The first industry in the county was the navel stores industry followed by the main industry throughout the years, agriculture. The completion of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad in 1840, gave rise to such towns as Wallace, Teachey, Rose Hill, Magnolia, Warsaw, Faison, and Calypso. Duplin County has maintained its agricultural heritage and rural environment through the years while still allowing for a blending with industrial development, economic growth and a enviable lifestyle. Due to its proximity to the Atlanitc Ocean and its location in the coastal plain, Duplin County experiences relatively mild temperatures. The annual average temperature is approximately 63 degrees with a prevailing southwesterly breeze.
Summers are long and commonly have short periods of very hot humid weather.
Winters are generally short and mild with significant accumulations of ice and snow being unusual. The average annual rainfall is approximately 53 inches with most precipitation occurring during the summer months. The average frost free season is from mid April to mid November, slightly more than 200 days. For a look at the local weather click here . For nearby weather in Kinston, NC click here .