Union County, North Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Union County
state = North Carolina


map size = 250
founded = 1842
seat = Monroe | area_total_sq_mi =640
area_land_sq_mi =637
area_water_sq_mi =2
area percentage = 0.35%
census yr = 2000
pop = 123677
density_km2 =75
web = www.co.union.nc.us
|

Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 123,677. Its county seat is MonroeGR|6.

History

The county was formed in 1842 from parts of Anson County and Mecklenburg County. Its name was a compromise between Whigs, who wanted to name the new county for Henry Clay, and Democrats, who wanted to name it for Andrew Jackson.

Law and government

Union County is a member of the regional Centralina Council of Governments.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 640 square miles (1,657 km²), of which, 637 square miles (1,651 km²) of it is land and 2 square miles (6 km²) of it (0.35%) is water.

Townships

The county is divided into nine townships: Goose Creek, Jackson, Marshville, Monroe, New Salem, Vance , Buford , Lanes Creek, and Sandy Ridge.

Adjacent counties

*Cabarrus County, North Carolina - north
*Stanly County, North Carolina - north-northeast
*Anson County, North Carolina - east
*Chesterfield County, South Carolina - south-southeast
*Lancaster County, South Carolina - southwest
*Mecklenburg County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 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.

Cities and towns

*Fairview (town)
*Hemby Bridge
*Indian Trail
*JAARS
*Lake Park
*Marshville
*Marvin
*Mineral Springs
*Monroe (County Seat & Largest City)
*Stallings
*Unionville
*Waxhaw
*Weddington
*Wesley Chapel
*Wingate

Annual events in Union County

*Brooklandwood in the Union County town of Mineral Springs is the site of the Queens Cup Steeplechase, one of steeplechase horse racing's major annual events. The program consists of several races, and is held the last Saturday of April. The schedule of events also features a Jack Russell Terrier judging contest. Over 10,000 people descend on Mineral Springs from all parts of the country to take part in this day long event of races and other activities.

*The Union County town of Marshville is the site of the Boll Weevil Festival, an annual street fair and carnival that takes place every fall.

Local Universities And High Schools

* [http://www.www.spcc.edu/ South Piedmont Community College Website]

* Central Academy of Technology and Arts Website] [http://cata.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Forest Hills High School Website] [http://fhhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Marvin Ridge High School Website] [http://mrhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Monroe High School Website] [http://mhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Parkwood High School Website] [http://pwhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Piedmont High School Website] [http://pmhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Porter Ridge High School Website] [http://prhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Sun Valley High School Website] [http://svhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Union County Early College Website] [http://ucec.ucps.k12.nc.us]

* Weddington High School Website] [http://wdhs.ucps.k12.nc.us]

References

External links

* [http://www.co.union.nc.us Union County government official website]
* [http://www.developmonroe.com/ Official website of Monroe Economic Development (Union County)]
* [http://www.queenscup.org Queens Cup Steeplechase (official site)]
* [http://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/apps/highdir.php#366(union county high school site)]