9 cities
| City | Rank | 2026 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteville | 1 | 4,657 | 4,749 | -0.32% | 838 | 6 | City |
| Tabor City | 2 | 3,812 | 3,869 | -0.24% | 1,134 | 3 | Town |
| Chadbourn | 3 | 1,514 | 1,556 | -0.46% | 582 | 3 | Town |
| Lake Waccamaw | 4 | 1,195 | 1,290 | -1.32% | 426 | 3 | Town |
| Brunswick | 5 | 1,003 | 871 | 2.24% | 1,433 | 1 | Town |
| Fair Bluff | 6 | 742 | 700 | 0.95% | 315 | 2 | Town |
| Bolton | 7 | 378 | 392 | -0.53% | 118 | 3 | Town |
| Boardman | 8 | 160 | 162 | 0% | 52 | 3 | Town |
| Cerro Gordo | 9 | 149 | 131 | 2.05% | 189 | 1 | Town |
Whiteville is the largest city in Columbus County, with a population of 4,657.
Cerro Gordo is the smallest city in Columbus County, with a population of 149.
There are 9 cities in Columbus County, North Carolina.