The 2024 U.S. Census Bureau numbers show a continued pattern of significant growth for the Town of Leland.
The State Demographer estimates a certified population count of 33,065, which marks a 44.33% increase from 22,908 in 2020. The 2024 Census statistics represent where people were living as of July 1, 2025.
Leland is the largest municipality in Brunswick County, now recognized by the Census as the fastest-growing county in the state. The county saw a 24% population increase between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2024, bringing the total population to 169,448.
| Area | 2020 Population | Latest Population | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town of Leland | 22,908 | 33,065 | +44.33% |
| Brunswick County | 136,693 | 169,448 | +24% |
Leland residents are located within an hour of several higher education institutions, offering a wide range of academic and career-focused programs in areas such as healthcare, STEM, and the arts.
Nearby colleges and universities include:
- University of North Carolina- Wilmington (UNCW)
- Brunswick Community College (BCC)
- Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)
Brunswick County offers a wide range of educational options for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including a variety of public schools as well as private school choices, providing families with flexibility to meet different learning needs.
Leland’s central location provides convenient access to major cities, transportation corridors, and regional travel hubs. Residents and businesses benefit from quick connections to interstate highways, a growing commercial airport, and the Port of Wilmington. Together, these assets support economic growth, mobility, and regional connectivity.
Major Highway Access
- U.S. Highway 74/76
- Interstate 40
- Interstate 140
| Destination | Distance or Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Wilmington | 10 minutes |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 90 minutes |
| Raleigh, NC | Approximately 2 hours |
| Wilmington International Airport (ILM) | 11 miles |
| Port of Wilmington | 7 miles |
International Airport (ILM)
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is just 11 miles from Leland, offering nonstop flights to major cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia. With multiple airlines and expanding routes, ILM makes regional and national travel quick and convenient.
ILM now also serves seasonal and vacation markets such as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (starting winter 2025), and West Palm Beach, FL, expanding its reach beyond traditional hub cities.
Direct flights currently include:
| Destination | Destination |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC (CLT) | Atlanta, GA (ATL) |
| Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) | New York, NY (LGA / EWR) |
| Philadelphia, PA (PHL) | Boston/Manchester, NH (MHT) |
| Detroit, MI (DTW) | Hartford/Bradley, CT (BDL) |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) | Fort Myers, FL (RSW) |
| Orlando, FL (MCO) | Tampa, FL (TPA) |
| Nashville, TN (BNA) | New Haven, CT (HVN) |
| Baltimore, MD (BWI – seasonal) |
North Carolina’s corporate income tax rate is 2.25% and will be reduced to 2% in 2026. The tax is planned to be phased out completely starting in 2030. The North Carolina individual income tax rate is 4.25% and is scheduled to decrease to 3.99% for taxable years after 2025.
