About Pender County
Pender County is located in southeastern North Carolina along the Atlantic coastal plain, bordered by the Cape Fear River to the west and extending to the beaches of Topsail Island to the east. Pender County Seat is Burgaw, a historic town situated approximately 20 miles north of Wilmington. Established in 1875 from New Hanover County, Pender County includes approximately 933 square miles, including 311 square miles of inland water. Pender County's population has grown significantly in recent decades, estimated at over 63,000 residents as of 2023.
- Pender County Register of Deeds office is located at 805 South Walker Street in Burgaw, maintaining all land records and vital records.
Major landmarks include Holly Shelter Game Land, one of North Carolina's largest wildlife management areas covering over 64,000 acres, and the beaches of Surf City and Topsail Beach along the barrier island. Pender County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, timber, and commercial fishing, but has diversified with residential growth and tourism. Pender County Tax Assessor operates from Pender County Government Complex at 805 South Walker Street, handling property assessments and tax records.
Pender County Clerk functions are performed through Pender County Clerk of Superior Court at Pender County Courthouse, 100 South Wright Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. Pender County's unique position between Wilmington's urban corridor and the beaches makes it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pender County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout Pender County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the operation of Pender County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on solving crimes and controlling illegal drug activities in Pender County.
Police Departments
In addition to Pender County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Pender County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Burgaw Police Department and the Surf City Police Department. These agencies operate within their respective city limits, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. The collaboration between these agencies ensures full coverage and efficient response to incidents across Pender County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pender County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including operating Pender County Detention Center. Located at 605 East Fremont Street in Burgaw, NC 28425, the Sheriff's Office can be contacted through the office’s website. The agency's website at www.pendercountync.gov provides limited public information, though full online inmate searches are not consistently available through Pender County portal.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office either in writing or in person, though fees may apply for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are maintained by Pender County Detention Center, and while these are public records under state law, Pender County does not maintain a publicly searchable online database.
- Requests for booking photos must be submitted directly to the detention center with specific identifying information about the individual.
- Response times for public records requests vary but are generally provided within a reasonable timeframe as mandated by state statute.
Inmate lookup for Pender County Detention Center typically requires calling the facility directly at or visiting in person during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Surf City Police Department, serving the incorporated beach town, and the Burgaw Police Department within the town limits of Burgaw. Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public information, though certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide offender database for people convicted and sentenced to state custody.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Pender County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can request background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the State Bureau, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and ongoing investigations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pender County are maintained by Pender County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The North Carolina Public Records Law, also known as Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes, governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pender County Detention Center, located in Burgaw, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Pender County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and entering personal information into the system. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows North Carolina state law, allowing arrested individuals to post bail for release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pender County are taken and retained by Pender County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. North Carolina does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Pender County's judicial system operates through the North Carolina court structure, with Pender County Courthouse located at 100 South Wright Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 The courthouse houses both Superior Court, which handles felony criminal cases and civil matters exceeding $25,000, and District Court, which adjudicates misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, domestic matters, juvenile cases, and estates. Pender County is part of Judicial District 5, which also includes New Hanover County.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are set by state statute, typically $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with additional certification fees.
- Research fees may apply for extensive searches conducted by court personnel.
- Online access through the statewide system is free for basic case information, but full records often require visiting the courthouse in person or submitting written requests to the Clerk of Superior Court.
Court sessions are held regularly with a rotating schedule of Superior Court judges from Pender County and resident District Court judges. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system at www.nccourts.gov/services/search-court-dates-and-case-information, though capabilities vary and some detailed records require in-person requests. Estate matters and probate are handled through the Clerk of Superior Court, with original wills, estate inventories, and guardianship records maintained in the clerk's office.
Public access to court records is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109 and Administrative Office of the Courts policies, which establish that most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions for juvenile, adoption, or certain mental health proceedings.
Property & Public Records
Pender County Register of Deeds, located at 805 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425, phone, maintains all land records, property deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanics liens, plat maps, easements, and various other recorded instruments affecting real property in Pender County. The office also is the repository for military discharge papers (DD-214s) and certain notary public records. North Carolina General Statute § 161 governs the duties and recordkeeping requirements of the Register of Deeds.
- Pender County Register of Deeds provides online access to land records through a subscription-based system at https://rodcrpi.pendercountync.gov, where users can search by name, book and page, or property identifier.
- While viewing index information may be free, accessing full document images typically requires a fee-based account or per-page charges.
- An online property search tool is available through Pender County's website at www.pendercountync.gov, providing free access to basic ownership, assessed value, tax amount, and payment status information.
- Pender County also offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning designations, and related spatial data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees of $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pender County, North Carolina, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Pender County are maintained by Pender County Register of Deeds at 805 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
- The current fee is $24.00 for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate during business hours, while mail requests may take 7-10 business days.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Pender County Register of Deeds office prior to marriage, with both applicants present and valid identification required.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in North Carolina.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the state's vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply beyond the state statutory fee.
North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93 establishes that certified copies of birth certificates are available only to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Death certificates have fewer restrictions after they become public records one year after the date of death. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 100 South Wright Street, Burgaw, NC 28425, as they are court proceedings.
For vital records dating back further or for statewide searches, the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics in Raleigh maintains records from October 1913 forward for births and deaths, and January 1962 forward for marriages and divorces. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal authority to obtain restricted vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Pender County operates through multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Pender County Tax Department handles county business licenses and privilege license taxes for businesses operating within unincorporated areas of Pender County. Contact the Tax Department at 805 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425, phone, for information on local business licensing requirements.
- Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) are filed with Pender County Register of Deeds at the same address complex, requiring a fee of approximately $26.00 for the initial registration.
- These assumed name certificates are public records searchable through the Register of Deeds office.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sosnc.gov, allowing the public to verify business registrations, view officers and registered agents, and check entity status.
- Pender County Chamber of Commerce, located at 5180 US Highway 17 North, Hampstead, NC 28443, provides business resources and networking opportunities, with information available at www.pendercountychamber.com.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Professional licensing for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers is handled by respective North Carolina state licensing boards, not at Pender County level. Sales tax permits and certificates of registration are issued by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are administered by Pender County Planning and Community Development Department at 805 South Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 Incorporated municipalities including Surf City, Topsail Beach, and Burgaw have separate municipal business licensing requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pender County, North Carolina, are administered by Pender County Board of Elections, located at 807 South Walker Street, Suite 2, Burgaw, NC 28425. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at www.pendercountync.gov/departments/board-of-elections. Voter registration in Pender County can be completed online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at www.ncsbe.gov/registering, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles during license transactions, or by mail using a voter registration application.
- These records are available for inspection at the Board of Elections office during business hours and many are posted online after elections.
- In the November 2024 general election, Pender County reported voter turnout of approximately 66-68% of registered voters, consistent with North Carolina's strong participation in presidential election years.
- Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter in North Carolina; applications must be submitted to Pender County Board of Elections and can be requested online, by mail, or in person.
The registration deadline is 25 days before any election, though North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period for those who miss the standard deadline. Early voting for major elections typically begins 17 days before Election Day and continues through the Saturday before the election at designated sites including the Board of Elections office and other locations announced prior to each election. Voters can find their polling place by entering their address at the state Board of Elections website or by contacting Pender County elections office directly.
Public election records include voter registration lists (available with certain personal information redacted under NCGS § 163-82.10), campaign finance reports for local candidates filed with Pender County board, precinct-level election results, and candidate filing information. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate contests, North Carolina state legislature seats, county commissioners, sheriff, and various local offices. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail or delivered to the Board of Elections office by 7:30 PM on Election Day. North Carolina law provides substantial transparency for election records, with precinct results, provisional ballot counts, and audit reports available to the public under NCGS § 163, promoting accountability and confidence in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Pender County's economy has transformed significantly over the past three decades from primarily agricultural and forestry-based to a mixed economy driven by residential development, construction, tourism, and service industries. Pender County's proximity to Wilmington and coastal beaches has made it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, with population growth rates exceeding 20% between decennial censuses. Major employers include Pender County Schools system, Pender Memorial Hospital (part of Novant Health), county government, and retail establishments.
- The median household income in Pender County is estimated at approximately $58,000 as of recent Census data, slightly below the state average but reflecting Pender County's transitional rural-suburban character.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with row crops including soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes, along with livestock operations and aquaculture. The forestry industry continues to use Pender County's extensive timberlands, particularly in the Holly Shelter area. Tourism contributes substantially to the economy, centered on Topsail Island's beaches in Surf City and Topsail Beach, generating seasonal employment in hospitality, restaurants, and recreation.
The construction and real estate sectors have experienced sustained growth, driven by residential development targeting retirees and Wilmington commuters. Pender County has actively pursued economic development through industrial parks and business incentives, with the Northwest Pender Industrial Park offering sites for manufacturing and distribution operations. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above the state average, ranging from 4-6% in non-recession periods.
Recent economic development initiatives include infrastructure improvements along the US Highway 17 corridor and efforts to attract light manufacturing and logistics operations. Pender County's strategic location between Interstate 40 and coastal markets positions it for continued economic diversification.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Limited) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Pender County provides good online access to property records and election information, with court records available through the state system. Jail/arrest records require direct contact with the detention facility.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Pender County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Pender County, North Carolina.