Holly Ridge population growing rapidly

HOLLY RIDGE, N.C. (WNCT) — A small town between Jacksonville and Wilmington is growing by the day. Over the last few years, Holly Ridge has welcomed more than 1,000 new people.

Holly Ridge town officials said they don’t expect the increase to slow down and the main focus is to keep up with the growing population.

From 2020 to 2024, Holly Ridge has seen a 6.5 percent population increase and expectations are even higher for years to come. The town is on track to break 8,000 people by the end of 2028.

Executive Director of Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Mark Sutherland has been working closely with the population increase. Sutherland said the increase is likely due to the new highways making Holly Ridge more accessible.

Sutherland said being in between two large markets like Jacksonville and Wilmington has contributed to the growth.

“Housing. Number one thing is housing Now, that’s easy for me to say. All right. We are 10,000 housing units short in this county,” Sutherland said. “That’s well documented. You can’t have houses without water and sewer capacity. Roads, schools, hospitals and clinics and all the things that go with that.”

Holly Ridge has new housing projects and apartment complexes underway. Evolve will be located on Highway 17 and according to the mayor, it will also have a grocery store front.

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