Hampstead, North Carolina - Wikipedia

Census-designated place in North Carolina, United States

Hampstead, North Carolina
Census-designated place
Hampstead, North Carolina
Coordinates: 34°21′46″N 77°43′55″W / 34.36278°N 77.73194°W / 34.36278; -77.73194
Country	United States
State	North Carolina
County	Pender
Area[1]
• Total	20.38 sq mi (52.78 km2)
• Land	20.24 sq mi (52.42 km2)
• Water	0.14 sq mi (0.36 km2)
Elevation[2]	46 ft (14 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	7,016
• Density	346.7/sq mi (133.85/km2)
• Summer (DST)	EDT
ZIP Code	28443
Area codes	910, 472
FIPS code	37-29180
GNIS feature ID	2628632[2]

Hampstead is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. It is located between Wilmington and Jacksonville on U.S. Route 17 and includes an area sized just over 20 square miles.[3]

Hampstead is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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Hampstead, North Carolina, is a community with a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. Situated in Pender County, along the eastern coast of North Carolina, Hampstead has evolved from its early agricultural roots to become a thriving residential area with access to nearby beaches and recreational opportunities.

Hampstead was named after the 1740 plantation of John Mott, of Hempstead, Long Island. ref> Origin of the Mott Families of New Hanover County. New Hanover County Library.

The Belvidere Plantation House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[4]

Geography

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Hampstead is found in Pender County in the U.S. Route 17, about 17 miles northeast of Wilmington and 25 miles southwest of Jacksonville. Around 20.5 square miles of land is covered by the CDP area, bordering tidal marshes, intracoastal Waterway, and coastal land [5]

Its location is strategic, as it is home to the north-south commuter corridor. This allows for commuting to Wilmington, out of town, or to other areas for employment.

Early Settlement and Colonial Era

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The area now known as Hampstead was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear Indians. European settlers began to arrive in the early 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. The town of Hampstead itself was established in the 1730s and was originally known as Sloop Point.

During the colonial period, the region's economy thrived on agriculture, with plantations producing crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. The area was also strategically important due to its location along the coast.

American Revolution and Civil War

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Hampstead played a role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. In 1776, the nearby Moores Creek Bridge was the site of a significant battle, where Patriots successfully defeated Loyalist forces, helping to secure North Carolina for the Revolutionary cause.

While no major battles occurred in the immediate area during the Civil War, the conflict had a significant impact on the local economy and residents. Many Hampstead residents were involved in the war effort, and the town experienced the hardships and challenges of the era.

Post-Civil War Reconstruction and 20th Century

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Following the Civil War, Hampstead, like many Southern towns, experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. Agriculture remained central to the local economy, with farmers primarily growing crops like cotton and tobacco.

In the 20th century, Hampstead remained a small, rural community, with a focus on agriculture and fishing. However, with the expansion of nearby Wilmington and the development of transportation infrastructure, such as highways, Hampstead began to see gradual growth and development.

Recent Development

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In recent decades, Hampstead has experienced significant growth and development, driven by its proximity to Wilmington and its appeal as a residential area. Subdivisions, shopping centers, and other amenities have been built to accommodate the growing population.

Today, Hampstead retains some of its rural charm while also offering modern amenities and access to nearby beaches and recreational opportunities.[citation needed]

Demographics

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2020 census

[edit] Hampstead racial composition[6]

Race	Number	Percentage
White (non-Hispanic)	5,970	85.09%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	214	3.05%
Native American	27	0.38%
Asian	55	0.78%
Pacific Islander	4	0.06%
Other/Mixed	317	4.52%
Hispanic or Latino	429	6.11%

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2010	4,083	—
2020	7,016	71.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,016 people, 1,946 households, and 1,475 families residing in the CDP.

Schools

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In the locality, there are four elementary schools serving the community: North Topsail Elementary, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Elementary, and Surf City Elementary.

Moving on to the middle school level, there are two institutions: Topsail Middle School and Surf City Middle School.

Adjacent to Topsail Middle School is the lone high school in the vicinity, Topsail High School.

Public services

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The Hampstead area is served by Pender EMS & Fire. Hampstead also has the Topsail Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Hampstead is also served by the Pender County Sheriff’s Department.

See also

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• Topsail High School
• Topsail Island
• North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

References

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1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hampstead, North Carolina
3. ^ "Hampstead, NC - Community Info & Resources". Topsail Guide. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
4. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
5. ^ "Census profile: Hampstead, NC". Census Reporter. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
6. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
7. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.

[1]

External links

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• Hampstead directory website
• Hampstead tourism website
• Pender County Government Hampstead Annex

v t e Municipalities and communities of Pender County, North Carolina, United States
County seat: Burgaw
Towns	Atkinson Burgaw Surf City‡ Topsail Beach Wallace‡ Watha
Village	St. Helena
CDPs	Hampstead Long Creek Rocky Point
Othercommunities	Currie Maple Hill‡ Montague Sloop Point Willard Yamacraw
Footnotes	‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
North Carolina portal United States portal

1. ^ "Census profile: Hampstead, NC". Census Reporter. Retrieved December 4, 2025.