Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Anson County, NC had a population of 22,055. The median age was 41.9 years, with 19% under 18 and 18.1% 65 or older. Females made up 51.9% and males 48.1%. Racially, 48.1% identified as Black or African American, 45.6% as White, 3.4% as Hispanic or Latino, and 0.5% as Asian. The county is characterized by a diverse age and racial demographic.
County Crime & Safety
Anson County, NC, experiences a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national numbers. According to 2022 data, the county reported approximately 3,200 total crimes per 100,000 residents, with property crimes being most prevalent. Violent crime rate stood at around 540 per 100,000, exceeding the North Carolina average of 418. Local law enforcement prioritizes community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activity. While recent efforts have improved reporting accuracy, the area continues to face safety challenges, particularly in theft and burglary rates, which exceed the state mean by nearly 20%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Anson County, NC, has 11 public schools, including Anson High School, serving around 3,200 students. About 82% of adults have a high school diploma, while 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school test score is 32.7% (compared to the NC average of 53%). The county offers career/technical programs and adult education through South Piedmont Community College. School safety initiatives include resource officers at secondary campuses. Graduation rates are around 76%, and programs exist for advanced learners and vocational training.
As of 2022, Anson County, NC, had an employment rate of about 52.6%. The largest industries are Manufacturing (16.5%), Health Care & Social Assistance (15.8%), and Retail Trade (14.8%). Major occupation types include Production (13.2%) and Office/Administrative Support (12.5%). Around 60% of workers commute outside the county for employment, with an average commute time of 28.3 minutes; common destinations include Union and Mecklenburg counties. Local jobs are primarily concentrated in Wadesboro, the county seat.
Anson County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with the median home value around $106,000 (2022 ACS). Median gross rent is approximately $725. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some multi-family units in areas like Wadesboro. Neighborhoods such as Morven and Peachland offer affordable options. The county has seen gradual property value growth, up 8% from 2020 to 2023. Property tax rates stand at $0.76 per $100 valuation. The overall housing market remains more affordable compared to neighboring counties.
Elections
As of 2024, Anson County, NC has approximately 16,200 registered voters, with 52% Democrats, 28% Republicans, and 20% unaffiliated. Voters participate in general, primary, and municipal elections, with a 2020 turnout rate of 60%. Polling takes place at 13 locations, including high schools and community centers. Recent elections have seen Democrats narrowly win most contests. Key local issues are education funding and economic development. The county’s Board of Elections administers polling, adheres to state guidelines, and manages challenges such as voter ID implementation. Both major parties maintain active local chapters.
Popular names
- Michael Williams
- Brenda Little
- Leo Miller
- Brandon Smith
- James Thomas
- Martha Davis
- Mary Little
- Charles Love
- Daniel Hildreth
- Elijah Gaddy
- James Adams
- James Bailey
- James Little
- Jillian Lear
- John Hildreth
- John Smith
- John Thomas
- Joyce Little
- Larry Peterson
- Lorie Caudill
- Raymond Polson
- William Horne
- Amber Freeman
- Amy Carpenter
- Ashley Little
- Ashley Taylor
- Barbara Little
- Berkeley Powell
- Betty Harris
- Betty Sturdivant
- Cleveland Robinson
- Eric Hamilton
- Eric Lennon
- Frances Davis
- Hayley Wright
- Henry Collins
- James Bennett
- James Caudle
- James Gatewood
- James Melton
- James Sturdivant
- James Taylor
- James Tillman
- James White
- Jennifer Harrington
- John Johnson
- John Leak
- Johnnie Miller
- Joia Lisenby
- Kenneth Little
- Kesa Liles
- Larry Carpenter
- Lashunda Teal
- Lynn Thomas
- Martha Goodwin
- Mary Dunlap
- Mary Gaddy
- Mary Smith
- Matthew Carpenter
- Mitchell Patton
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alamance
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Ashe
- Avery
- Beaufort
- Bertie
- Bladen
- Brunswick
- Buncombe
- Burke
- Cabarrus
- Caldwell
- Camden
- Carteret
- Caswell
- Catawba
- Chatham
- Cherokee
- Chowan
- Clay
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Craven
- Cumberland
- Currituck
- Dare
- Davidson
- Davie
- Duplin
- Durham
- Edgecombe
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Gates
- Graham
- Granville
- Greene
- Guilford
- Halifax
- Harnett
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Hertford
- Hoke
- Hyde
- Iredell
- Jackson
- Johnston