The state of North Carolina is divided into 100 counties that stretch from the Atlantic coast through the central Piedmont region and into the Appalachian Mountains. Click on the cards below for a deeper dive into the facts and stats behind the counties that make up the Tar Heel State.
ESTABLISHED 1849
|
POPULATION |
157,844 |
AREA |
435 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Burlington |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Headquarters for LabCorp |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Elon University |
FUN FACT |
Alamance County has 27 ghost towns that existed in the 18th and 19th centuries. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Billy Bryan, Center for the Denver Broncos, from 1977–1988 |
WEBSITE |
www.alamance-nc.com |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
www.alamancechamber.com |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
www.alamancechamber.com/community-overview |
TOURISM |
www.visitalamance.com |
ESTABLISHED 1847
|
POPULATION |
37,159 |
AREA |
263 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Taylorsville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Lenoir-Rhyne University, Wilkes Community College, Catawba Valley Community College Alexander Center |
FUN FACT |
Alexander County was 14 years old at the time of the American Civil War. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Frank G. Slaughter, novelist under the pen name C.V. Terry |
WEBSITE |
https://alexandercountync.gov/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://alexanderedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitalexandernc.com/ |
ESTABLISHED 1859
|
POPULATION |
10,935 |
AREA |
236 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Sparta |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Surry Community College |
FUN FACT |
Christmas tree sales make up a good amount of the agricultural goods produced in Alleghany County. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Zach Galifianakis, actor |
WEBSITE |
http://www.alleghanycounty-nc.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://alleghanycountychamber.com/ |
ESTABLISHED 1750
|
POPULATION |
25,531 |
AREA |
537 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Wadesboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
South Piedmont Community College |
FUN FACT |
Steven Spielberg filmed most of The Color Purple in Anson County, specifically Lilesville and Marshville. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Stephone Anthony, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.anson.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://ansoncountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://ansonedp.com/ |
ESTABLISHED 1799
|
POPULATION |
26,833 |
AREA |
427 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Jefferson |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
American Emergency Vehicles |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Ashe Campus, Wilkes Community College |
FUN FACT |
In 1997, 2007, 2008, and 2012, an Ashe County Christmas tree was chosen for the White House. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Monte Weaver, pitcher for Washington Senators |
WEBSITE |
http://www.ashecountygov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://ashechamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.ashecountygov.com/departments/economic-development |
TOURISM |
https://ashechamber.com/tourism.php |
ESTABLISHED 1911
|
POPULATION |
17,535 |
AREA |
247 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Banner Elk |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Lees-McRae College, Maryland Community College |
FUN FACT |
Avery County is the youngest North Carolina county. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Ray Hicks, Appalachian storyteller |
WEBSITE |
http://www.averycountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://averycounty.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
www.averycountync.gov/economic_development/index.php |
ESTABLISHED 1712
|
POPULATION |
47,316 |
AREA |
959 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Washington |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
FUN FACT |
Nicholas Sparks set “A Walk to Remember” and “The Choice” in Beaufort. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Murray Hamilton, actor, best remembered for his playing the mayor in Jaws and Mr. Robinson in The Graduate |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.beaufort.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://wbcchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://co.beaufort.nc.us/departments/community-services/economic-development |
TOURISM |
http://www.visitbeaufortnc.com/ |
ESTABLISHED 1722
|
POPULATION |
19,913 |
AREA |
741 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Windsor |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing and agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Martin Community College-Bertie campus |
FUN FACT |
Bertie County’s geography makes it ideal for agriculture. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Kent Bazemore, basketball player for Sacramento Kings; Jessica Breland, basketball player for Phoenix Mercury |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.bertie.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.windsorbertiechamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.co.bertie.nc.us/departments/ed/ed.html |
ESTABLISHED 1734
|
POPULATION |
34,130 |
AREA |
887 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Elizabethtown |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture – swine, tobacco |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Bladen Community College |
FUN FACT |
Bladen County is considered North Carolina’s “mother county” because 55 of the 100 counties belonged to Bladen at one point. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Curtis Brown Jr., former NASA astronaut |
WEBSITE |
https://bladennc.govoffice3.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://elizabethtownwhitelake.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://bladennc.govoffice3.com/?SEC=AE702D98-6BD2-47C6-844C-2DBDA02C48E7 |
ESTABLISHED 1764
|
POPULATION |
122,586 |
AREA |
860 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Leland |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Brunswick Community College |
FUN FACT |
Brunswick County is home to Calabash, the “Seafood Capital of the World” that has its own Calabash-style restaurants. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Tommy Jacobs, pro golfer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://brunswickcountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://brunswickbid.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/ |
Established 1791
|
POPULATION |
252,268 |
AREA |
660 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Asheville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Mars Hill University, Montreat College, South College - Asheville, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Warren Wilson College, Western Carolina University |
FUN FACT |
Buncombe County is rich in minerals and is the leading North Carolina county in producing sand and gravel. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Luke Combs, country singer; Elizabeth Blackwell, first woman doctor |
WEBSITE |
https://www.buncombecounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.ashevillechamber.org/chamber/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.exploreasheville.com/ |
Established 1777
|
POPULATION |
88,898 |
AREA |
515 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Morganton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Western Piedmont Community College |
FUN FACT |
Burke County is known for its natural resources and parks. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Stanley Pons, electrochemist |
WEBSITE |
https://www.burkenc.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://burkecountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://burkedevinc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.discoverburkecounty.com/ |
Established 1792
|
POPULATION |
196,716 |
AREA |
365 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Concord |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Barber-Scotia College, Cabarrus College of Health Science, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College |
FUN FACT |
The first documented gold find in the U.S. was found at Reed Gold Mine in Midland. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Skeet Ulrich, actor; The Avett Brothers, folk rock band |
WEBSITE |
https://cabarruscounty.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.cabarrus.biz/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://cabarrusedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitcabarrus.com/ |
Established 1841
|
POPULATION |
81,805 |
AREA |
474 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Lenoir |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute |
FUN FACT |
Caldwell County was named for Joseph Caldwell, first president of the University of North Carolina. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Etta Baker, blues musician; Jan Karon, New York Times bestselling author |
WEBSITE |
https://www.caldwellcountync.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.caldwellchambernc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.caldwelledc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://explorecaldwell.com/ |
Established 1841
|
POPULATION |
10,336 |
AREA |
306 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Camden |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Elizabeth City State University |
FUN FACT |
The oldest continually operating man-made canal is the Dismal Swamp Canal, opened in 1805. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Scotty McCreery, country musician; Max Roach, jazz drummer and composer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.camdencountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.elizabethcitychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.camdencountync.gov/departments/economic-development |
Established 1722
|
POPULATION |
68,699 |
AREA |
1,341 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Morehead City |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail trade |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Carteret Community College, UNC-Chapel Hill Institute of Marine Sciences, NCSU Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Duke University Marine Library |
FUN FACT |
Each year Carteret County hosts the North Carolina Seafood Festival. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Fairleigh S. Dickinson, co-founder of Becton Dickinso |
WEBSITE |
http://www.carteretcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://nccoastchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.carteretedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/ |
Established 1777
|
POPULATION |
22,833 |
AREA |
428 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Yanceyville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Piedmont Community College |
FUN FACT |
A meteorite hit Caswell County in 1810. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
The Badgett Sisters, American folk and gospel group; Carl Willis, former Major League Baseball Player and current pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians |
WEBSITE |
https://www.caswellcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://caswellchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.caswellcountync.gov/pview.aspx?id=9447&catid=603 |
Established 1842
|
POPULATION |
156,182 |
AREA |
414 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Hickory |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Automotive parts manufacturing, food processing, advanced textiles, data centers |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Lenoir-Rhyne University, Catawba Valley Community College, Appalachian Center at Hickory, NC Center for Engineering Technologies |
FUN FACT |
The town Maiden in Catawba County houses the Apple iCloud data center. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Chris Hughes, Facebook co-founder; Pauletta Pearson Washington, actress and wife to Denzel Washington; Eric Church, country singer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.catawbacountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://catawbachamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.catawbaedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visithickorymetro.com/ |
Established 1771
|
POPULATION |
68,364 |
AREA |
709 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Siler City |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Progress Energy, Boise Cascade, Honeywell, and Arauco |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Central Carolina Community College |
FUN FACT |
Chatham County has the highest average lifespan (97.5 years) in the U.S. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Charlie Daniels, musician |
WEBSITE |
https://www.chathamnc.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.ccucc.net/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.chathamedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitpittsboro.com/ |
Established 1839
|
POPULATION |
27,463 |
AREA |
497 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountain |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Andrews |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail trade |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Tri-County Community College |
FUN FACT |
Cherokee County is made up of two towns: Andrews and Murphy. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain; Hedy West, noted 1960s-era folksinger and songwriter |
WEBSITE |
http://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.cherokeecountychamber.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitcherokeecountync.com/ |
Established 1668
|
POPULATION |
14,370 |
AREA |
233 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Edenton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Chowan University, College of The Albemarle – Edenton-Chowan |
FUN FACT |
Chowan County is the smallest NC county geographically (area). |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence |
WEBSITE |
https://www.chowancounty-nc.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://edentonchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://edenton.net/growing-businesses-and-attracting-new-job-creators/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitedenton.com/ |
Established 1861
|
POPULATION |
10,753 |
AREA |
221 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountain |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Hayesville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture |
FUN FACT |
John C. Campbell Folk School has been teaching community classes for 95 years. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Mark Linkous, member of the band Sparklehorse |
WEBSITE |
https://www.clayconc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.claychambernc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.economic.claync.us/ |
Established 1841
|
POPULATION |
97,038 |
AREA |
469 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Shelby |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Gardner-Webb University, Cleveland Community College |
FUN FACT |
Cleveland County is the official home of the American Legion World Series. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Bobby Bell, NFL Hall of Fame inductee; Don Gibson, country musician |
WEBSITE |
https://www.clevelandcounty.com/main/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://clevelandchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://chooseclevelandcountync.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.tourclevelandcounty.com/ |
Established 1808
|
POPULATION |
56,589 |
AREA |
954 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Whiteville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Southeastern Community College |
FUN FACT |
Columbus is the third largest county in NC |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
MacKenzie Gore, MLB player |
WEBSITE |
http://columbusco.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://thecolumbuschamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.columbusedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
http://thecolumbuschamber.com/discover-columbus/ |
Established 1705
|
POPULATION |
103,374 |
AREA |
774 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
New Bern |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Craven Community College |
FUN FACT |
New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Walt Bellamy, NBA Hall of Fame player; Caleb Bradham, inventor of Pepsi Cola; Dan Neil, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist |
WEBSITE |
https://www.cravencountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.cravencountync.gov/1577/Chambers-of-Commerce |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://cravenbusiness.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitnewbern.com/ |
Established 1754
|
POPULATION |
332,766 |
AREA |
658 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Fayetteville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fayetteville Technical Community College |
FUN FACT |
Cumberland County houses Fort Bragg. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Robert Hines, NASA astronaut; Ellen S. Baker, NASA astronaut |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.faybiz.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.fayedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/ |
Established 1668
|
POPULATION |
25,247 |
AREA |
526 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Moyock |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Professional training, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime |
FUN FACT |
Corolla is home to a herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs, one of only two herds left in the world. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Larry Lombardi, Director of Economic Development |
WEBSITE |
https://co.currituck.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.currituckchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.thinkcurrituck.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitcurrituck.com/ |
Established 1870
|
POPULATION |
35,412 |
AREA |
1,562 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Kill Devil Hills |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Hospitality, Tourism |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Coastal Studies Institute, College of the Albemarle-Dare Campus |
FUN FACT |
The Wright brothers’ first flight was near Kill Devil Hills. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
William Ivey Long, costume designer for stage and film |
WEBSITE |
https://www.darenc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.outerbankschamber.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.outerbanks.org/ |
Established 1822
|
POPULATION |
164,118 |
AREA |
567 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Thomasville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Davidson County Community College |
FUN FACT |
One of Davidson County’s most popular attractions is the Lexington Barbecue Festival. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Nia Franklin, Miss America 2019; Shy Tuttle, football player for the New Orleans Saints |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/474/Area-Chamber-of-Commerce |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.davidsoncountyedc.com/Home |
TOURISM |
https://davidsontrip.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StoryMapCrowdsource/index.html?appid=08f4ad0923d54277b9aade57b9663dd2 |
Established 1836
|
POPULATION |
41,766 |
AREA |
267 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Mocksville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Davidson County Community College-Davie Campus |
FUN FACT |
Davie County is home to one of North Carolina's oldest annual festivals, the Mocksville Masonic Picnic, held each August since 1878. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Daniel Boone, pioneer; Joe Gibbs, Hall of Fame NFL coach |
WEBSITE |
https://www.daviecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.daviechamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.daviecountyedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://discoverdaviecounty.com/ |
Established 1750
|
POPULATION |
59,350 |
AREA |
819 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Wallace |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
James Sprunt Community College |
FUN FACT |
The oldest winery in North Carolina is Duplin Winery |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Peter Weddick Moore, first president of Elizabeth City College |
WEBSITE |
https://www.duplincountync.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.kenansvilleduplinchamber.org/home.html |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.duplinedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.uncorkduplin.com/ |
Established 1881
|
POPULATION |
300,865 |
AREA |
298 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Durham |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Life sciences and green tech |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Durham Technical Community College, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics |
FUN FACT |
With research institutes like Duke University, Durham is a national leader in health-related activities. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Cynthia Hill, director; April Parker Jones, actress |
WEBSITE |
https://www.dconc.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://durhamchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://durhamchamber.org/economic-development/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.discoverdurham.com/ |
Established 1735
|
POPULATION |
54,032 |
AREA |
507 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Rocky Mount |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Edgecombe Community College |
FUN FACT |
The town of Tarboro is a Certified Retirement Community. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Hugh Shelton, four-star general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff |
WEBSITE |
https://www.edgecombecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.edgecombecountync.gov/businesses/chamber_of_commerce/index.php |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.edgecombecountync.gov/departments/economic_development/index.php |
TOURISM |
https://www.discoveredgecombe.com/ |
Established 1849
|
POPULATION |
368,362 |
AREA |
413 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Winston-Salem |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Health care and social assistance, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Forsyth Technical Community College, Piedmont International University, Salem College, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem University |
FUN FACT |
Many elements of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century daily life in the town have been preserved in the Old Salem Historic District, which maintains more than 50 restored buildings and features a blacksmith, gunsmith, cobbler, and carpenter in period dress. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Notable Resident(s) Angela Basset, actress; Danny McBride, actor; Jada Pinkett Smith, actress; Stephen A. Smith, sports journalist; Maya Angelou, poet; Ben Folds, singer; B.o.B., singer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.winstonsalem.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://forwardforsyth.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
63,866 |
AREA |
495 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Louisburg |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing; Novozymes North America Inc. plant, the largest multi-purpose enzyme manufacturing plant in the U.S. |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Louisburg College, Vance-Granville Community College |
FUN FACT |
Louisburg College, which opened in 1805, was the first junior college in the U.S. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Tarik Cohen, football player for Chicago Bears; Jack Johnson, boxer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.franklincountync.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.franklin-chamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.franklincountync.us/services/edc |
TOURISM |
https://www.franklincountync.us/services/tourism-development-authority |
Established 1846
|
POPULATION |
214,049 |
AREA |
364 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Gastonia |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Gaston College, Belmont Abbey College |
FUN FACT |
County was named after William Gaston, a member of the state Supreme Court. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Fred Durst, singer in group Limp Bizkit |
WEBSITE |
https://www.gastongov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.gastonchamber.com/index.php |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.gaston.org/index.php |
TOURISM |
https://www.gogastonnc.org/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
11,601 |
AREA |
346 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Gatesville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, timber |
FUN FACT |
Gates County is an outdoor sports destination with Chowan River, Beaver Lake, and Merchant’s Millpond. |
WEBSITE |
https://gatescounty.govoffice2.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://gatescounty.govoffice2.com/index.asp?SEC=63542FA6-ECDD-4F2B-891B-8A4A2BE12BE1&Type=B_BASIC |
TOURISM |
https://gatescounty.govoffice2.com/?SEC=BAFFAEA9-E9FD-4BA2-8F62-D06E852C56C8 |
Established 1872
|
POPULATION |
8,607 |
AREA |
302 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Robbinsville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance, Construction |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Tri-County Community College-Graham Campus |
FUN FACT |
The title of the Avert Brothers’ “Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions” album is referring to Robbinsville NC. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Rodney Orr, NASCAR driver; Ethan Goodpaster and Jess Haney, members of the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise |
WEBSITE |
http://grahamcounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://grahamchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://grahamcountyedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://grahamcountytravel.com/ |
Established 1746
|
POPULATION |
58,503 |
AREA |
537 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Oxford |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing cosmetics, tires, and clothing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Vance-Granville Community College |
FUN FACT |
Butner was a World War II training camp in Granville, Person, and Durham Counties. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
John Penn, signer of the Declaration of Independence; Benjamin Chavis, civil rights leader |
WEBSITE |
granvillecounty.org |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://granville-chamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.granvillecounty.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitgranvillenc.com/ |
Established 1799
|
POPULATION |
21,059 |
AREA |
255 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Snow Hill |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing |
FUN FACT |
Greene County’s name honors Nathaniel Greene, a right-hand man to George Washington. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Rapsody, Grammy nominated rapper |
WEBSITE |
https://www.greenecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://greenecountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.greenecountync.gov/economic-development |
Established 1771
|
POPULATION |
517,197 |
AREA |
658 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Greensboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social science, manufacturing, furniture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Guilford College, The University of North Carolina at Greenville, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bennett College, Greensboro College, High Point, Guilford Technical Community College |
FUN FACT |
Greensboro was the location of the famous civil rights protest sit-in in 1960 at a segregated lunch counter. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison; Levi Coffin, abolitionist leader, O. Henry, author |
WEBSITE |
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://greensboro.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/planning-development/economic-development |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/ |
Established 1758
|
POPULATION |
52,300 |
AREA |
731 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Roanoke Rapids |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail trade, manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Halifax Community College |
FUN FACT |
Halifax County has 40 sites on the National Register of Historic Places |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
James Anderson, football player for Carolina Panthers; Chris Daughtry, musician; Nazair Jones, football player for Seattle Seahawks; Kareem Martin, football player for Arizona Cardinals |
WEBSITE |
https://www.halifaxnc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.rvchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://halifaxdevelopment.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visithalifax.com/ |
Established 1855
|
POPULATION |
128,753 |
AREA |
601 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Dunn |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Education and Health Services; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Campbell University, Central Carolina Community College Harnett Main Campus |
FUN FACT |
Part of Fort Bragg is in Harnett County. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
J.D. McDuffie, NASCAR driver |
WEBSITE |
http://www.harnett.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.lillingtonchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.harnettedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
http://www.dunntourism.org/ |
Established 1808
|
POPULATION |
59,854 |
AREA |
555 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Waynesville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Haywood Community College |
FUN FACT |
Two of the world’s largest sapphires were found in Canton’s Old Pressley Sapphire Mine. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Herbert Coward, actor |
WEBSITE |
https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.haywoodchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://haywoodedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitncsmokies.com/ |
Established 1838
|
POPULATION |
112,156 |
AREA |
375 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Hendersonville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Construction, manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Blue Ridge Community College |
FUN FACT |
County is North Carolina’s largest apple producer and hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival every year. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Kelly McGillis, actress |
WEBSITE |
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.hendersoncountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://gohendersoncountync.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/ |
Established 1759
|
POPULATION |
24,626 |
AREA |
360 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Ahoskie |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Education and Health Services |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Roanoke Chowan Community College, Shaw University Cape Center |
FUN FACT |
Newbold-White House is the oldest known brick structure in North Carolina. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Beulah and Lillie Burke, founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority; Jim Hunter, former MLB player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.hertfordcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.ahoskiechamber.net/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.hertfordcountync.gov/departments/county_administration/economic_development/ |
Established 1911
|
POPULATION |
52,571 |
AREA |
392 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Raeford |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Native American Bible College |
FUN FACT |
Hoke County is the second newest NC county. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Earl Wolff, NFL player; Derez Newsome, former NFL player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.hokecounty.net/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.facebook.com/raefordhokechamber/ |
Established 1712
|
POPULATION |
5,507 |
AREA |
1,424 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Ocracoke |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting |
FUN FACT |
The boundaries of Hyde County have changed more than any other NC county. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Woody Outlaw, world-record-setting charter boat captain |
WEBSITE |
http://www.hydecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.hydecountync.gov/links/chamber_of_commerce/index.php |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.hydecountync.gov/departments/planning_and_economic_development.php |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitocracokenc.com/ |
Established 1788
|
POPULATION |
169,798 |
AREA |
597 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Mooresville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Mitchell Community College |
FUN FACT |
The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame is located in Mooresville and is known as “Race City USA.” |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Bobby Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR driver |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.iredell.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.mooresvillenc.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.iredelledc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitstatesville.com/ |
Established 1851
|
POPULATION |
41,725 |
AREA |
494 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Cullowhee |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Education, Healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Western Carolina University, Southwestern Community College |
FUN FACT |
Movies filmed in Jackson County include The Fugitive, Deliverance, and My Fellow Americans. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Michael Bingham, 2008 Olympic medalist; Sean Bridgers, actor |
WEBSITE |
https://www.jacksonnc.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.mountainlovers.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.jacksonthrive.jacksonnc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/ |
Established 1746
|
POPULATION |
186,308 |
AREA |
796 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Clayton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail trade, manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Johnston Community College |
FUN FACT |
Johnston is the nation’s top sweet potato producing county. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Ava Gardner, actress and singer |
WEBSITE |
https://www.johnstonnc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.triangleeastchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.growwithjoco.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.johnstoncountync.org/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
9,776 |
AREA |
473 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Maysville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Lenoir Community College |
FUN FACT |
Jones only has a few traffic lights in the entire county. |
WEBSITE |
https://www.jonescountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://jonescounty.org/ |
Established 1907
|
POPULATION |
59,805 |
AREA |
259 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Sanford |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Central Carolina Community College |
FUN FACT |
Lee County is in one the country’s leading brick manufacturing areas. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Black Sheep, hip hop duo; Herb Thomas, NASCAR driver |
WEBSITE |
https://leecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.sanford-nc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://growsanfordnc.com/edc |
TOURISM |
http://welcometosanford.com/ |
Established 1791
|
POPULATION |
57,934 |
AREA |
402 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Kinston |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Health and human services |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Lenoir County Community College |
FUN FACT |
Lenoir County is named after General William Lenoir, a Speaker of the State Senate. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Brandon Ingram, NBA player; Reggie Bullock, NBA player; Jamie Pressley, actress |
WEBSITE |
https://lenoircountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://kinstonchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://lenoiredc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitkinston.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
80,504 |
AREA |
307 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Lincolnton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Gaston Community College |
FUN FACT |
Lincoln County used to be one of the state’s top producers of cotton and livestock. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Hiram Rhodes Revels, first African-American senator; Devon Lowery, former baseball player; Jim Cleamons, NBA player and assistant coach |
WEBSITE |
http://www.lincolncounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://lincolnchambernc.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.lincolneda.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.ci.lincolnton.nc.us/183/Lincolnton-Tourism-Development-Authority |
Established 1842
|
POPULATION |
34,160 |
AREA |
446 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Marion |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
McDowell County Technical College |
FUN FACT |
The movie The Last of the Mohicans was filmed along Lake James. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Dwayne Ledford, football coach and player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.mcdowellgov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.mcdowellchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://mcdowellnceda.govoffice3.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.blueridgetravelers.com/ |
Established 1828
|
POPULATION |
21,347 |
AREA |
519 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Franklin |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance, Retail trade |
FUN FACT |
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum houses a 2.25-pound ruby from a local mine. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Shawn Bryson, former NFL player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.maconnc.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://franklin-chamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://maconedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://discoverfranklinnc.com/ |
Established 1851
|
POPULATION |
23,227 |
AREA |
452 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Mars Hill |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance; manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Mars Hill University |
FUN FACT |
County was historically known for old-time folk music. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
The Wallin family, family of singers |
WEBSITE |
https://www.madisoncountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.madisoncounty-nc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://investinmadison.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitmadisoncounty.com/ |
Established 1774
|
POPULATION |
45,069 |
AREA |
461 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Williamston |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail trade; healthcare and social assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Martin Community College |
FUN FACT |
Seven of the Fort Branch’s original eleven cannons are displayed at the historic site. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Wilber Hardee, founder of Hardee’s |
WEBSITE |
https://www.martincountyncgov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.martincountync.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://martincountyedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitmartincounty.com/ |
Established 1762
|
POPULATION |
1,034,290 |
AREA |
546 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Charlotte |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Banking, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Davidson College, Queens University of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson & Wales University, Johnson C. Smith University, Union Presbyterian Seminary |
FUN FACT |
Mecklenburg County houses 10 Fortune 500 companies. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Ric Flair, retired professional wrestler; James K. Polk, 11th U.S. President |
WEBSITE |
www.mecknc.gov |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://charlotteregion.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://charlottenc.gov/ED |
TOURISM |
https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/ |
Established 1861
|
POPULATION |
15,155 |
AREA |
222 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Spruce Pine |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing; Retail and Trade |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Mayland Community College |
FUN FACT |
Roan Mountain has the world’s largest rhododendron garden. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Roy Williams, basketball coach; Gaylord Perry, former baseball player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.mitchellcounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://mitchellcountychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://mitchellcountyedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://craftyouradventure.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
27,445 |
AREA |
502 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Troy |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Montgomery County Community College |
FUN FACT |
Most of the county is made up of the Uwharrie National Forest. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Julius L. Chambers, civil rights attorney |
WEBSITE |
https://www.montgomerycountync.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.montgomerycountync.com/economic-development |
TOURISM |
https://www.montgomerycountync.com/visit |
Established 1784
|
POPULATION |
94,191 |
AREA |
706 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Pinehurst |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare; Tourism/Hospitality; Retail |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Sandhills Community College |
FUN FACT |
Moore County has many golf resorts and has hosted the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens multiple times. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Jeff and Matt Hardy, professional wrestlers; Charles Brady, NASA astronaut |
WEBSITE |
https://www.moorecountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.moorecountychamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.moorebusiness.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.homeofgolf.com/ |
Established 1777
|
POPULATION |
94,125 |
AREA |
543 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Rocky Mount |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Food Processing; Manufacturing; Distribution |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Nash County Community College; North Carolina Wesleyan College |
FUN FACT |
Nash has been a leading agricultural county since the Civil War. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Jim Clack, former NFL player; Mary Elizabeth Winstead, actress; Earle Hyman, actor |
WEBSITE |
https://nashcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.rockymountchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.selectnashnc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://explorenashcounty.com |
Established 1729
|
POPULATION |
219,866 |
AREA |
328 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Wilmington |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance; retail trade |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Cape Fear Community College, University of North Carolina Wilmington |
FUN FACT |
New Hanover County has 31 miles of shoreline. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Michael Jordan, former NBA player; Meadowlark Lemon, Harlem Globetrotter |
WEBSITE |
https://www.nhcgov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://wilmingtonbusinessdevelopment.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com |
Established 1741
|
POPULATION |
20,426 |
AREA |
551 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Garysburg |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
FUN FACT |
Keion Northampton County is home to several golf and hunting clubs., NFL player |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Keion Crossen, NFL player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.northamptonnc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.northamptonchamber.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitnorthamptonnc.com/ |
Established 1734
|
POPULATION |
192,685 |
AREA |
909 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Jacksonville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail Trade; Health and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Coastal Carolina Community College, Miller-Motte College |
FUN FACT |
Onslow County has more than 30 miles of beaches, oceans, and rivers. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
DeAndre Thompkins, NFL player; Rookie Davis, MLB player; Stephen Bowen, former NFL player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.onslowcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://jacksonvilleonline.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.joednc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.onlyinonslow.com/ |
Established 1752
|
POPULATION |
141,812 |
AREA |
401 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Chapel Hill |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Durham Technical College |
FUN FACT |
UNC at Chapel Hill is the country’s oldest state university. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Sarah Dessen, author; Lewis Black, comedian |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.hillsboroughchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.growinorangenc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitchapelhill.org/ |
Established 1872
|
POPULATION |
12,803 |
AREA |
566 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Bayboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and social assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Pamlico Community College |
FUN FACT |
Pamlico County has lots of wildlife with its variety of habitats. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Doug Smith, NFL defensive tackle |
WEBSITE |
https://www.pamlicocounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.pamlicochamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.pamlicocounty.org/economic-development.aspx |
TOURISM |
https://www.pamlico.com/ |
Established 1668
|
POPULATION |
39,546 |
AREA |
289 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Elizabeth City |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
College of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University, Mid-Atlantic Christian University |
FUN FACT |
Pasquotank County acts as a hub for many water-related activities thanks to its waterways. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Luther Lassiter, pool player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.pasquotankcountync.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.elizabethcitychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://elizabethcitypasquotankedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitelizabethcity.com/ |
Established 1875
|
POPULATION |
57,630 |
AREA |
933 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Burgaw |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Retail Trade; Healthcare and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Cape Fear Community College |
FUN FACT |
The 1985 movie Silver Bullet, written by Stephen King, had many scenes filmed in Burgaw, as did the TV series, Under the Dome, also written by Stephen King. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
M. L. Carr, NBA player and two-time NBA champion |
WEBSITE |
https://www.pendercountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.topsailchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.pendercountync.gov/welcome-to-pender/economic-opportunity/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitpender.com/ |
Established 1668
|
POPULATION |
39,506 |
AREA |
329 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Hertford |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
FUN FACT |
Apparel is Perquimans County’s primary manufactured item. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
“Catfish” Hunter, former MLB player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.perquimanscountync.gov/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.econdevperquimansnc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitperquimans.com/ |
Established 1792
|
POPULATION |
39,240 |
AREA |
404 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Roxboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Duke Energy, Eaton Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, GKN Driveline |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Piedmont Community College |
FUN FACT |
Person County is named after General Thomas Person, a Revolutionary War patriot. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Enos Slaughter, MLB player; Mic’hael Brooks, former NFL player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.personcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://roxboronc.com/index.html |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://personcountyedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://itsbetterinperson.com/ |
Established 1760
|
POPULATION |
176,484 |
AREA |
655 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Greenville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, Miller-Motte Technical College |
FUN FACT |
Pitt County has a thriving life science companies, which helps contribute to North Carolina’s ranking of having the third largest biotechnology industry in the country. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Alex White, former MLB player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.pittcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.greenvillenc.org/home/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://locateincarolina.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitgreenvillenc.com/ |
Established 1855
|
POPULATION |
20,434 |
AREA |
239 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Tyron |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Isothermal Community College |
FUN FACT |
About half of the residents of Tyron County came from other parts of the country. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
F. Scott Fitzgerald, author; Kenneth Lackey, one of the original Three Stooges |
WEBSITE |
http://www.polknc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://firstpeaknc.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
142,827 |
AREA |
790 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Asheboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Randolph Community College |
FUN FACT |
Randolph County has one of the last remaining covered bridges in North Carolina, Pisgah Covered Bridge. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Lee Petty, NASCAR driver, and son Richard |
WEBSITE |
http://www.randolphcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.chamber.asheboro.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.rcedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
45,447 |
AREA |
480 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Rockingham |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Education and Health Services, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Richmond Community College |
FUN FACT |
Richmond County’s Rockingham Speedway hosted NASCAR events until 2005. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
erius Youngdell Nash, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter; Dannell Ellerbe, NFL player; Melvin Ingram, NFL |
WEBSITE |
http://www.richmondcountync.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.richmondcountychamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.richmondnced.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitrichmondcounty.com/ |
Established 1787
|
POPULATION |
134,187 |
AREA |
951 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Lumberton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Robeson Community College |
FUN FACT |
The film Blue Velvet was set in Lumberton. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Vonta Leach, former NFL player; Sean Locklear, former NFL player; Joseph Mitchell, The New Yorker journalist |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.robeson.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.lumbertonchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.robesoncountyoed.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.lumberton-nc.com/ |
Established 1785
|
POPULATION |
91,566 |
AREA |
572 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Eden |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Unifi, Inc; Frontier Spinning Mills; Gildan Activewear Eden Inc. |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Rockingham Community College |
FUN FACT |
Before the Civil War, Madison NC was the largest tobacco manufacturing center in the world. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Junior Johnson, NASCAR driver |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.rockingham.nc.us/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.gorockinghamcountync.com/ |
Established 1753
|
POPULATION |
138,940 |
AREA |
524 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Salisbury |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Healthcare and Social Services |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Catawba College, Livingstone College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College |
FUN FACT |
J.P Morgan chose the Rowan County area as the Southern Railway Company’s steam locomotive servicing facility site in 1896. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Tommy Barnhardt, NFL player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.rowancountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.rowanchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://rowanedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitsalisburync.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
66,523 |
AREA |
566 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Forest City |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Automotive Suppliers, Advanced Materials, Data Centers, Call Centers |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Isothermal Community College |
FUN FACT |
Rutherford County had the first newspaper, post office, and state charted school in Western North Carolina. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Smoky Burgess, former MLB player, Robert McNair, Houston Texans owner; Kay Hooper, author |
WEBSITE |
https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.rutherfordcoc.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://rutherfordncedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitncsmalltowns.com/ |
Established 1784
|
POPULATION |
63,664 |
AREA |
947 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Clinton |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Sampson Community College |
FUN FACT |
Almost half of Sampson County is farmland. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Chris King, former NBA player; Jimmy Hargrove, former NFL player; Donnell Holmes, heavyweight wrestler |
WEBSITE |
http://www.sampsonnc.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.clintonsampsonchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://sampsonedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitsampsonnc.com/ |
Established 1899
|
POPULATION |
35,445 |
AREA |
321 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Laurinburg |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
St. Andrews University |
FUN FACT |
Scotland County holds Highland Games each year. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
John Charles McNeill, poet |
WEBSITE |
http://www.scotlandcounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.laurinburgchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://scotlandcountyedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
http://visitnc-soul.com/ |
Established 1841
|
POPULATION |
60,875 |
AREA |
404 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Albemarle |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Textiles, Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Pfeiffer University, Stanly Community College |
FUN FACT |
In the past, gold has been mined in Stanly County. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Star Jones, TV personality; James Ross, author |
WEBSITE |
https://www.stanlycountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://stanlychamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.stanlyedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://visitstanly.com/ |
Established 1789
|
POPULATION |
46,124 |
AREA |
456 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
King |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Education and Health Services |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
North Carolina State University Stokes County Center |
FUN FACT |
Stokes County houses picturesque Hanging Rock State Park, part of the Sauratown Mountain Range. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Jeremy Bullins, NASCAR crew chief |
WEBSITE |
http://www.co.stokes.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://kingnc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.stokesedc.com/wayoflife.aspx |
TOURISM |
https://hangingrock.com |
Established 1771
|
POPULATION |
72,315 |
AREA |
538 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Mount Airy |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Surry Community College |
FUN FACT |
The fictitious town of Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show is based on Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Andy Griffith, actor |
WEBSITE |
https://www.co.surry.nc.us/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.yadkinvalley.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.surryedp.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.yadkinvalleync.com/ |
Established 1871
|
POPULATION |
14,208 |
AREA |
541 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Bryson County |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Southwestern Community College |
FUN FACT |
Bryson City makes an appearance in Cormac McCarthy’s book Suttree. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Jerry Reed, former MLB player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.swaincountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.greatsmokies.com/chamber/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.swaincountync.gov/economic-development.html |
TOURISM |
https://www.greatsmokies.com/ |
Established 1861
|
POPULATION |
33,291 |
AREA |
381 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Brevard |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare, Construction |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Brevard College, Blue Ridge Community College |
FUN FACT |
Transylvania County is called “Land of the Waterfalls” for its 250 waterfalls. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Moms Mabley, stand-up comedian; Lauren Myracle, young adult fiction author |
WEBSITE |
http://www.transylvaniacounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://brevardncchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://transylvaniaalliance.com/ |
TOURISM |
http://brevardnc.com/ |
Established 1729
|
POPULATION |
4,090 |
AREA |
600 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Columbia |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, Construction |
FUN FACT |
The Red Wolf Education and Health Care Facility in Tyrrell County works to educate the public about the endangered species. |
WEBSITE |
http://tyrrellcounty.org/en/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://tyrrellnc.com/ |
Established 1842
|
POPULATION |
222,095 |
AREA |
640 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Indian Trail |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
South Piedmont Community College, Wingate University |
FUN FACT |
Union County’s name was a compromise between those who wanted to name the county after Henry Clay and those who wanted to name it after Andrew Jackson. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Kyle Parker, soccer player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.unioncountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.unioncountycoc.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://developunion.com/ |
Established 1881
|
POPULATION |
44,420 |
AREA |
270 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Henderson |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Light Manufacturing, Distribution and Logistics, Life Sciences and Bio-Sciences, Food and Beverage Processing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Vance-Granville Community College |
FUN FACT |
Kerr Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast U.S., sits in Vance County and North Carolina. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Boo Hanks, Piedmont blues musician; Jason Brown former NFL player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.vancecounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://hendersonvance.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://vancecountyedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
http://www.kerrlake-nc.com |
Established 1771
|
POPULATION |
1,023,811 |
AREA |
857 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Raleigh |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Peace College, Saint Augustine’s College, Shaw University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Technical Community College |
FUN FACT |
Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” because of all of its oak trees. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Hardy Boyz, professional wrestlers; Chris Archer, MLB player; Pete Marovich, NBA player |
WEBSITE |
http://www.wakegov.com |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.raleighchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://raleigh-wake.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visitraleigh.com/ |
Established 1779
|
POPULATION |
20,190 |
AREA |
444 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Norlina |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Healthcare, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Vance-Granville Community College |
FUN FACT |
Warren County’s Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston attract many tourists in warmer months. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Eva Clayton, Congresswoman |
WEBSITE |
http://www.warrencountync.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://warrencountync.com/480/Chamber-of-Commerce |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.warrencountync.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.warrencounty.com/ |
Established 1799
|
POPULATION |
12,331 |
AREA |
424 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Plymouth |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Beaufort County Community College |
FUN FACT |
Plymouth hosts the North Carolina Black Bear Festival each June. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
J. B. Smoove, comedian |
WEBSITE |
https://washconc.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
http://www.chamberofwashingtoncounty.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://wbcchamber.com/resources/economic-development-commission |
TOURISM |
https://gowildnc.com/ |
Established 1849
|
POPULATION |
53,421 |
AREA |
313 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
3 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Boone |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Educational Services, Retail Trade |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Appalachian State University, Caldwell Community College |
FUN FACT |
All of Watauga County’s terrain is part of the Appalachian Mountains. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Joseph Bathanti, poet and novelist |
WEBSITE |
http://www.wataugacounty.org/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.boonechamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://wataugaedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.exploreboone.com/ |
Established 1779
POPULATION |
124,496 |
AREA |
557 sq mi |
REGION |
Coast |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Goldsboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Automotive |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Wayne Community College, University of Mount Olive |
FUN FACT |
Wayne County hosts the North Carolina Pick Festival at Mount Olive |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Ava Gardner, actress; Anne Jeffreys, actress; Carl Kasell, radio personality |
WEBSITE |
https://www.waynegov.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://waynecountychamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.waynealliance.org/ |
TOURISM |
http://www.visitgoldsboronc.com/ |
Established 1777
|
POPULATION |
68,525 |
AREA |
760 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
North Wilkesboro |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Building Materials, Good Processing, Agriculture |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Wilkes Community College |
FUN FACT |
County has the first NASCAR track, the North Wilkesboro Speedway. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Roger Hamby, former NASCAR driver; James Larkin Pearson, North Carolina Poet Laureate |
WEBSITE |
https://www.wilkescounty.net/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.wilkeschamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://wilkesedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.wilkescountytourism.com/ |
Established 1855
|
POPULATION |
81,379 |
AREA |
374 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
1 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Wilson |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Agriculture, Manufacturing |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Barton College, Wilson Community College |
FUN FACT |
The Vollis Simpson Whirlgig Park is an art installation in Wilson made of large kinetic sculptures that Simpson called “whirlgigs.” |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Vad Lee, NFL player |
WEBSITE |
https://www.wilson-co.com/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://www.wilsonncchamber.com/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://www.wilsonedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://wilson-nc.com/ |
Established 1850
|
POPULATION |
37,825 |
AREA |
337 sq mi |
REGION |
Piedmont |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Yadkinville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Healthcare |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Surry Community College |
FUN FACT |
Yadkinville holds an annual Grape Festival to honor the local vineyards. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Mo Cowan, U.S. Senator; Mamrie Hart, comedian |
WEBSITE |
https://www.yadkincountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
https://yadkinchamber.org/ |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
https://yadkinedc.com/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.visityadkin.com/ |
Established 1833
|
POPULATION |
17,605 |
AREA |
313 sq mi |
REGION |
Mountains |
TIER RANKING |
2 |
LARGEST CITY/TOWN |
Burnsville |
COMPANIES/INDUSTRY |
Manufacturing, Healthcare and Social Assistance |
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES |
Mayland Community College |
FUN FACT |
Yancey County is considered the most mountainous county in North Carolina. |
NOTABLE RESIDENT(S) |
Charles W. Ray, U.S. Army sergeant |
WEBSITE |
https://yanceycountync.gov/ |
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
www.yanceychamber.com |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
http://www.yanceyedc.org/ |
TOURISM |
https://www.exploreburnsville.com/ |
Want to suggest a correction or addition to any of the individual county cards? Send an email to Larry Lombardi.