About Richlands

Welcome to Richlands

A Great Place to Live, Work, and Grow

Whether you’re raising a family, starting or expanding a business, or enjoying retirement, Richlands offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and a bright future. As our community continues to grow, we remain committed to preserving the history, values, and welcoming spirit that make Richlands a special place to call home.

Richlands is proud of its rich heritage and the milestones that have shaped our town over the years.

Did You Know?

  • Incorporated on March 29, 1880, Richlands has over 140 years of history.
  • Home to the Onslow County Museum, making it the first town in Onslow County to have both its own library and museum.
  • The first town in Onslow County to elect a female mayor, Annette Hargett.
  • Served by excellent schools that support students and families throughout the community.
  • Located at the highest geographic point in Onslow County.
  • Home to the Richlands Community Building, built in 1935 and the last remaining Works Progress Administration (WPA) structure in the county.
  • The final resting place of John Williams Shackelford, the first congressman from Onslow County to represent North Carolina’s 3rd District.
  • Features a charming historic district with beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century homes.
  • Supported by active civic organizations, including the Richlands Rotary Club and the Richlands Ruritan Club.
  • Proudly served by the Richlands Chamber of Commerce, which helps foster business growth and community engagement.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have called Richlands home for generations, we invite you to discover all that our town has to offer. Richlands is a place where history is honored, neighbors become friends, and the future is built together.

How Town Government Works

The Town of Richlands operates under a Mayor and Board of Aldermen form of government. The governing board consists of the Mayor and five Aldermen, who are elected at-large by the citizens of Richlands to serve two-year terms. Together, they establish policies, adopt ordinances, approve the annual budget, and make decisions that support the growth and well-being of our community.

The Town Administrator, appointed by the Board of Aldermen, oversees the day-to-day operations of the Town. This includes managing municipal services, supervising department operations, implementing the Board’s policies, and ensuring the efficient delivery of services to residents.

The Town Clerk, Chief of Police, and Town Attorney are also appointed by the Board of Aldermen and play essential roles in supporting the Town’s government, public safety, and legal affairs.

To learn more about the individuals who serve our community, visit our Alderman and Departments pages, where you’ll find information about each department, its responsibilities, and the staff dedicated to serving the citizens of Richlands.