Wilmington NC – Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington, North Carolina is located in New Hanover County. The city is the county seat of New Hanover County . New Hanover County is included in the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes the neighboring counties of Pender and Brunswick.

The population of Wilmington, North Carolina is estimated to be 120,586 in 2024.

Wilmington, North Carolina has 12 ZIP codes that range from 28401 to 28412. The main zip codes for Wilmington are:

28401
28403
28405
28409
28411
28412

There are also a few other zip codes that cover smaller portions or outskirts of the city. If you’re looking for a specific address in Wilmington, you’d need to know which part of the city it’s in to determine the correct zip code.

For general mailing purposes or when a single zip code is required to represent Wilmington, 28401 is often used as it covers the downtown area. However, it’s always best to verify the exact zip code for a specific location within the city.

Wilmington, North Carolina was established in 1739. The city was officially founded and named that year, in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, who was the Prime Minister of England at the time.

Prior to 1739, the area was first explored by European settlers in the 16th century, and the first permanent English settlement in the region was established in 1725 with the creation of Brunswick Town. However, Wilmington itself was not officially founded until 1739.

Wilmington, North Carolina is located approximately 36 feet (11 meters) above sea level on average.

The specific elevation details for Wilmington are:

Average elevation of 23 feet (7 meters)
Minimum elevation of -7 feet (-2 meters)
Maximum elevation of 75 feet (23 meters)
Typical elevation range of 10-40 feet (3-12 meters) in most areas

The low elevation of Wilmington makes it susceptible to flooding and rising sea levels due to climate change. The city’s proximity to the ocean and rivers contributes to its relatively flat topography and low average elevation compared to other parts of North Carolina.

Wilmington, North Carolina is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

Wilmington, North Carolina’s drinking water generally meets federal safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, the water has been found to contain some contaminants like GenX, lead, and disinfection byproducts that may be concerning, even if they are within legal limits.

No, Wilmington, North Carolina has a relatively low cost of living compared to the national average. Compared to other North Carolina cities, Wilmington’s cost of living is lower than places like Chapel Hill, but higher than cities like Hope Mills.

Wilmington, North Carolina is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is based on the average annual extreme minimum temperature, with lower numbers indicating colder climates. Zone 8b corresponds to average annual minimum temperatures between 15°F and 20°F (-9.4°C to -6.7°C).

Wilmington area recently shifted from Zone 8a to 8b in the updated 2023 USDA hardiness map, reflecting a warming trend in the region. Parts of inland Pender County near Wilmington remain in Zone 8a

Wilmington, North Carolina does receive snow, but it is relatively rare. The city typically gets around 6 inches of snow annually, with snowfall events occurring about 5-6 times per year. The average snowfall in Wilmington is significantly lower compared to other parts of the country, reflecting its subtropical climate.

Wilmington, North Carolina has a subtropical climate and does not experience extremely cold temperatures compared to other parts of the country. With overnight lows dipping below freezing on many nights, the city has a relatively mild climate overall. Daytime highs in the 50s°F (10-15°C) are typical in January.

The prettiest beach in North Carolina is widely considered to be Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in North Carolina by major travel publications like Tripadvisor, USA Today 10Best, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living. It is praised for its soft, sandy shores, calm waters, and picturesque coastal scenery.

The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington is an annual event that takes place in April.

Yes, you can drive on the beach in Wilmington, North Carolina. However, there are specific regulations and restrictions depending on the location and time of year:

Freeman Park: Driving is permitted with a fee, managed by the Town of Carolina Beach.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: Driving is allowed in the four-wheel-drive access area, and permits can be purchased for access.
Kure Beach: Driving is permitted 24 hours a day off-season (September 15 – March 31) and follows park schedule all other times.

So, while driving on the beach is allowed in certain areas, it is subject to specific rules and regulations.

The main airlines that fly into Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) airport are:

American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Avelo Airlines (seasonal)
Sun Country Airlines (seasonal)

Wilmington, North Carolina does have Uber service available.