Best In North Carolina Real Estate™: Wilmington

Wilmington, NC ranks #5 of 15 North Carolina metros in 12-month labor force growth, with a -0.7% change in September 2026—among the weakest in the state. This data comes from ALEX Intelligence's analysis of BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics and Current Employment Statistics, sourced directly from https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-11-05-wilmington-lab-bls-labor-force-growth-12m-msa. While most metros are growing their labor forces, Wilmington is contracting—yet this is not a sign of decline. It reflects a mature, in-migration-driven economy where demand outpaces supply. The real estate market remains resilient, with home values rising and sales activity holding strong. What does a shrinking labor force mean in a market where home prices are still climbing? It suggests that the city is no longer growing through population influx but through deepening local engagement. How does your market compare? Let’s discuss. 12-month growth in the metropolitan labour force (September 2026), top 10 (ALEX Intelligence — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026) #1 Raleigh-Cary, NC — 0.5% #2 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC — 0.2% #3 Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC — -0.6% #4 Rocky Mount, NC — -0.6% #5 Wilmington, NC — -0.7% #6 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC — -0.8% #7 Greensboro-High Point, NC — -1.1% #8 Burlington, NC — -1.1% #9 Winston-Salem, NC — -1.2% #10 Asheville, NC — -1.5% Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Slide 1: ProfReader (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=131358972; Slide 2: Idawriter (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=53876171; Slide 3: DiscoA340 (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=125047422; Slide 4: DiscoA340 (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=125047474 Source: https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-11-05-wilmington-lab-bls-labor-force-growth-12m-msa View and join any or all of our communities — AI, quantum, and real estate: https://alex-companies.com/reports/linkedin-groups If there's an AI, quantum, or real estate community you'd like to see us convene, tell us — this portfolio grows by request. Real Estate Strategy & Intelligence Leader. Democratized Blue Ocean Strategist & Operator. Diane Hart Alexander, MBA, MHA Chair & CEO, ALEX Companies Designated Broker, Alexander Tiffany Southwest, LLC dba ALEX.realestate, et.al. Texas License #574877-B · Broker License #565194-BB [email protected] · +1 713.591.9902