Township 9
RANK #817 / 996 NAT · #38 / 51 NC · POP 100,759
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
Moore County, North Carolina, is widely recognized as the "Home of American Golf," with Pinehurst standing out as a notable town that has hosted multiple U.S. Open championships. Situated in the Sandhills region, bordering both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, the county is characterized by rolling hills and extensive longleaf pine forests. It is centrally located within North Carolina, about an hour's drive from Raleigh and Fayetteville. The community offers a blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor recreation, including numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as several lakes for water activities.
Life in Moore County attracts a mix of retirees, families, and remote workers, drawn by its quality of life and highly-rated public schools. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture and lumber, now benefits significantly from tourism and the healthcare industry. Recent economic developments show growth in manufacturing and commercial sectors, with new investments in facilities and infrastructure. The county's proximity to military installations like Fort Liberty also contributes to its population growth and diverse community.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort
Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Last-Mile Distribution Facility
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Ripple Fiber Optic Network
Ripple Fiber
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Moore County Solar Portfolio (9 projects)
Various (Pine Valley Solar, Dominion Renewable Energy, Heelstone Energy Holdings, etc.)
|
$47M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Moore County scores just 17/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #817 of 996 counties. Job growth at +4.0% and median household income of $77,981 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Moore County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $284,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,084/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Moore County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +2.2% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +4.0% clip. Home values shifted +0.3% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.45% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Moore County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.