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Employment

Currently more than 8 million people live in North Carolina. The state's growth rate made it the 5th highest in the nation from 1995 to 2000, and by 2030 population is estimated to reach well over 12 million.

The Greater Topsail Area lies midway between the Jacksonville and Wilmington MSA's. The region along and east of the U.S. 17 Corridor is witnessing significant growth. The state unemployment average for 2006 was 4.8 percent. In Onslow County annual unemployment was at 4.6 percent, while in Pender the figure was 4.2 percent. These are however, countywide figures, and may not accurately represent employment trends in the area.

Most of the businesses in the Greater Topsail Area are small business, primarily in the retail and service sectors. Employment is, as one might expect, seasonal, with the peak season beginning Memorial Day, and continuing through Labor Day.

As the area grows, more and more individuals are moving into the area, and commuting to jobs in nearby Jacksonville and Wilmington.