Hampstead isn’t the small, quiet community it used to be. Over the past few years, a lot has changed. New homes, more people, and more traffic. For many business owners here, that means good things — but also new problems.
The Numbers: Hampstead & Pender County Are Growing Fast
Here’s what the data shows:
- In 2020, Hampstead had about 6,940 people. By 2025, estimates put that number at ~9,400 — an increase of about 35.5% in five years. Source
- From 2022 to 2023, the population rose from ~8,340 to ~9,129 — nearly 9.5% growth in just one year. Source
- The median household income in Hampstead is about $90,184. Source
- Pender County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. Source
So: more people, more jobs, more economic activity. That’s the backdrop many local business owners are living in now.
What That Growth Looks Like Day to Day
With more people moving in and more money flowing through the area, the effects are showing up everywhere.
- More Customers, More Demand: Places that once saw slow weekdays are now steady. More families, more full-time residents, less reliance on just summer traffic.
- Higher Costs, More Competition: As demand increases, rents go up, labor is harder to find, and supply issues get tougher.
- Infrastructure Strain: Roads, parking, and utilities were built when the population was smaller. Growth has put pressure on those systems. Business owners report traffic delays, delivery issues, and little room for expansion.
Local Business Spotlights
- Pender Pines Garden Center: A long-established business in Hampstead. As neighborhoods nearby grow, more customers come looking for landscaping materials, plants, and specialty garden supplies. The Garden Center has had to stock more, expand inventory, and manage heavier traffic. But they also cope with rising costs for supplies and worker shortages — a balancing act many small shops now face.
- Hampstead Mulch & Stone: Owner Fred Eike has seen the boom first-hand from his business on U.S. 17. “We’re playing catch-up,” he told WECT. “The population is exceeding catch-up.” He worries the coming Hampstead Bypass won’t outpace the traffic already caused by development and rapid growth.
What Officials Are Saying
Even state leaders recognize the challenge. NCDOT engineer Brad Haste said there’s been “tremendous growth” in Pender County, noting that the bypass is meant to bring relief but also admitting many residents already feel the congestion daily. Source
What Needs to Happen Now
Growth isn’t a bad thing — it brings opportunity. But to keep Hampstead a good place for both businesses and residents, some changes are needed:
- Better Planning & Infrastructure
Expand roads, improve traffic flow, especially during peak times. Add more parking near shopping and dining areas. Upgrade utilities to handle more demand. - Support for Small Businesses
Provide help with hiring, job training, and local workforce development. Keep commercial space affordable. Boost local marketing and events to drive foot traffic. - Thoughtful Growth
Zoning and development should balance growth with preserving character. New hubs should consider green space, traffic, and community needs. Encourage investment in a variety of businesses, not just big chains.
Why It Matters
If small businesses can adapt — and if planning keeps pace — Hampstead can enjoy the best of both worlds: more shops, more choices, more prosperity, without losing what makes it special. The friendliness, the local flavor, the close-knit feel.
If not, there’s risk. Small shops may get squeezed out by bigger ones. Traffic and utility issues may worsen. And the sense of community that made Hampstead appealing could be harder to hold on to.
