Home > Our Communities > Onslow Beach

Our Communities

Onslow County

Founded in 1735, Onslow County derives its name from Arthur Onslow, speaker of the House of Commons in Great Britain for 33 years. With a population of 150,673, and a tax rate of .67 cents per $100 valuation of property, Onslow County is divided into five townships - Jacksonville (the county seat,) Richlands, Swansboro, Stump Sound and White Oak. Stump Sound extends southward to the Pender County line and is the Onslow County township in which the towns in the Topsail area lie.

Governed by a Board of Commissioners that consists of a chairman and four members, that appoint the county manager, Onslow County's economy is largely driven by retail sales. Agriculture and the fishing industry run a close second but the county is currently in the process of a comprehensive growth plan that includes countywide sewer and zoning to further diversify its economic base.

To that end, Onslow County has two industrial parks. The N.A. Burton Business and Industrial Park, located on U.S. 258 near Jacksonville, has 735 acres and is the focal point for manufacturing industries. The Jacksonville Industrial Park has 55 acres available and is situated on Western Blvd. - a prime area that is currently experiencing tremendous growth.

Onslow County plays host to numerous events including the county fair held each October in Jacksonville.