White Lake is a town in Bladen County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 843. The town is named after White Lake, a natural freshwater lake located entirely within the town limits.
Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), of which 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) (26.32%) is water. The lake itself is a Carolina Bay, characterized by its oval shape and shallow depth, with a white sandy bottom that gives the water a distinctive clear, white appearance.
Demographics Historical population data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the following trends:
- 2000: 529
- 2010: 802
- 2020: 843
As of the 2020 census, there were 843 people, 363 households, and 227 families residing in the town. The racial makeup was predominantly White (approximately 94%), with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for approximately 3% of the population.
Economy and Tourism The local economy is heavily reliant on tourism centered around White Lake. The lake is a popular recreational destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing. Because the lake is fed by natural springs and has no major tributaries, the water quality is generally high, and the absence of strong currents or deep drop-offs makes it a frequent destination for families. The town hosts seasonal events, including a Fourth of July fireworks display over the lake.
Government White Lake operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and a Board of Commissioners.
History The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Waccamaw Siouan. European settlement increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily for naval stores (turpentine, pitch, tar) and timber. The town was incorporated in 1953. Development accelerated in the mid-20th century following the paving of NC Highway 53 and the promotion of the lake as a resort destination.
Transportation North Carolina Highway 53 (NC 53) runs through the town, connecting it to Interstate 40 to the north and the Fayetteville area to the west. The nearest commercial airport is Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY), approximately 30 miles west.
