Find Adoptable Pets on Facebook

Visit Onslow County Animal Services on Facebook to see available pets, find volunteer opportunities, or just give us a like!

Walk-In Rabies Clinic

Spay & Neuter Your Pets

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue in Onslow County. Spaying and Neutering is an easy way that pet owners can be part of the pet overpopulation solution as well as help their own pets live healthy lives.

Onslow County Celebrates the Juneteenth Holiday

Most Onslow County offices and operations will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. This includes the Onslow County Government Center, Senior Services, Consolidated Human Services, Landfill, Animal Services Shelter,...

Hurricane Season Begins

Onslow County is committed to helping its citizens prepare and plan for all emergency situations. As hurricane season begins, we want to emphasize the importance of having a plan in place before potential hazardous weather hits. Find information on how to...

New Assistant County Manager and DSS Director Sworn In

Congratulations to Kari Sanders, Onslow County's new Assistant County Manager, and Susan Thigpen, Onslow County's new Department of Social Services Director. Family, friends, and colleagues joined them for a swearing in ceremony on Thurs...

June Episode of Onslow County Today Now Streaming

On this episode of Onslow County Today host Lisa Whitman-Grice speaks with Sheriff Chris Thomas about the youth citizens academy. Marie Bowman talks about the great things available at the Onslow County Farmers' Market. Emily Baker invites you to the Cros...

Cherished Assistant County Manager Retires

Congratulations to Sheri Slater on her retirement from Onslow County after 30 years of service to our community. Sheri began her career in Child Protective Services and spent 12 years working in the Onslow County Department of Social Services. In 2006, sh...

Janelle Golloway Sworn in as Assistant County Manager

Congratulations to Janelle Golloway, Onslow County's new Assistant County Manager. Friends and colleagues joined Janelle for a swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Onslow County Government Center and celebrated her new position....

Dixon High School Redistricting

OCS is the 11th largest district in the state of North Carolina with over 27,000 students currently enrolled. The district has 40 educational facilities, including 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 7 high schools, an early college high school, an e...

Changes are Coming to Medicaid, FNS, and WIC Benefits

The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends May 11, 2023

Your benefits could change. Take action to keep your information up to date.

• MEDICAID recertifications (renewals) began April 1, 2023 and will continue based on the beneficiary&rs...

Onslow County Emergency Services to Host Multi-Day Mass Casualty Exercise

Onslow County Emergency Services is holding a mass casualty exercise in partnership with Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune and Onslow Memorial Hospital. The first phase of the exercise takes place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the Onslow County Fairground...

Pistol Purchase Permits No Longer Issued by Onslow County Sheriff's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

29 MARCH 2023 

From: Sheriff Christopher Thomas, Onslow County Sheriff's Office 

Effective immediately, pistol purchase permits will no longer be issued by any sheriff in North Carolina. The Onslow County She...

Fabric of Our Community Awards Announced

The Fabric of Our Community Awards will be presented as part of the 2023 Golden Rule Lightkeepers & Fabric of the Community Awards Luncheon set for 11:30AM, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the Onslow County Government Center, 234 NW Corridor Boulevard. Tic...

Statement on the Passing of Former Commissioner W. Randolph Thomas

W. Randolph Thomas, who served on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners beginning in 1972, passed away on March 15, 2023 at the age of 91. Thomas was a developer and entrepreneur who in his later years gave back to Onslow County by being an advocate fo...

Foster Parents Needed to Keep Children in Onslow County

There are currently more than 125 children in foster care in Onslow County and 48 of those youth are placed outside of our community. Some reasons for this include adolescents and teens being in need of a higher level of care such as a therapeutic placeme...

Onslow County Parks & Recreation’s First Ever Black History Celebration Event

Onslow County Parks and Recreation is excited to bring the community together in honor and celebration of Black History Month. The free event takes place on February 26 from 5-8:30PM at the old River of Life on 1940 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville.

The Black...

Urgent Announcement from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office

Onslow County Sheriff's Office --

Important! Please read and share this with anyone you know, especially elderly citizens who are being victimized by these scams.

We have received numerous complaints from citizens saying they are receiving phone calls and t...

Onslow Horizon 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Horizon 2040 is a Comprehensive Land Use & Coastal Area Management Plan to take inventory of the existing demographics, housing, development, & environmental conditions in order to understand the County's foundation as it moves into the next 20 years.

Onslow County Sheriff's Office Issuing its First Body Cameras

Last week the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office began issuing its first body cameras within the department. Deputies received training on the cameras, proper storage, and agency policy. 

Over the subsequent weeks, deputies in the patrol, school resou...

Onslow County Soil & Water Conservation District Begins Major Stream Cleanup

The Onslow County Soil & Water Conservation District is working to reduce flooding and restore streams across the county. A $377,335 grant from the NC Department of Agriculture will help restore a large portion of Backswamp and Squires Run Creek. Work...

The NC DOT to replace the U.S. 17 Northbound bridge over Wolf Swamp

The NC Department of Transportation has awarded a $3.4 million contract to replace the U.S. 17 Northbound bridge over Wolf Swamp to the S.T. Wooten Corporation. Work can start this winter and is expected to be complete by spring 2024. To avoid traffic dis...

Albert J. Ellis Airport Economic Impact Reaches New Heights

The Albert J. Ellis Airport contributed $707,470,000 million to the state and local economy including more than $228 million in payroll from jobs. These findings were released by the NC Department of Transportation which biannually views the economic impa...

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Closures

Most Onslow County Government Offices will be closed Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and Onslow County Emergency Services will continue to operate for emergency...

New Onslow County Today Episode Now Streaming

Host Lisa Whitman-Grice speaks with guests about adult day care and evidence based classes at Onslow County Senior Services. Representatives from the Health Department drop by to discuss healthy choices in the New Year and cervical cancer screening. The O...

Commissioner Mark Price Takes Oath of Office

Commissioner Mark Price took the Oath of Office at an Onslow County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2022. Commissioner Price fills the seat vacated by former Chariman Jack Bright and he will occupy that seat for the remai...

Statement on the Passing of Former Vice Chairman Ernest "Ernie" Wright

Mark Price Recommended to Fill Onslow County Board of Commissioners Vacancy

The Onslow County Republican Party has recommended Mark Price to fill the vacant Onslow County Board of Commissioners seat. A Special Meeting is scheduled for 10AM on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 for Mr. Price to take the Oath of Office.

Mark Price will fi...

Holiday Booze It & Lose It Campaign Kicks Off

The Onslow County Sheriff's Office is kicking off the holiday 2022 Booze It & Lose It campaign beginning December 12, 2022 and running through January 1, 2023. A $25,000 grant from the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program...

Beloved County Employee Retires

Onslow County celebrates the retirement of Patricia Pike who has been a County employee for 37 years.  Patricia’s leadership of the GIS division has led to numerous accolades and the impact of her retirement will be felt across the stat...

ECCAAA's Grocery Reimbursement Assistance Program for Seniors

Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging is providing a Grocery Reimbursement Assistance Program to senior adults (60 years of age or older) who reside in Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wayne counties.

Board of Commissioners Elect Chairman & Vice Chairman

Chairman Tim Foster and Vice Chairman Robin Knapp were elected during an organizational meeting of the Onslow County Board of Commissioners on Monday, December 5, 2022. Each December, the Commissioners must elect the Chairman and Vice Chairman for the ens...

Board of Commissioners Chairman Jack Bright Resigns

Onslow County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jack Bright has resigned from the Board of Commissioners effective December 2, 2022 due to family commitments and current health conditions. Mr. Bright served as a Commissioner in Onslow County for 15 years an...

Onslow County Board of Commissioners' Meeting

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 11 AM for a Regular Meeting at the Onslow County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Chambers. During this meeting there will be an Oath of Office Ceremony for...

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The Onslow County Sheriff's Office is encouraging shoppers to stay vigilant this holiday season and to please follow these safety tips:  

Shopping Safety

• A single shopper is too frequently a target for theft.  Always shop with a friend or ...

Onslow County Public Libraries Awarded PLA Funding

Onslow County Public Library (OCPL) is proud to be among over 160 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to conduct digital literacy workshops using digitallearn.org resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop...

EMS Employee Recognition

Each quarter, Onslow County Emergency Services recognizes providers for outstanding operational and clinical performance.  During October Continuing Education, EMS recognized over 60 providers for demonstrating exceptional clinical care for STEMI...

First Responders Memorialized

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners honored first responders in a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Public Safety Memorial in Burton Park. 

A roll call of those who died in service to the community was read and a bell tolled for each of their nam...

Operation Green Light

Onslow County is turning green in support of Operation Green Light from October 3 through November 13. This program was started by the National Association of Counties to honor military members and veterans, and to ease the transition of veterans into civ...

New Finance Officer Sworn In

Onslow County welcomes Andrew Prince as the newly sworn in Finance Officer. Mr. Prince possesses a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Accounting and has previously worked as a Senior Auditor for public accounting firm Elliott Davis. H...

Onslow County Departments Honored with Safety Award

North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson presented safety awards to several Onslow County departments during the October 3, 2022 Board of Commissioners’ meeting. The NC Department of Labor’s safety award program recognizes work...

Belgrade-Swansboro Road Reopens

OAJ Awarded Millions in Grant Funding

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners have accepted a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant totaling $8,420,073. Albert J. Ellis Airport will use the funding for a runway rehabilitation project, milling over 144,000 square y...

David Washington Honored

Finance Department Awarded Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Onslow County has been awarded a special recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association. The Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for t...

Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Adopted Budget

View the adopted budget for FY2022-2023

Onslow County Food Security Assessment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals and families with limited access to healthy foods may experience health concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular conditions, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and chronic kid...

Child Health Resources

Well child physical exams can be performed for children through the age of 20 including: daycare, pre-k, kindergarten, & school physicals. Physicals are performed by a qualified health care provider. We provide services to Uninsured, Medicaid, & Insured.

Healthy for Life

An evidence-based community nutrition and well-being program that empowers people to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Join the Medical Reserve Corps

Make a Difference in your Community! Become a volunteer to improve the health and safety of your friends and neighbors.

Family Storytimes

Join us at any OCPL location for storytimes for birth to age 5 to introduce books, reading and language through stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Come learn fun ways to help build the early literacy skills children need to become successful readers.

Ma...

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch Film Screenings

Jacksonville Main LibrarySeptember 28 at 5:30 pmNovember 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (CCRW) is a water quality nonprofit based in the White Oak River Basin primarily within Onslow and Carteret County. CCRW is project-based and has done work ...

Do You Want to Build a Scarecrow?

Richlands Library

September 30; 10:00 a.m.

Families are invited to bring old pants, shirts, etc. to build a scarecrow! Straw, rubber bands, yarn, tape, and paper bags will be provided. Take your scarecrow home and display it in your yard for the fall!

Calligraphy 101, 102, 103 & 104

Swansboro Branch LibraryAge 16+Sept. 13 and 27; Oct. 11 and 25; 3:00 p.m.

Join us to gain a new skill and a better appreciation of the written word. These in-person classes will cover the bare basics of calligraphy, including posture, penmanship, and style...

Grown-Learn-Connect

Richlands Library. September 30; 10:00 a.m.

A five-week program for toddlers and their caregivers. This fun, informal, play-based program provides a rich environment of toys, books, and art activities while providing families the opportunity to talk one-on...

The Water & the Wood

Imagine traveling back through time following the paths of ancient waterways and trails to Onslow's earliest beginnings. This journey began millions of years ago and reveals a geologic history rich in fossils and shaped by the forces of nature.

Learn About the Pelletier House

Built about 1850, probably by merchant Rufus Ferrand Pelletier to serve as his office and home, the Pelletier House survives as Jacksonville’s oldest and only remaining antebellum home.

Sneads Ferry Environmental Education Center

The EEC is home to an environmentally themed exhibit, "Discover Onslow." The exhibit explores the ecology, geography, flora, and fauna of Onslow County.

Medicaid Expansion FAQs

The State of NC Medicaid Expansion begins December 1, 2023. This expansion will increase the eligible population of adults and help more individuals qualify for NC Medicaid.

Board of Commissioners Declare State of Emergency

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners have declared State of Emergency in the unincorporated areas of Onslow County in response to Tropical Storm Ophelia that will remain in effect until 5PM Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Three-Way Stop Coming to Sneads Ferry Intersection

A three-way intersection in Sneads Ferry will become an all-way stop to improve traffic flow and safety. On Aug. 30 at the intersection of Old Folkstone and Country Club roads, crews will install stop signs, so every driver must stop. Currently, drivers o...

NC DHHS Reissuing Some Compromised EBT Cards

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is advising that some Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards have been compromised. As a result new cards will be reissued to recipients whose cards were potentially compromised and the old card...

Rosanna Outler Sworn In as Deputy Clerk to the Board

Congratulations to Rosanna Outler, Onslow County's new Deputy Clerk to the Board. Colleagues joined Rosanna for a swearing in ceremony on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the Onslow County Government Center to celebrate her new position.

Rosanna is an...

Deputy Brandon Moore Named Law Enforcement Professional of the Year

Congratulations to Deputy Brandon Moore from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office for being recognized as the Law Enforcement Professional of the Year by the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce.Deputy Moore has held several positions within th...

Department of Labor 2022 Safety Awards Presented to Onslow County Staff

Onslow County Safety Officer John Bazzarre proudly presented the Department of Labor Safety Awards on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, praising each county department for making strides towards a safer workplace environment. “Working safely protects our...

August Episode of Onslow County Today Now Streaming

On this episode of Onslow County Today host Lisa Whitman-Grice speaks with Emergency Services Director Norman Bryson about disaster preparedness and how to cope with heat. ITS Director Glenn Hasteadt joins the show to laud his team for their seventh conse...

Onslow County celebrates the retirement of Kim Mackey

Onslow County celebrates the retirement of Kim Mackey who has been an Onslow County employee for 30 years.  Kim has dedicated her career to ensuring the safety, permanence, and well-being of children exposed to abuse and neglect since April 1989 ...

Statement on the Passing of Former County Commissioner Billy Mills

Billy Mills who served on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners from1959 to 1964, passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday, July 23, 2023.  

Mr. Mills was not only an esteemed entrepreneur but also an exemplary community leader, actively contribu...

Onslow County Recognized for Excellence in Digital Technology

Onslow County Information Technology Services (ITS) ranks fourth in the nation by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties for optimizing government service delivery, using data analytics, and cybersecurity best practices...

County Manager Sharon Griffin Announces Resignation

Onslow County Manager Sharon Griffin has announced her resignation effective October 6, 2023. Mrs. Griffin has served Onslow County for six years, first as the Deputy County Manager and then as the County Manager for the past four years.

During her time as...

Onslow County Welcomes New EMS Division Head

West Barefoot is the the new EMS Division Head for Onslow County Emergency Services. West brings 21 years of experience in emergency medical services to his role. He comes from Harnett County, NC where he most recently served as Assistant Chief of Trainin...

Prevent Accidental 911 Calls

If you accidentally dial 911, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up. Stay on the line and explain 911 was called by mistake. If you do hang up, you can expect a call back, because we need to verify whether there is ...

Statement on the Passing of Brock Ridge

For over 45 years Brock Ridge dedicated his life to shaping the minds of countless students as an esteemed educator. His unwavering commitment to education and his passion for empowering young minds will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to ...

Onslow County Welcomes Four New Department Directors

Congratulations to Richard Gabbert, Cortina Hamilton, Joy Johnson, and Carter Metcalf on their new positions with Onslow County. Friends and colleagues joined each of them for a swearing in ceremony on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Onslow County Government...

Adopted Budget for 2023-2024

Click here to view the 2023-2024 Onslow County Adopted Budget Book.

Onslow County Job Opportunities

Join Onslow County and embark on an exciting professional journey!

Onslow County Coastal Pigout

Coastal Pigout BBQ Festival - a celebration of all things barbecue! Join us Saturday, September 30th, from 10AM to 4PM at the beautiful Onslow Pines Park for an unforgettable day filled with finger-licking food, toe-tapping music, and family-friendly fun.

Monster Bash- Trunk or Treat

Dare to join us for this spooktacular event. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with fun for the whole family!

Family Camp Out

Save the date! Join us for another family camp out! We will have more details coming soon!

Ride the Trails at Big Branch Bike Park

Miles of trails for biking or walking through a beautiful forest.

Find a Kayak or Canoe Launch Near You

The coastal environment of Onslow County offers many opportunities to get out on the water. One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors is to hop in a a kayak and take a journey through our paddle trails.

Beach Access Information

Hit the beach with free parking at Onslow County beach accesses.

Residential Accessory Building Permit for Pools

Swimming Pool installation or construction requires permits and inspections to ensure its safe use and all swimming pools require a barrier. Learn about the process here.

See Growth in the Community with Project Tracker

Onslow County Planning & Development's Project Tracker shows an interactive map highlighting both residential and commercial development in unincorporated areas.

Omega K. Jarman

Certified Register of Deeds

Online Records Search

Find information related to births, deaths, marriages, real property, and more.

Property Check now Available for Free

Alerts you when a real estate document is recorded with your name and potentially protect against fraud.

Mission Statement of the Onslow County Sheriff's Office

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office will protect the constitutional rights of citizens to be secure in their possessions, be free from crime, and live in peace.

Sheriff Chris Thomas

Born to Wilbur and Joy Thomas, Sheriff Chris Thomas is a resident of Richlands, NC, and was born in Jacksonville.Onslow County - Chris Thomas Official Portrait Sheriff Thomas has been married to his wife, Katie, for 25 years. After graduating high school ...

Onslow Crime Stoppers

Cash rewards up to $5,000 for anonymous tips that are helpful to law enforcement. 910-938-3273.

EBT Balance by Text Message

Now you can get your EBT balance on your cell phone via text message! You can always know your EBT card balance.

To register to get your EBT balance by text, go to EBTEdge Website and follow these steps:

1. Click on the Cardholder Login link on the left side o...

Need Help With Childcare?

What Are the Age Groups?

• Birth through 12 years of age
• 13-17 years of age in special circumstances

Applicants Must:

• Be a resident of Onslow County
• Require services to support employment or school attendance

What Type of Childcare Can it Cover?

• Full-time and part...

The Easiest Way to Apply for Medicaid & NC Health Choice is Through ePASS

Before applying online, please review the NC Medicaid eligibility criteria.

Weather Closings or Delays

Onslow County is monitoring Hurricane Idalia and adjusting the availability of some County services due to weather related concerns. Onslow County urges everyone to prepare now for a potential power loss and heavy rain. If you have special needs that requ...

Idalia Storm Info from the National Weather Service

The US National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC provides weather information for Eastern NC for the protection of life and property.

Receive Emergency Weather Alerts

Be notified by Onslow County Emergency Services in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Examples include: severe weather, evacuation notices, and missing child reports.