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Anson County, North Carolina

Coordinates: 34°59′N 80°07′W / 34.98°N 80.11°W / 34.98; -80.11
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Anson County, North Carolina
County
Anson County Courthouse and Confederate Monument in Wadesboro
Anson County Courthouse and Confederate Monument in Wadesboro
Flag of Anson County, North Carolina
Flag
Official seal of Anson County, North Carolina
Seal
Motto: 
"Anson County - A great place to call home"
Map of North Carolina highlighting Anson County
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
Map
Interactive map of Anson County, North Carolina
Coordinates: 34°59′N 80°07′W / 34.98°N 80.11°W / 34.98; -80.11
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1750
Named afterGeorge Anson, Baron Anson
SeatWadesboro
Largest communityWadesboro
Area
 • Total
537.10 sq mi (1,391.1 km2)
 • Land531.46 sq mi (1,376.5 km2)
 • Water5.64 sq mi (14.6 km2)  1.05%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
22,055
 • Estimate 
(2024)
22,432 Increase
 • Density41.5/sq mi (16.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district8th
Websitewww.co.anson.nc.us

Anson County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,055.[1] Its county seat is Wadesboro.[2]

History

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The area eventually comprising Anson County was originally occupied by Native Americans of the Catawba and Waxhaw tribes.[3]

The county was formed in 1750 from Bladen County. It was named for George Anson, Baron Anson, a British admiral who circumnavigated the world.[4] Anson purchased land in the state.[5] The county seat was designated at New Town in 1783. Four years later it was renamed Wadesboro.[6]

Reductions to its extent began in 1753, when the northern part of it became Rowan County. In 1762 the western part of Anson County became Mecklenburg County. In 1779 the northern part of what remained of Anson County became Montgomery County, and the part east of the Pee Dee River became Richmond County. In 1842, western Anson County merged with southeastern Mecklenburg County to become Union County.[7]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 537.10 square miles (1,391.1 km2), of which 531.46 square miles (1,376.5 km2) is land and 5.64 square miles (14.6 km2) (1.05%) is water.[8] It is bordered by the North Carolina counties of Stanly, Montgomery, Richmond, and Union, and the South Carolina county of Chesterfield.[9]

National protected area

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State and local protected areas/sites

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Major water bodies

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See also: Category:Rivers of Anson County, North Carolina

Major highways

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Major infrastructure

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17905,133—
18008,14658.7%
18108,8318.4%
182012,53441.9%
183014,09512.5%
184015,0777.0%
185013,489−10.5%
186013,6641.3%
187012,428−9.0%
188017,99444.8%
189020,02711.3%
190021,8709.2%
191025,46516.4%
192028,33411.3%
193029,3493.6%
194028,443−3.1%
195026,781−5.8%
196024,962−6.8%
197023,488−5.9%
198025,6499.2%
199023,474−8.5%
200025,2757.7%
201026,9486.6%
202022,055−18.2%
2024 (est.)22,432[13] Increase1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790–1960[15] 1900–1990[16]
1990–2000[17] 2010[18] 2020[1]

2020 census

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Anson County, North Carolina – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[19] Pop 2010[20] Pop 2020[21] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 12,429 12,344 10,593 49.18% 45.81% 48.03%
Black or African American alone (NH) 12,245 13,038 9,838 48.45% 48.38% 44.61%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 110 148 89 0.44% 0.55% 0.40%
Asian alone (NH) 143 281 221 0.57% 1.04% 1.00%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 6 4 4 0.02% 0.01% 0.02%
Other race alone (NH) 18 27 38 0.07% 0.10% 0.17%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 113 294 607 0.45% 1.09% 2.75%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 211 812 665 0.83% 3.01% 3.02%
Total 25,275 26,948 22,055 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 22,055 and 5,809 families; the median age was 44.5 years, with 19.1% of residents under the age of 18 and 20.3% aged 65 or older. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 90.2 males.[22][1]

There were 8,554 households in the county, of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 38.5% were married-couple households, 20.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 35.1% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[22]

There were 9,834 housing units, of which 13.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 68.8% were owner-occupied and 31.2% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.5% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.0%.[22]

22.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 77.8% lived in rural areas.[23]

The racial makeup of the county was 48.5% White, 44.8% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% Asian, less than 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 2.0% from some other race, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 3.0% of the population.[24]

Anson is a majority minority county.[25][26] Between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, Anson's population declined by 18.2 percent.[27]

2010 census

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At the 2010 census, there were 26,948 people. The racial makeup of the county was 48.58% African American, 47.15% White American, 1.07% Asian, 0.61% Native American, 1.25% multiracial and 1.32% of other race. People of Hispanic and Latino origin account for 3.02% of the population.[28]

2000 census

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At the 2000 census,[29] there were 25,275 people, 9,204 households, and 6,663 families residing in the county. The population density was 48 people per square mile (19 people/km2). There were 10,221 housing units at an average density of 19 units per square mile (7.3 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.64% Black or African American, 48.53% White, 0.45% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,204 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.80% were married couples living together, 19.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.20% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,849, and the median income for a family was $35,870. Males had a median income of $27,297 versus $20,537 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,853. About 15.50% of families and 17.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.90% of those under age 18 and 16.70% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

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Anson County is governed by a board of commissioners, which has seven members elected by district.[30] The board of commissioners appoints a county manager, who oversees county administration and implements the board's policies.[31]

Anson County is a member of the regional Centralina Council of Governments.[32]

United States presidential election results for Anson County, North Carolina[33]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
1912 125 7.23% 1,487 85.95% 118 6.82%
1916 301 12.82% 2,046 87.18% 0 0.00%
1920 433 12.00% 3,175 88.00% 0 0.00%
1924 225 8.58% 2,372 90.47% 25 0.95%
1928 726 19.77% 2,947 80.23% 0 0.00%
1932 223 4.98% 4,252 94.91% 5 0.11%
1936 381 7.60% 4,629 92.40% 0 0.00%
1940 371 7.54% 4,552 92.46% 0 0.00%
1944 510 12.46% 3,582 87.54% 0 0.00%
1948 447 12.05% 2,692 72.54% 572 15.41%
1952 1,843 30.79% 4,143 69.21% 0 0.00%
1956 1,640 31.31% 3,598 68.69% 0 0.00%
1960 1,597 27.93% 4,120 72.07% 0 0.00%
1964 1,721 29.34% 4,144 70.66% 0 0.00%
1968 1,474 18.39% 2,969 37.05% 3,571 44.56%
1972 3,551 60.88% 2,188 37.51% 94 1.61%
1976 1,608 25.04% 4,796 74.68% 18 0.28%
1980 1,968 27.77% 4,973 70.17% 146 2.06%
1984 3,719 42.45% 5,015 57.25% 26 0.30%
1988 2,782 36.45% 4,831 63.29% 20 0.26%
1992 2,334 27.33% 5,269 61.71% 936 10.96%
1996 2,193 28.81% 4,890 64.23% 530 6.96%
2000 3,161 39.59% 4,792 60.01% 32 0.40%
2004 3,796 41.15% 5,413 58.68% 16 0.17%
2008 4,207 39.20% 6,456 60.15% 70 0.65%
2012 4,166 37.01% 7,019 62.36% 71 0.63%
2016 4,506 42.73% 5,859 55.56% 180 1.71%
2020 5,321 47.53% 5,789 51.72% 84 0.75%
2024 5,525 50.80% 5,253 48.30% 97 0.89%

Like several neighboring rural counties, Anson County has historically favored Democratic nominees in most presidential elections. Since 2012, Republicans have had more success in the region, though Anson County voted more Democratic than its neighbors.[25] The county has been depopulating, and the African American share of its population has been decreasing.

In 2016, the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, won the county by 13 percentage points. In 2020 the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, won by four.[34][35] The county favored a Republican candidate for a federal office in 2022[25] and Donald Trump won the county in 2024, the first Republican presidential nominee to do so since Richard Nixon in 1972.[36]

Economy

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Anson's economy was historically rooted in agriculture. It remains weaker than those of other counties in the region.[3]

Education

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There are 11 schools in the Anson County Schools system that serve the students of the county.[37]

The county is served by South Piedmont Community College, which has a campus near Polkton.[38][39]

Communities

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Pee Dee National Wildlife RefugeAnsonvilleLilesvilleMcFarlanMorvenPeachlandPolktonWadesboro
Clickable map of Anson County

Towns

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Unincorporated communities

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Townships

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Ghost town

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Population ranking

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The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Anson County.[41]

† = county seat

Rank Name Type Population
(2020 census)
1 † Wadesboro Town 5,008
2 Polkton Town 2,250
3 Ansonville Town 440
4 Lilesville Town 395
5 Peachland Town 390
6 Morven Town 329
7 McFarlan Town 94

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Anson County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Michael, Jeff. "Anson County: An Introduction". UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  4. ^ Corbitt 2000, p. 8.
  5. ^ Gannett (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names (PDF). Washington DC: United States Geological Survey. p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2015.
  6. ^ Anson County Vision 2040 2021, p. 5.
  7. ^ Medley, Mary Louise (1976). Anson County Historical Association (ed.). History of Anson County, North Carolina, 1750-1976. Heritage Printer, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina. ISBN 9780806347554. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  8. ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Anson County Vision 2040 2021, p. 7.
  10. ^ "Arrowhead Lake NC Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots". www.fishidy.com. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Gaddy Covered Bridge | Natural Atlas". naturalatlas.com. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  12. ^ "NCWRC Game Lands". www.ncpaws.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  13. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  14. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  15. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  16. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  17. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  18. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  19. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Anson County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  20. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Anson County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  21. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Anson County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau.
  22. ^ a b c "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  23. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  24. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  25. ^ a b c Worf, Lisa; Harrison, Steve (December 20, 2022). "Anson County's flip to red highlights a shift in rural NC counties". WFAE 90.7. WFAE. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  26. ^ McCorkle & Salzberg 2022, pp. 9–11.
  27. ^ Retana, Judith (May 25, 2023). "Census data shows fastest growing, shrinking counties in NC". CBS 17. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  28. ^ "2010 Census Population of Anson County, NC". Retrieved January 28, 2021.[dead link]
  29. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  30. ^ Monica, Lauren (September 22, 2023). "At-large district voting spurs Anson commissioner meeting into a frenzy". Richmond County Daily Journal. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  31. ^ "County Manager". Anson County Government. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  32. ^ "Centralina Council of Governments". Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  33. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  34. ^ "These key counties are telling the story of America's shifting political landscape". NBC News. October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  35. ^ McCorkle & Salzberg 2022, pp. 9–10.
  36. ^ "Harris Gets Troubling Sign from Trump's Performance in North Carolina". The New Republic. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  37. ^ "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Anson County Schools". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  38. ^ "History of the College". South Piedmont Community College. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  39. ^ McClellan, Hannah (December 7, 2022). "South Piedmont Community College manufacturing apprenticeship makes big impact for its students, company". EducationNC. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g h Powell 1976, p. 11.
  41. ^ "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  42. ^ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.

Works cited

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