of $58,109. The per capita income is $51,585 (state: $58,109). The county’s racial composition includes White (69.24%), Black or African American (12.54%), and Hispanic (13.8%) populations. The median age is 25.4 years—dramatically younger than the state average of 39.9 years—reflecting the large military population.

The tenant base in Onslow County is heavily influenced by the military presence and includes active duty military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, military families requiring off-base housing, civilian government employees and contractors working on base, healthcare workers at Onslow Memorial Hospital, and service industry workers. Approximately 63% of households are renter-occupied, while 37% are owner-occupied—significantly higher rental rates than most counties due to the transient military population. The veteran population comprises 15.5% of residents, the highest rate in North Carolina.

Rental Market & Long-Term Rental Potential

Average rent benchmarks (Jacksonville market):

  • Zillow reports average apartment rents around $1,150 for 2BR and $1,574 for 3BR in Jacksonville. Zillow
  • Rentometer’s Jacksonville averages are similar: ~$1,191 (2BR) and ~$1,569 (3BR). Rentometer
  • Zillow’s ZORI page shows an overall average rent ~ $1,367 for Jacksonville (Nov 2025). Zillow

HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2025) – Jacksonville, NC MSA (Onslow County) baseline:

Typical monthly rent range (low → high, based on current listings signal):

  • 2BR houses in Jacksonville commonly show listings from roughly $775–$1,500/mo depending on location/condition. Zillow+1
  • Zip-level “house rent range” examples can run roughly $750–$2,300 in parts of the market (example: 28544). Zillow

Primary rent drivers (what usually matters most for underwriting):

Healthcare (local hospital employment) than the national average of $1,625 per month. Studio apartments average $1,529, one-bedroom apartments average $1,075 to $1,103, and two-bedroom apartments average $1,217.

Camp Lejeune demand base (large stationed population) onslowcountync.gov+1

MCAS New River (aviation/operations support demand) installations.militaryonesource.mil+1

Primary rent drivers include Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (43,000+ active duty service members and 6,500 civilian employees), Marine Corps Air Station New River, MCCS Camp Lejeune (Marine Corps Community Services), Onslow Memorial Hospital (1,000+ employees), Onslow County Schools, Coastal Carolina Community College, and various retail and service sector employers. The $4 million annual economic impact from Camp Lejeune alone creates substantial employment and housing demand.

The common tenant profile is dominated by military personnel on PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders, typically requiring 2-4 year leases, military families seeking off-base housing with proximity to schools and base gates, civilian contractors and government employees working at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, healthcare professionals, and young service members and veterans. The transient nature of military assignments creates consistent turnover and sustained rental demand, with most tenants seeking properties within 15-20 minutes of base gates.

Fix-and-Flip & Value-Add Opportunities

The median home sold price in Jacksonville (Onslow County’s largest city) was $260,000 in June 2025, up 4.3% from the previous year. Additional data shows median prices ranging from $234,000 to $295,000 depending on source and time period, indicating a moderately appreciating market. The median price per square foot is approximately $163 to $180.

Typical price ranges for distressed or fixer properties generally fall between $160,000 and $220,000, providing accessible entry points for investors. Properties requiring cosmetic updates, system replacements, or more extensive renovations can often be acquired below median prices, particularly in areas outside the immediate vicinity of Camp Lejeune gates.

Homes in Jacksonville averaged 35 to 42 days on market in mid-2025, with 71% of homes selling within 30 days. The sale-to-list price ratio is approximately 97.9%, meaning homes sell close to asking price. In June 2025, approximately 57% of homes sold under asking price, 30% at asking, and 13% over asking, suggesting negotiation opportunities exist but competition remains present for desirable properties.

Demand for renovated homes remains strong, particularly for properties with modern finishes, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and move-in-ready condition that appeals to military families on short timelines for relocation. The market supports value-add strategies for investors who can improve distressed inventory and position properties for military buyers or renters who need quick occupancy. Properties near Camp Lejeune gates (Piney Green, Onslow Bay) and near schools command premium pricing.

Local Economy & Employment Base

Onslow County’s economy is heavily anchored by military installations and supporting industries:

Major Employers:

  • Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (43,000+ active duty service members, 6,500 civilian employees, $4 million annual economic impact)
  • Marine Corps Air Station New River
  • Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Camp Lejeune (1,000+ employees)
  • Onslow Memorial Hospital (162-bed facility, 1,000+ employees, 100+ doctors)
  • Onslow County Schools (1,000+ employees)
  • Onslow County Government
  • Coastal Carolina Community College (40-50% of students are active duty military)
  • Walmart, Food Lion, Lowe’s (major retail employers)
  • Convergys (call center, 500+ employees)
  • Stanadyne (automotive parts manufacturer)
  • Marine Federal Credit Union

Economic Drivers:

  • Military installations provide the foundation of the local economy, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs
  • Healthcare sector with Onslow Memorial Hospital and medical practices
  • Education through Coastal Carolina Community College and public schools
  • Retail and service sectors supporting military families
  • Tourism from coastal access to beaches and Intracoastal Waterway
  • Average weekly wage: $857 (county) vs. $1,262 (state average)

The military presence creates economic stability and reduces exposure to typical economic cycles. Military budgets and personnel levels remain consistent, providing predictable employment and housing demand. The Department of Defense is by far the largest employer, with related civilian positions in healthcare, education, and services supporting the base population.

Why Invest in Onslow County?

  • Consistent Military Demand: Camp Lejeune’s 43,000+ service members create reliable rental demand with high turnover
  • Strong Rental Market: 63% renter-occupied households (highest in region) due to military population
  • Affordable Entry Points: Median home prices $234,000-$260,000 with distressed properties available $160,000-$220,000
  • Population Growth: 2.8% growth (2020-2023) and 14.88% growth since 2010, making it NC’s 13th most populous county
  • Economic Stability: Military installations provide recession-resistant employment base
  • Young Demographics: Median age 25.4 years (military families and service members)
  • Above-Average Income: Median household income $64,568 supports rental affordability
  • Coastal Location: Access to Atlantic beaches and Intracoastal Waterway without premium coastal pricing
  • Tenant Profile: Military tenants typically sign 2-4 year leases with stable income and BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
  • Higher Veteran Population: 15.5% veterans (highest in NC) often return to area after service

Buying or Selling Property in Lenoir County?

JND Real Estate Group, LLC works with local and out-of-state investors looking to buy discounted properties in Lenoir County, North Carolina. If you are searching for off-market deals, long-term rental properties, or fix-and-flip opportunities, contact us today to learn more.

Contact Information:

Janice Shearin – 252-326-1197
Dwight Cox – (919) 944-7248

jdrealestategroup@yahoo.com

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Important Investment Disclosure

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. All market data, population statistics, rental estimates, pricing information, and other metrics are derived from third-party sources believed to be reliable; however, JND Real Estate Group, LLC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. Real estate markets are subject to change, and conditions may vary by property, neighborhood, and time. Investors are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent due diligence, verify all data independently, and consult with licensed professionals prior to making any investment decision. JND Real Estate Group, LLC assumes no liability for investment decisions made based on the information presented on this website.