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List of Counties in North Carolina

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North Carolina has 100 counties. The most populous counties are Wake County (Raleigh), Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), Guilford County (Greensboro), Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), Cumberland County (Fayetteville), Durham County, Buncombe County (Asheville), New Hanover County (Wilmington), Union County, and Cabarrus County. Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, is the largest by population and serves as a major economic hub. Wake County, which includes Raleigh, the state capital, is also highly populated and growing rapidly.

List of All Counties in North Carolina

  1. Alamance County, North Carolina
  2. Alexander County, North Carolina
  3. Alleghany County, North Carolina
  4. Anson County, North Carolina
  5. Ashe County, North Carolina
  6. Avery County, North Carolina
  7. Beaufort County, North Carolina
  8. Bertie County, North Carolina
  9. Bladen County, North Carolina
  10. Brunswick County, North Carolina
  11. Buncombe County, North Carolina
  12. Burke County, North Carolina
  13. Cabarrus County, North Carolina
  14. Caldwell County, North Carolina
  15. Camden County, North Carolina
  16. Carteret County, North Carolina
  17. Caswell County, North Carolina
  18. Catawba County, North Carolina
  19. Chatham County, North Carolina
  20. Cherokee County, North Carolina
  21. Chowan County, North Carolina
  22. Clay County, North Carolina
  23. Cleveland County, North Carolina
  24. Columbus County, North Carolina
  25. Craven County, North Carolina
  26. Cumberland County, North Carolina
  27. Currituck County, North Carolina
  28. Dare County, North Carolina
  29. Davidson County, North Carolina
  30. Davie County, North Carolina
  31. Duplin County, North Carolina
  32. Durham County, North Carolina
  33. Edgecombe County, North Carolina
  34. Forsyth County, North Carolina
  35. Franklin County, North Carolina
  36. Gaston County, North Carolina
  37. Gates County, North Carolina
  38. Graham County, North Carolina
  39. Granville County, North Carolina
  40. Greene County, North Carolina
  41. Guilford County, North Carolina
  42. Halifax County, North Carolina
  43. Harnett County, North Carolina
  44. Haywood County, North Carolina
  45. Henderson County, North Carolina
  46. Hertford County, North Carolina
  47. Hoke County, North Carolina
  48. Hyde County, North Carolina
  49. Iredell County, North Carolina
  50. Jackson County, North Carolina
  51. Johnston County, North Carolina
  52. Jones County, North Carolina
  53. Lee County, North Carolina
  54. Lenoir County, North Carolina
  55. Lincoln County, North Carolina
  56. Macon County, North Carolina
  57. Madison County, North Carolina
  58. Martin County, North Carolina
  59. McDowell County, North Carolina
  60. Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
  61. Mitchell County, North Carolina
  62. Montgomery County, North Carolina
  63. Moore County, North Carolina
  64. Nash County, North Carolina
  65. New Hanover County, North Carolina
  66. Northampton County, North Carolina
  67. Onslow County, North Carolina
  68. Orange County, North Carolina
  69. Pamlico County, North Carolina
  70. Pasquotank County, North Carolina
  71. Pender County, North Carolina
  72. Perquimans County, North Carolina
  73. Person County, North Carolina
  74. Pitt County, North Carolina
  75. Polk County, North Carolina
  76. Randolph County, North Carolina
  77. Richmond County, North Carolina
  78. Robeson County, North Carolina
  79. Rockingham County, North Carolina
  80. Rowan County, North Carolina
  81. Rutherford County, North Carolina
  82. Sampson County, North Carolina
  83. Scotland County, North Carolina
  84. Stanly County, North Carolina
  85. Stokes County, North Carolina
  86. Surry County, North Carolina
  87. Swain County, North Carolina
  88. Transylvania County, North Carolina
  89. Tyrrell County, North Carolina
  90. Union County, North Carolina
  91. Vance County, North Carolina
  92. Wake County, North Carolina
  93. Warren County, North Carolina
  94. Washington County, North Carolina
  95. Watauga County, North Carolina
  96. Wayne County, North Carolina
  97. Wilkes County, North Carolina
  98. Wilson County, North Carolina
  99. Yadkin County, North Carolina
  100. Yancey County, North Carolina

Largest Counties in North Carolina

1. Robeson County

Overview

Robeson County is the largest county by land area in North Carolina, covering 951 square miles. It is located in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered by Cumberland County to the north, Bladen County to the east, and South Carolina to the south. Established in 1787, the county was named after Colonel Thomas Robeson, a hero of the Revolutionary War. The county seat, Lumberton, is a key regional hub for agriculture and commerce. Robeson County is notable for its diverse population, including a significant Native American presence, particularly from the Lumbee Tribe. The county’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 116,000
  • County Seat: Lumberton
  • Major Airports: Fayetteville Regional Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 95, U.S. Highway 74, U.S. Highway 301

2. Sampson County

Overview

Sampson County is located in southeastern North Carolina and spans 947 square miles. It is bordered by Cumberland County to the west, Duplin County to the east, and Bladen County to the south. Established in 1784, the county was named after John Sampson, an early political leader in the state. The county seat, Clinton, serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Sampson County is primarily agricultural, known for its production of pork, poultry, and tobacco. It is one of the top agricultural counties in the state, with agribusiness playing a critical role in the local economy. In recent years, the county has diversified to include some manufacturing and energy production.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 60,000
  • County Seat: Clinton
  • Major Airports: Fayetteville Regional Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 421, U.S. Highway 701

3. Bladen County

Overview

Bladen County is located in southeastern North Carolina and covers 879 square miles. It is bordered by Sampson County to the north, Columbus County to the south, and Robeson County to the west. The county was established in 1734 and named after Martin Bladen, a member of the British Board of Trade. The county seat, Elizabethtown, is a small but historically significant town with roots tracing back to the colonial era. Bladen County is known as the “Mother County” because many of North Carolina’s current counties were originally part of Bladen. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with significant production of crops like soybeans, corn, and peanuts, as well as poultry farming.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 30,000
  • County Seat: Elizabethtown
  • Major Airports: Wilmington International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 701, North Carolina Highway 87, North Carolina Highway 41

4. Columbus County

Overview

Columbus County is located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, spanning 954 square miles. It is bordered by Bladen County to the north, Brunswick County to the east, and South Carolina to the south. The county was established in 1808 and named after Christopher Columbus. Whiteville, the county seat, serves as the primary commercial and administrative center. Columbus County’s economy is largely agricultural, with a focus on crops like tobacco, soybeans, and corn, as well as livestock production. The county also benefits from its natural resources, including the Green Swamp and Lake Waccamaw, both of which attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 52,000
  • County Seat: Whiteville
  • Major Airports: Wilmington International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 74, U.S. Highway 76, U.S. Highway 701

5. Pender County

Overview

Pender County is located in the southeastern part of North Carolina, covering 933 square miles. It is bordered by New Hanover County to the south, Onslow County to the northeast, and Duplin County to the west. The county was established in 1875 and named after Confederate General William D. Pender. The county seat, Burgaw, is a small town known for its historic downtown area and Southern charm. Pender County’s economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and fishing. The county’s proximity to the Atlantic coast makes it a popular destination for beachgoers, especially in communities like Topsail Beach and Surf City. Tourism and agriculture, including blueberries and tobacco, are key contributors to the local economy.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 63,000
  • County Seat: Burgaw
  • Major Airports: Wilmington International Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 17, North Carolina Highway 53

6. Cumberland County

Overview

Cumberland County is located in south-central North Carolina and spans 658 square miles. It is bordered by Harnett County to the north, Sampson County to the east, and Robeson County to the south. The county was established in 1754 and named after Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, a British military leader. The county seat, Fayetteville, is known for its military significance, particularly as the home of Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world. Cumberland County’s economy is heavily influenced by the military, but it also benefits from healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. The presence of Fort Liberty has shaped much of the county’s growth and development over the years.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 335,000
  • County Seat: Fayetteville
  • Major Airports: Fayetteville Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 95, Interstate 295, U.S. Highway 401, U.S. Highway 301

7. Brunswick County

Overview

Brunswick County is located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, covering 1,050 square miles. It is bordered by Columbus County to the west, New Hanover County to the north, and South Carolina to the south. The county was established in 1764 and named after the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg, a European title held by the British royal family. The county seat, Bolivia, is a small rural town, but the larger towns of Southport and Leland serve as commercial hubs. Brunswick County is known for its beautiful beaches, including Oak Island and Sunset Beach, making tourism a critical component of the local economy. In addition to tourism, real estate, construction, and agriculture also play significant roles.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 142,000
  • County Seat: Bolivia
  • Major Airports: Wilmington International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 17, North Carolina Highway 87, North Carolina Highway 211

8. Onslow County

Overview

Onslow County is located in southeastern North Carolina, covering 909 square miles. It is bordered by Pender County to the south, Duplin County to the west, and Carteret County to the east. The county was established in 1739 and named after Arthur Onslow, Speaker of the British House of Commons. Jacksonville, the county seat, is a military town home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, which significantly influences the local economy. In addition to the military presence, the county’s economy benefits from healthcare, education, and tourism. The New River and coastal areas offer recreational opportunities, while the county’s beaches, such as North Topsail Beach, draw tourists.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 204,000
  • County Seat: Jacksonville
  • Major Airports: Albert J. Ellis Airport
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 258, North Carolina Highway 24

9. Johnston County

Overview

Johnston County is located in central North Carolina, spanning 796 square miles. It is bordered by Wake County to the north, Sampson County to the southeast, and Harnett County to the west. The county was established in 1746 and named after Gabriel Johnston, a colonial governor of North Carolina. The county seat, Smithfield, is a rapidly growing area with a blend of suburban and rural communities. Johnston County has seen substantial residential and commercial development due to its proximity to Raleigh and the Research Triangle. The economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail playing important roles. Tobacco, sweet potatoes, and other crops remain vital to the agricultural base.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 215,000
  • County Seat: Smithfield
  • Major Airports: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 95, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 301

10. Wake County

Overview

Wake County, located in the central part of North Carolina, spans 857 square miles. It is bordered by Durham County to the west, Johnston County to the southeast, and Franklin County to the northeast. The county was established in 1771 and named after Margaret Wake, the wife of colonial Governor William Tryon. The county seat, Raleigh, is also the state capital and a major hub for government, education, and technology. As part of the Research Triangle, along with Durham and Chapel Hill, Wake County’s economy is driven by technology, education, healthcare, and government. The presence of several universities, including North Carolina State University, has fostered a thriving innovation and research environment.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 1.1 million
  • County Seat: Raleigh
  • Major Airports: Raleigh-Durham International Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, Interstate 440, U.S. Highway 1, U.S. Highway 64

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