Moving to Atkinson, North Carolina

The current estimated population of Atkinson, North Carolina, is 300, with a fairly balanced gender distribution (48% male, 52% female). The population has remained relatively stable over the years, with little growth due to the rural nature of the town.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1889
  • County Affiliation: Pender County
  • Land Area: 0.7 square miles
  • Population Density: 428 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 910
  • Zip Codes: 28421

Geography and Location

Atkinson, North Carolina, is located in Pender County, in the southeastern part of the state. It is a small, rural town nestled within a region characterized by forests, farmlands, and wetlands. The town is situated about 30 miles west of Wilmington and 80 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This places Atkinson within a relatively short distance from the Atlantic Coast, giving residents access to beaches and coastal activities.

The geography of Atkinson is shaped by its location in the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina, known for its flat terrain and sandy soils. Much of the area surrounding Atkinson consists of agricultural fields and timberlands. The nearby Black River, which runs just east of the town, is a prominent natural feature and provides opportunities for fishing and recreational activities.

The climate in Atkinson is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area is susceptible to the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being a small town, Atkinson offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to the natural beauty of eastern North Carolina.

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.5 years
Median household income: $34,375
Median house value: $71,100

Population by Race

Races in Atkinson:

  • White Non-Hispanic (87.3%)
  • Black (10.6%)
  • Hispanic (2.1%)

Ancestries: English (16.9%), United States (13.6%), Scotch-Irish (8.5%), German (6.4%), Irish (5.9%), French (3.4%).

Elevation: 63 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Atkinson

  • High school or higher: 86.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
  • Unemployed: 0.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 30.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Atkinson town

  • Never married: 13.3%
  • Now married: 68.2%
  • Separated: 0.6%
  • Widowed: 11.0%
  • Divorced: 6.9%

3.0% Foreign born (2.1% Latin America, 0.8% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: -48 (-16.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Atkinson:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atkinson:

Other public-use airports nearest to Atkinson:

  • HENDERSON FIELD (about 18 miles; WALLACE, NC; Abbreviation: ACZ)
  • CURTIS L BROWN JR FIELD (about 28 miles; ELIZABETHTOWN, NC; Abbreviation: EYF)
  • SAMPSON COUNTY (about 33 miles; CLINTON, NC; Abbreviation: CTZ)

Amtrak station near Atkinson:

  • 20 miles: WALLACE (600 N. NORWOOD ST.) – Bus Station. Services: public payphones.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atkinson:

  • CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 26 miles; WILMINGTON, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,550)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-WILMINGTON (about 29 miles; WILMINGTON, NC; Full-time enrollment: 8,996)
  • COASTAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 58 miles; JACKSONVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,237)
  • FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 59 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 3,506)
  • HORRY-GEORGETOWN TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 66 miles; CONWAY, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,315)
  • FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 67 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 4,815)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE (about 72 miles; PEMBROKE, NC; Full-time enrollment: 2,806)