Richlands is a town in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. In the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 2,287. It is included in the Jacksonville, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. Incorporated on March 29, 1880, it was the first town in Onslow County to have its own library and museum. Richlands was also the first town in Onslow County to have a female mayor, Annette Hargett. Richlands is located 12 miles northwest of Jacksonville.