County Crime & Safety
Stanly County, NC, experienced a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the national average of 380. Property crime remains a concern, with 1,987 incidents per 100,000—slightly higher than the state average of 1,857. Local law enforcement reports steady improvement due to community policing and increased patrols. Overall, Stanly County maintains a moderate safety rating, with crime rates decreasing by 3% compared to the previous year, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s annual statistics.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Stanly County, NC had a population of approximately 62,504. The median age is 41.2 years. Females comprise 51.2%, while males make up 48.8%. Racially, the county is 81.5% White, 11.7% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.3% Native American, with 4.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The population is relatively stable, with modest increases over recent years.
Education, Employment and Housing
Stanly County, NC, serves around 8,700 students across 22 public schools, including 6 high schools. Approximately 83.7% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 17.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is about 89%. SchoolDigger scores place most schools near the state average for test performance. The county offers adult education at Stanly Community College and various career and technical programs. School safety ratings are above the state median, with 91% of students reporting feeling safe. Enrichment initiatives include STEM, Advanced Placement, and arts programs.
Stanly County, NC has an employment rate of approximately 94.8%, with 28,300 residents employed. Key industries include manufacturing (18%), healthcare and social assistance (17%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupation types are production (15%), sales (13%), and office/administrative support (13%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Nearly 56% work within the county, while the rest commute to nearby counties such as Mecklenburg and Cabarrus. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 ACS; NC Department of Commerce.)
Stanly County, NC has a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with median home values around $210,000 in 2024. Rental costs average $1,100 per month. The area’s property values have increased roughly 7% year-over-year, reflecting growing demand. Housing types range from single-family homes to townhouses, predominantly in neighborhoods like Albemarle, Locust, and Norwood. Property tax rates are about $0.67 per $100 assessed value, equating to annual taxes of $1,400 on a median-priced home. The county offers suburban and rural living options, attracting both families and retirees.
Elections
Stanly County, NC, has approximately 42,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections held include federal, state, and local races, plus municipal and school board elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 75% of voters favored the Republican candidate. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans outnumbering Democrats nearly 2:1. The Stanly County Board of Elections manages 22 polling locations. Top issues include economic development and school funding. Voter turnout typically exceeds 60% in general elections. Administration emphasizes security and accessibility, offering absentee and early voting options per North Carolina statutes.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- David Smith
- Amanda Smith
- Christopher Smith
- James Furr
- Michael Eudy
- Ashley Smith
- Elizabeth Smith
- James Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Michael Hinson
- Jason Smith
- Mark Harris
- Richard Huneycutt
- Amanda Efird
- Brandon Smith
- Jeffrey Efird
- Larry Almond
- Laura Smith
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Furr
- Michael Huneycutt
- Patricia Whitley
- Robert Smith
- Daniel Helms
- David Furr
- James Brown
- James Burris
- James Davis
- James Harris
- James Little
- Karen Whitley
- Larry Hatley
- Larry Martin
- Melissa Smith
- Steven Smith
- William Brown
- William Huneycutt
- William Smith
- Amy Whitley
- Ashley Eudy
- Ashley Huneycutt
- Brenda Poplin
- Carolyn Helms
- Carolyn Smith
- Charles Morton
- Charles Whitley
- David Burris
- David Hartsell
- Debra Smith
- Donna Davis
- Elaine Tunner
- Heather Barbee
- Jacqueline Green
- James Helms
- James Lowder
- James Wilson
- Jeffrey Smith
- Jennifer Lowder
- John Almond
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alamance
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Anson
- 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