Building a Stronger,
More Diversified Economy
in Onslow County.
Onslow Coastal Alliance is the front door to the people, programs, and partnerships that help businesses locate, grow, and thrive here.
Welcome to Onslow County
Onslow County is building a more diversified economy on the Carolina coast. We combine shovel-ready sites, a growing civilian workforce, and strong public-private partnerships to attract higher-wage employers and help businesses put down roots.
We focus on advanced manufacturing, logistics, marine trades, healthcare, tourism, and defense-related sectors, with a clear priority on quality jobs, talent development, and long-term economic growth.
The right property,
The right partners,
The right pace.
Site selection in Onslow County is about connections and partnerships — all the way through the process. From first site visit to grand opening, we sit at the table with local government, utilities, workforce, and industry to keep your project moving. Whatever you're building, we're here to help you get it done.
Available sites across Onslow
- Phase II sections 110–130 ready
- Water, sewer, fiber, energy in place
- Phase III in site plan review
- Holly Ridge / US Highway 17 corridor
- Advanced manufacturing ready
- Camp Davis legacy district
- 12.86 shovel-ready acres
- Fully permitted & graded
- $125,000/acre
- 1.73 shovel-ready acres
- Utilities stubbed to the curb
- $125,000/acre
Where Onslow is building a stronger, more diversified economy
We're growing a balanced economy with opportunities across multiple sectors.
Here are the industries where Onslow offers clear advantages for new and expanding businesses.
Structured around your project,
built for long-term growth.
We work with companies across many industries to create customized incentive packages, fast-tracked permitting, and workforce solutions that support sustainable job creation and long-term investment in Onslow County. Whether you're expanding an existing operation or bringing a new industry to the area, we structure support around your goals and timeline.
Talk through your projectThe talent is already here.
Employers screen on one question first: can I staff this facility? Here is the publicly reported labor picture in Onslow County — and the pipelines that keep refilling it.
Where the supply comes from
Skilled, dedicated talent, ready to build with you.
Onslow County is developing a diverse and resilient workforce. We combine mission-ready talent transitioning from Camp Lejeune with growing pipelines from local schools, community colleges, and universities. Employers benefit from customized training programs, competitive labor costs, and a quality of life that helps attract and retain great people. We partner with education and training providers to build talent pipelines that support both current employers and new industries moving to the area.
Every year, thousands of service members separate from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River with technical skills, leadership experience, and a work ethic hiring managers rave about.
Why employers hire here
Education & training partners
We don't build the pipeline alone. These partners sit at the table from day one.
- Coastal Carolina Community CollegeCustom training, apprenticeships & rapid upskilling
- UNC WilmingtonFour-year degrees, applied research & internships
- East Carolina UniversityEngineering, health sciences & business pipelines
- Onslow County SchoolsCareer & Technical Education from grade 9 forward
- NCWorks Career CenterRecruiting, screening & on-the-job training grants
- Marine Corps SkillBridgeDirect hiring pipeline from Camp Lejeune & MCAS New River
Tell us who you need. We'll connect you to training partners, recruiting events, and incentives.
A place people love to visit, and want to call home.
A vibrant tourism economy strengthens our communities. It supports small businesses, creates jobs, and shows prospective residents and talent what makes Onslow special. From 27 miles of beaches and protected waterways to downtown events, festivals, and outdoor recreation, we're building a place where visitors become regulars — and regulars become residents.
Quality of life is our hardest-working recruiting tool.
Tourism builds the front door. Workforce and investment walk through it —
200+ community events a year, walkable downtowns, and 27 miles of beaches make it easier for employers here to hire and keep great people.
Six towns, one coast, each with its own economic engine.
From Jacksonville's military-anchored downtown to the beach economies of Topsail Island and the working waterfront of Swansboro, every community in Onslow County plays a distinct role in our tourism, workforce, and investment story.
Jacksonville
Home of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River — Onslow's civic, retail, and military hub along the New River.
Explore Jacksonville
Swansboro
Historic waterfront town on the Intracoastal, near Hammocks Beach State Park — a magnet for tourists, boaters, and small-business owners.
Explore Swansboro
Surf City
Family beach town established in 1949 — restaurants, fishing, kayaking, and a working sea-turtle sanctuary.
Explore Surf City
North Topsail Beach
The residential north end of 26-mile Topsail Island — pristine beach and soundside living halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville.
Explore North Topsail Beach
Holly Ridge
The mainland gateway to Topsail—and a town with its own story. WWII Camp Davis heritage, small-town festivals, and beaches just minutes down the road.
Explore Holly Ridge
Richlands
Vibrant, family-friendly community with small-town charm and a historic central business district — 'a Great Place to Grow.'
Explore Richlands
Real impact happens when we work together.
Every project starts with a conversation — with Onslow Coastal Alliance (OCA), businesses, military partners, schools, and the community at the same table.
City. County. Chamber. College. Camp Lejeune. We move as one.
Onslow Coastal Alliance (OCA) doesn't work in a vacuum. Every win is shared across a network of public, private, and military partners who believe Onslow County's best days are ahead.
Let's start a conversation.
Whether you're scouting a site, hiring a team,
or planning a visit, we'd love to hear from you.
We answer every inquiry.