Anson County

Once known as the “mother county” from which the Charlotte region’s other counties emerged from, Anson County’s rural backdrop and beautiful landscapes set it apart from its suburban and urban neighbors. With a population of 22,432 as of the 2020 census, it has remained a largely agricultural county despite its proximity to the city of Charlotte. Its county seat is Wadesboro, with other notable towns including Polkton, Morven, Lilesville and Ansonville.

From peaches, to meat and even homemade ice cream, Anson County honors its agricultural roots through no shortage of specialty businesses that offer locally made products. In fact, Anson County’s economy has historically been built on agriculture, namely cotton and farming. Over 400 farms operate in the county to this day.

Despite the number of operating farms in Anson County, manufacturing seems to have declined over recent decades, and the economy tends to lag behind the larger Charlotte metropolitan area. Like many rural counties, it struggles with a declining population over time, lower-than-average incomes, and limited healthcare and employment options. So, how can Anson County capitalize on its rich natural resources in order to bolster its agriculture-centered economy?

Tourism is a great start, and a sector in which Anson County has tremendous potential. It is home to the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 8,500 acres and has a diverse landscape with a variety of habitats. The Pee Dee River provides an intriguing destination for tourists, offering waterway access for canoeing and kayaking. There are also numerous hunting and fishing opportunities for visitors to take advantage of.

Anson County’s abundance of locally grown products is a great strength. As the population of the city of Charlotte increases, the demand for locally grown foods grows along with it. This puts Anson County at an advantage due to its proximity to the urban center of Charlotte, making it easy to transport product from the rural farm to the urban table.

With all of this in mind, leaders are pursuing opportunities related to industrial development, agribusiness, outdoor recreation and growth spillover from Mecklenburg County. Through embracing growth, Anson County will be able to maintain its identity as one of the Charlotte region’s most historically rich rural communities.

Photos by Nancy Pierce.

Anson County links