Jacksonville (population 80,542) is a city within the county of Onslow, North Carolina. The city of Jacksonville serves as the county seat and is part of the Jacksonville-North Carolina Metropolitan Area. The average age of the residents of Jacksonville City is 22.8, the youngest amongst any U.S. city. This is because of the presence of the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.
Jacksonville's land area totals to 44.5 square miles. The city of Wilmington is about 40 minutes away by car and the Intra Coastal Waterway is 15 minutes away.
During 1757 the community was inhabited and during 1842 was officially incorporated as a town. Jacksonville derived its name from the 7th President of the US, Andrew Jackson. The city of Jacksonville boomed in the year 1941 with the establishment of Marine Barracks, New River, which is now called Camp Lejeune.
Jacksonville's popular attractions consist of the Marine Corporation Museum of the Carolinas and the Lynnwood Park Zoo. The Hammocks Beach State Park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, camping and picnicking. Golfing is available at the Rock Creek Golf and Country Club. Yearly events comprise the Kuumba Festival, Onslow County Fair and Fall Family Fun Day.
The military is vital to the economy of the city. Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune employ thousands of individuals. Besides the military, important sectors are government, education, accommodation, healthcare, food services and construction. Approximately 28% of the labor force are employed in professional, management and associated positions. Office and sales provides 27% of jobs and the government provides 26 percent.
The regions top employers consist of Marr Brynn Hospital, Inc., Onslow Memorial Hospital, Inc., Onslow County Schools Inc., Seashore Insurance & Associates Inc., Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation, Onslow County Hospital Authority, Platinum Corral LLC, Marine Federal Credit Union, Morton Trucking Company and Freedom Enc Communications Inc. Within the city of Jacksonville, 18% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree. The average income in Jacksonville was $19,000 in 2009.
Jobs requiring college degrees within the city of Jacksonville consist of manufacturing and wholesale sales, registered nurse, development and training specialists, computer specialist, human and social service, education and library, pharmacy and sales management.