New Hanover County is one of 100
counties located in the
U.S. state of
North Carolina. As of the
2010 census, the population was 202,667. Though second smallest in area, it is one of the most populous as its
county seat,
Wilmington, is one of the state's largest cities. The county was created in 1729 as New Hanover Precinct and gained county status in 1739.