12 cities
| City | Rank | 2025 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteville | 1 | 4,631 | 4,746 | -0.49% | 833 | 6 | City |
| Tabor City | 2 | 3,594 | 3,784 | -1.05% | 1,069 | 3 | Town |
| Chadbourn | 3 | 1,531 | 1,563 | -0.39% | 589 | 3 | Town |
| Lake Waccamaw | 4 | 1,230 | 1,292 | -0.97% | 438 | 3 | Town |
| Brunswick | 5 | 1,134 | 973 | 2.9% | 1,620 | 1 | Town |
| Fair Bluff | 6 | 757 | 706 | 1.34% | 321 | 2 | Town |
| Riegelwood | 7 | 678 | 691 | 1.04% | 220 | 3 | CDP |
| Bolton | 8 | 389 | 393 | -0.26% | 122 | 3 | Town |
| Evergreen | 9 | 270 | 125 | -3.57% | 70 | 4 | CDP |
| Cerro Gordo | 10 | 141 | 130 | 1.44% | 178 | 1 | Town |
| Hallsboro | 11 | 99 | 444 | -19.51% | 30 | 3 | CDP |
| Delco | 12 | 67 | 128 | -22.09% | 44 | 2 | CDP |
Whiteville is the largest city in Columbus County, with a population of 4,631.
Delco is the smallest city in Columbus County, with a population of 67.
There are 12 cities in Columbus County, North Carolina.