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Cities and Towns in Union County


The Union County Courthouse was built in 1886. A Confederate Monument was installed and dedicated on the grounds in 1910, but is missing from the above postcard, thus making this view before 1910. The courthouse was expanded in 1927, but closed in 1971 after the new courthouse was built. It was re-opened in 1986 after $1.4 million was spent on restoration. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and currently houses some county offices as well as The Union County Heritage Room.
Union is in close proximity to the city of Charlotte, bordering the Mecklenburg County line. Presently under construction is the I-485 beltway around Charlotte. In 1997, portions of it were opened to the Union County region providing convenient access to Charlotte. Currently Union has three areas of entry to this interstate with more opening in the future.
The municipalities in Union County offer a small town style with metropolitan conveniences such as shopping malls and a commuter airport. Union's incorporated towns and villages with functioning governments are Fairview, Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Lake Park, Marshville, Marvin, Mineral Springs, Monroe, Stallings, Unionville, Waxhaw, Weddington, Wesley Chapel, and Wingate.
Education is of utmost importance to Union County citizens. There are over thirty-two fully-accredited public schools serving more than twenty thousand students. Citizens also have ready access to nationally ranked colleges and universities.
Union County has the distinction of being the birthplace of two world-famous individuals. Country music sensation and movie star Randy Travis was born and raised in Union County. United States Senator Jesse Helms was born in Monroe and attended Wingate College (now Wingate University).
For recreation Union offers many diverse activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. Union's Cane Creek Park is home to one of three North Carolina trophy bass lakes. Golfers can choose from many beautiful public and private golf courses. Union also plays host to the Charlotte Steeplechase, a prestigious annual event. In addition to sporting activities, Union offers many other recreational pastimes. For history buffs there are several area museums. For antique hunters the town of Waxhaw has its famous antique shops. Throughout the county there are regularly held fairs, festivals and celebrations. Union is also conveniently located just three to four hours from the mountains or the seashore.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 123,677 people, 43,390 households, and 34,278 families residing in the county. The population density was 194 people per square mile (75/km²). There were 45,695 housing units at an average density of 72 per square mile (28/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 82.83% White, 12.52% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.64% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 6.17% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 43,390 households out of which 39.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.30% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.00% were non-families. 17.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the county the population was spread out with 28.10% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 33.20% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 9.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 99.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $50,638, and the median income for a family was $56,197. Males had a median income of $37,125 versus $26,577 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,978. About 5.80% of families and 8.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.60% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.
In 2010 Union County was ranked number 16 on The Daily Caller's list of America's 100 most conservative-friendly counties.[4