Onslow County

Onslow County is an administrative division in southeastern North Carolina that stretches along the Atlantic coast. The area includes urban centers like Jacksonville, rural regions, and coastal territories with a population exceeding 200,000 residents.

The county was established in 1734 and named after Arthur Onslow, an influential Speaker of the British House of Commons. Its founding occurred during the colonial period as the region developed as a coastal settlement.

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune shapes the county identity, accommodating 43,000 military personnel and contributing to the area's demographic composition.

Jacksonville serves as the county seat and provides access to government services and courthouse facilities for residents. The Albert J. Ellis Airport connects the region with commercial flight options to larger cities and destinations.

The Intracoastal Waterway and protected wildlife areas shape the natural character of the region. These water routes and land features give the area its distinctive coastal identity.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1734

Capital city: Jacksonville

Shares border with: Jones County, Carteret County, Pender County, Duplin County

Website: http://onslowcountync.gov

GPS coordinates: 34.71000,-77.41000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:14