The 2022 U.S. Census Bureau numbers show a continued pattern of significant growth for the Town of Leland. The total population count of 28,126 marks a 107.9% increase from 13,527 in 2010. The 2022 Census statistics represent where people were living as of April 1, 2022. Leland’s population is increasing daily, so these numbers are already well behind the population the Town currently serves. Leland is the largest municipality in Brunswick County, which the Census indicates is now the second fastest growing county in the state. A 42.3% increase since 2010 puts Brunswick County’s population at 152,908 as of 2022.
Leland residents and businesses have easy access to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Brunswick Community College, and Cape Fear Community College. These schools offer exceptional training for a variety of highly specialized skills. For K-12, there are several exceptional schools to consider. Brunswick County Schools are dedicated to producing college and career ready graduates.
Leland is a short drive to many larger cities such as Wilmington (10 minutes to downtown), Myrtle Beach (90 minutes), and Raleigh (two hours). We have direct access to major interstate highways including Highway 74/76, Interstate 40, and Interstate 140. Wilmington International Airport is 11 miles from Leland. The growing airport is home to five major airlines that fly to 17 nonstop destinations daily. Additionally, Leland is only seven miles from the Port of Wilmington.
North Carolina’s corporate income tax rate, which is already the lowest in the nation at 2.5 percent, will be reduced to 2.25 percent in 2025, and phased out completely starting in 2030. The North Carolina individual income tax rate is 4.75 percent.
Leland has plenty of shovel-ready industrial and commercial sites, a streamlined turnkey permitting process, and the commitment of Town leadership to support economic growth in the community. As an example, the Leland Innovation Park (formerly Leland Industrial Park), has more than 225 acres of vacant land available for new and expanding businesses with a focus on advanced manufacturing, distribution, bio-science, marine aquaculture, and marine biotechnology.
On top of the lowest corporate income tax rate, a variety of incentives are available at the county and state levels for companies looking to locate and expand here.