| City | Rank | 2026 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density (/mi²) | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteville | 1 | 4,762 | 4,748 | -0.06% | 857 | 6 | City |
| Tabor City | 2 | 3,870 | 3,877 | -0.41% | 1,151 | 3 | Town |
| Chadbourn | 3 | 1,535 | 1,556 | -0.26% | 590 | 3 | Town |
| Lake Waccamaw | 4 | 1,226 | 1,291 | -1.05% | 437 | 3 | Town |
| Brunswick | 5 | 932 | 877 | 1.19% | 1,331 | 1 | Town |
| Fair Bluff | 6 | 745 | 701 | 1.09% | 316 | 2 | Town |
| Bolton | 7 | 446 | 455 | -0.45% | 140 | 3 | Town |
| Boardman | 8 | 163 | 162 | 0% | 53 | 3 | Town |
| Cerro Gordo | 9 | 147 | 131 | 2.08% | 186 | 1 | Town |
Whiteville is the largest city in Columbus County, with a population of 4,762.
Cerro Gordo is the smallest city in Columbus County, with a population of 147.
There are 9 cities in Columbus County, North Carolina.