Editing Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Mecklenburg County
 | state                = North Carolina
 | ex image             = {{multiple image
                           | border        = infobox
                           | perrow        = 1/2/3/1
                           | total_width   = 300
                           | caption_align = center
                           | image1        = Skyline of Charlotte 2016.jpg
                           | caption1      = [[Uptown Charlotte]] skyline 
                           | image2        = Historic Mecklenburg County Courthouse - Charlotte, NC.jpg
                           | caption2      = Old [[Mecklenburg County Courthouse (North Carolina)|Mecklenburg County Courthouse]]
                           | image3        = Governors Island, Lake Norman, NC.jpg
                           | caption3      = [[Governors Island (North Carolina)|Governors Island]] on [[Lake Norman]]
                           | image4        = First Presbyterian Charlotte NC 1.jpg
                           | caption4      = [[First Presbyterian Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)|First Presbyterian Church]]
                           | image5        = Main Street, Pineville NC.jpg
                           | caption5      = [[Pineville Commercial Historic District|Pineville Historic District]]
                           | image6        = James K. Polk Childhood Log Cabin (Reconstruction).jpg
                           | caption6      = [[President James K. Polk Historic Site]]
                           | image7        = CRI and JRS.jpg
                           | caption7      = [[Charlotte Research Institute]] campus at [[UNC Charlotte]]
                          }}
 | seal                 = Mecklenburg County Seal.webp
 | flag                 = Flag of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.svg
 | founded year         = 1762
 | founded date         = December 11
 | named for            = [[Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]]
 | seat wl              = Charlotte
 | largest city wl      = Charlotte
 | city type            = municipality
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 546.09
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 523.61
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 22.48
 | area percentage      = 4.12
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 1115482
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2023
 | population_est       = 1163701 {{gain}}
 | population_density_sq_mi = auto
 | coordinates          = {{coord|35.25|-80.83|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}}
 | demonym              = Mecklenburger
 | time zone            = Eastern
 | district             = 8th
 | district2            = 12th
 | district3            = 14th 
 | web                  = www.mecknc.gov
 | nickname             = Meck County }}

'''Mecklenburg County''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ɛ|k|l|ə|n|ˌ|b|ɝ|g}}) is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the southwestern region of the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]], in the [[United States]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 1,115,482,<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> making it the [[List of counties in North Carolina|second-most populous county in North Carolina]] (after [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]]), and the first county in [[the Carolinas]] to surpass one million in population.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37119.html |title=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 4, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714215832/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37119.html |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref>  Its [[county seat]] is [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], the state's largest municipality.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties|archive-date=May 31, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mecklenburg County is the central county of the [[Charlotte metropolitan area|Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. On September 12, 2013, it was estimated the county surpassed one million residents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/09/12/4309237/1-millionand-counting.html |title= Mecklenburg County hits 1 million and counting |access-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524004336/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/09/12/4309237/1-millionand-counting.html#.U3-DdMb41g0 |archive-date=May 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Like its seat, the county is named after [[Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]], Queen of the [[United Kingdom]] (1761–1818), whose name is derived from the region of [[Mecklenburg]] in [[Germany]]. It was named for [[Mecklenburg Castle]] (Mecklenburg meaning "large castle" in [[Low German]]) in the village of [[Dorf Mecklenburg]].

==History==
Mecklenburg County was formed by English colonists in 1762 from the western part of [[Anson County, North Carolina|Anson County]], both in the Piedmont section of the state. It was named in commemoration of the marriage of [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]] to [[Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Gannett|first=Henry|title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ|year=1905|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n203 204]}}</ref> for whom the county seat [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]] is named. Due to unsure boundaries, a large part of south and western Mecklenburg County extended into areas that would later form part of the state of [[South Carolina]]. In 1768, most of this area (the part of Mecklenburg County west of the [[Catawba River]]) was designated [[Tryon County, North Carolina|Tryon County]], North Carolina.

Determining the final boundaries of these "western" areas between North and South Carolina was a decades-long process. As population increased in the area following the [[American Revolutionary War]], in 1792 the northeastern part of Mecklenburg County was taken by the North Carolina legislature for [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]]. Finally, in 1842 the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County was combined with the western part of [[Anson County, North Carolina|Anson County]] to form [[Union County, North Carolina|Union County]].

The [[Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence]] was allegedly signed on May 20, 1775, and if the document is genuine, Mecklenburg County was the first part of the [[Thirteen Colonies]] to declare independence from Great Britain.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.history.com/news/did-north-carolina-issue-the-first-declaration-of-independence|title=Did North Carolina Issue the First Declaration of Independence?|work=HISTORY.com|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220084113/http://www.history.com/news/did-north-carolina-issue-the-first-declaration-of-independence|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Mecklenburg Resolves" were adopted on May 31, 1775. Mecklenburg continues to celebrate the declaration each year in May,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.meckdec.org/declaration|title=The Mecklenburg Declaration – History|last=Williams|first=James H.|date=June 10, 2008|website=www.meckdec.org|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220091715/http://www.meckdec.org/declaration|url-status=live}}</ref> the date of which is included on the [[flag of North Carolina]].

The first [[gold rush]] in the United States, the [[Carolina Gold Rush]], began after a 12-year-old boy named [[Conrad Reed]] discovered a gold nugget in a stream in neighboring [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]]. Many miners and merchants began settling in the county during that time. The first [[Charlotte Mint|United States branch mint]] was established in 1837 in Charlotte and continued operations until 1913.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jonathan |date=July 8, 2011 |title=Mecklenburg County (1762) |url=https://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/mecklenburg-county-1762/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=North Carolina History Project |language=en-US}}</ref> The original building was moved from its original site and redeveloped as a [[Mint Museum|museum]].

In 1917, during [[World War I]], [[Camp Greene]] was established west of Charlotte as an army training camp. In 1919, after the end of WWI, it was decommissioned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beem |first=Randi |date=March 24, 2023 |title=World War I And Camp Greene |url=https://guides.library.charlotte.edu/campgreene |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=guides.library.charlotte.edu}}</ref> Around the 1930s and 1940s, the population began to rapidly increase. During this time, [[Carolinas Medical Center]] and Charlotte College (now the [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]]) were built.<ref name="Mecklenburg County, North Carolina">{{Cite web |title=Mecklenburg County, North Carolina |url=https://www.carolana.com/NC/Counties/mecklenburg_county_nc.html |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=www.carolana.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center: Where it All Began |url=https://atriumhealth.org/about-us/newsroom/news/2019/04/cmc-name |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=Atrium Health |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://chancellor.charlotte.edu/about-unc-charlotte/history |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=chancellor.charlotte.edu}}</ref> [[Lake Norman]] was also completed in 1964, after a five-year construction period.

In the mid-20th century, the county continued to see rapid growth. Many new government buildings were constructed, and [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] was expanded in 1954. By 1960, a quarter million people were living in the county, with the population reaching half a million by 1990.<ref name=":1" /> A proposal to form a [[consolidated city-county]] government with Charlotte was considered, but voted down by residents in 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Charter Commission records |url=https://findingaids.charlotte.edu/repositories/4/resources/7 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=findingaids.charlotte.edu}}</ref> The [[Charlotte metropolitan area|metropolitan statistical area]] now includes 11 counties in both North Carolina and [[South Carolina]], and had an estimated combined population of 2,805,115 in 2023.<ref name="Mecklenburg County, North Carolina" /><ref name="PopEstCBSA2">{{cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals: 2020-2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-metro-and-micro-statistical-areas.html#v2023 |access-date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division}}</ref>

In mid-2020, the county was the site of the [[2020 Colonial Pipeline oil spill]], wherein about {{convert|2,000,000|U.S.gal|L|abbr=on}} of gasoline leaked from the [[Colonial Pipeline]] in the Oehler Nature Preserve near [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]]. It is one of the largest gasoline spills in U.S. history, and cleanup efforts are expected to last for several years.

==Geography==
{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q507770|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Mecklenburg County}}
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|546.09|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|523.61|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|22.48|sqmi}} (4.12%) is water.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_counties_37.txt |access-date=September 9, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===State and local protected areas/sites===
* Carolina Raptor Center<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Carolina Raptor Center |url=https://carolinaraptorcenter.org/ |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=Carolina Raptor Center |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Charlotte Museum of History]]<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=The Charlotte Museum of History |url=https://charlottemuseum.org/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=The Charlotte Museum of History |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Latta Place|Historic Latta Place]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historic Latta Place |url=https://latta.mecknc.gov/ |access-date=August 12, 2023 |website=latta.mecknc.gov}}</ref>
* Historic Rural Hill/Nature Preserve<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://ruralhill.net/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=ruralhill.net}}</ref>
* [[Little Sugar Creek Greenway]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coats |first=Doug |date=May 1, 2023 |title=The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is connected from NoDa to Pineville. Here are attractions to look for along the way |url=https://www.qcnews.com/charlotte/the-little-sugar-creek-greenway-is-connected-from-noda-to-pineville-heres-what-to-look-out-for-along-the-way/ |access-date=August 12, 2023 |website=Queen City News |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Mint Museum#Mint Museum Randolph|Mint Museum Randolph]], uses the original [[Charlotte Mint]] building<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mint Museum Randolph |url=https://www.mintmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/mint-museum-randolph/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=Mint Museum |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Mint Museum#Mint Museum Uptown|Mint Museum Uptown]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mint Museum Uptown |url=https://www.mintmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/mint-museum-uptown/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=Mint Museum |language=en}}</ref>
* Oehler Nature Preserve<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Charles |date=August 5, 2022 |title=N.C. nature preserve, site of the worst onshore fuel spill in the U.S., still closed 2 years later |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/environment/2022/08/04/n-c--nature-preserve--site-of-the-worst-onshore-fuel-spill-in-the-u-s---still-closed-2-years-later |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[President James K. Polk Historic Site]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=James K. Polk Memorial {{!}} NCpedia |url=https://www.ncpedia.org/james-k-polk-memorial |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=www.ncpedia.org}}</ref>

Nature preserves in Charlotte:<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2012 |title=Park Directory |url=https://parksincharlotte.wordpress.com/park-directory/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Parks in Charlotte |language=en}}</ref>
* Auten Nature Preserve
* [[Big Rock Nature Preserve]]
* Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge
* Ferrelltown Nature Preserve
* Latta Nature Preserve
* [[McDowell Nature Preserve]]
* Possum Walk Nature Preserve
* [[Reedy Creek Park|Reedy Creek Nature Preserve]]
* Sherman Branch Nature Preserve
* Stevens Creek Nature Preserve

===Major water bodies===
* [[Catawba River]]
* [[Lake Norman]]
* [[Mountain Island Lake]]
* [[Rocky River (North Carolina)|Rocky River]]

===Adjacent counties===
{{div col}}
* [[Iredell County, North Carolina|Iredell County]] – north
* [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]] – northeast
* [[Union County, North Carolina|Union County]] – southeast
* [[Lancaster County, South Carolina]] – south
* [[York County, South Carolina]] – southwest
* [[Gaston County, North Carolina|Gaston County]] – west
* [[Lincoln County, North Carolina|Lincoln County]] – northwest
{{div col end}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1790= 11395
|1800= 10439
|1810= 14272
|1820= 16895
|1830= 20073
|1840= 18273
|1850= 13914
|1860= 17374
|1870= 24299
|1880= 34175
|1890= 42673
|1900= 55268
|1910= 67031
|1920= 80695
|1930= 127971
|1940= 151826
|1950= 197052
|1960= 272111
|1970= 354656
|1980= 404270
|1990= 511433
|2000= 695454
|2010= 919628
|2020= 1115482
|estyear=2023
|estimate=1163701
|estref=<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-date=April 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/oh190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214234943/http://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/oh190090.txt|url-status=live}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-date=December 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218203824/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/mecklenburgcountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 21, 2024|archive-date=May 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526000231/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/mecklenburgcountynorthcarolina|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
[[File:Mecklenburg county population.png|thumb|275px|Population grew 2.5% per year from 1970 to 2008]]

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Mecklenburg County, North Carolina – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=050XX00US37119&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Mecklenburg County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37119&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Mecklenburg County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37119&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|425,144
|465,372
|style='background: #ffffe6; |498,683
|61.13%
|50.60%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |44.71%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|192,403
|278,042
|style='background: #ffffe6; |324,832
|27.67%
|30.23%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |29.12%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|2,130
|2,843
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2,730
|0.31%
|0.31%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.24%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|21,717
|41,991
|style='background: #ffffe6; |71,583
|3.12%
|4.57%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6.42%
|-
|[[Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|283
|518
|style='background: #ffffe6; |531
|0.04%
|0.06%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.05%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other Race]] alone (NH)
|1,022
|2,407
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6,889
|0.15%
|0.26%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.62%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|7,884
|16,511
|style='background: #ffffe6; |40,312
|1.13%
|1.80%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.61%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|44,871
|111,944
|style='background: #ffffe6; |169,922
|6.45%
|12.17%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |15.23%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''695,454'''
|'''919,628'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''1,115,482'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 1,115,482 people, 426,313 households, and 254,759 families residing in the county.

===2000 census===
At the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website|archive-date=December 27, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref> there were 695,454 people, 273,416 households, and 174,986 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,322|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 292,780 housing units at an average density of {{convert|556|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 64.02% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 27.87% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.35% [[Race (United States Census)|American Indian/Alaska Native]], 3.15% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.01% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.55% from two or more races. 6.45% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 273,416 households, out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.00% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the county, 25.10% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.70% was from 18 to 24, 36.40% from 25 to 44, 20.30% from 45 to 64, and 8.60% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $50,579, and the median income for a family was $60,608. Males had a median income of $40,934 versus $30,100 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $27,352. About 6.60% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.50% of those under age 18 and 9.30% of those age 65 or over.

==Law and government==
Mecklenburg County is a member of the regional [[Councils of governments in North Carolina|Centralina Council of Governments]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centralina.org/what-is-ccog/our-region/|title=Centralina Council of Governments|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410131624/https://centralina.org/what-is-ccog/our-region/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The county is governed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The BOCC is a nine-member board made up of representatives elected from six [[single-member district]]s, and three [[at-large]] representatives elected by the entire county. This electoral structure favors at-large candidates who appeal to the majority population of the county. Each District has a population of approximately 165,000 individuals. All seats are partisan and are for 2-year terms (elections occur in even years). The current chairman of the Mecklenburg BOCC is George Dunlap (D, District 3). The Current Vice-chair is Elaine Powell (D, District 1).

Members of the Mecklenburg County Commission are required by North Carolina State law to choose a chair and vice-chair once a year (at the first meeting of December). Historically, the individual elected was the 'top-vote-getter', typically one of three at-large members. In 2014 this unofficial rule was changed by the Board to allow any member to serve as Chair or vice-chair as long as they received support from 4 members plus their own vote.

The nine members of the Board of County Commissioners are:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mecknc.gov/countymanagersoffice/bocc/pages/home.aspx?redirect=charmeck|title=Board of County Commissioners|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513120602/https://www.mecknc.gov/CountyManagersOffice/BOCC/Pages/Home.aspx?redirect=charmeck|url-status=live}}</ref>
* George Dunlap (D, District 3)
* Elaine Powell (D, District 1)
* Yvette Townsend-Ingram (D, At-Large)
* Leigh Altman (D, At-Large Vice Chair)
* Arthur Griffin (D, At-Large)
* Vilma Leake (D, District 2)
* Mark Jerrell (D, District 4 Chair)
* Laura Meier (D, District 5)
* Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (D, District 6)

===Politics===
{{PresHead|place=Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323225526/https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|187,770|376,454|13,281|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|179,211|378,107|9,735|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|155,518|294,562|22,777|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|171,668|272,262|4,970|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|153,848|253,958|3,011|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|155,084|166,828|1,190|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|134,068|126,911|2,057|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|97,719|103,429|11,697|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|99,496|97,065|31,814|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|106,236|71,907|653|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|106,754|63,190|393|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|68,384|66,995|7,679|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|61,715|63,198|486|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|77,546|33,730|1,900|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|56,325|31,102|20,070|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|46,589|49,582|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|48,250|39,362|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|44,469|27,227|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|44,334|33,044|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|11,518|14,353|7,314|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|9,434|25,950|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|7,013|28,768|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|4,709|26,169|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|4,973|18,167|181|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|12,041|9,690|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|2,572|8,443|437|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|3,421|11,313|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,257|4,508|6|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|284|3,967|571|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|1,645|3,926|30|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|748|3,142|44|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|2,234|3,786|78|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|3,921|4,714|155|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|1,933|3,881|658|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1888|Democratic|3,253|4,206|93|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1884|Democratic|3,101|3,666|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresFoot|1880|Democratic|3,245|3,361|0|North Carolina}}

Mecklenburg County was one of the first parts of North Carolina to break away from a [[Solid South]] voting pattern. It was a Republican-leaning swing county for most of the second half of the 20th century, supporting the GOP all but three times from 1952 to 2000. However, the county has strongly trended Democratic in the 21st century, particularly in federal and statewide elections. The expansion of the financial and business communities since the late 20th century attracted many newcomers from other areas of the country, with more diverse voting patterns. The more ethnically diverse core and northern sections of Charlotte trend Democratic, while wealthier and whiter suburban areas to the south of the city lean more Republican.<ref name= stillcunningham>{{cite web| url = https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/elections/suburbs-republicans-democrats-elections/| title = Battle for the ’Burbs| last1 = Still| first1 = Johanna| last2 = Cunningham| first2 = Eric| date = October 25, 2023| website = The Assembly| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231026034238/https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/elections/suburbs-republicans-democrats-elections/| archive-date= October 26, 2023}}</ref>

In 2004, [[John Kerry]] became only the fourth Democrat to carry Mecklenburg County since [[Harry Truman]] in 1948, and the third to win it with a majority since [[Franklin Roosevelt]]'s last campaign in 1944. In 2008, the county swung dramatically to support [[Barack Obama]], who won 60.8 percent of the county's vote, at the time the strongest showing for a Democrat in the county since Roosevelt's landslides. Obama's 100,100-vote margin in the county helped him become the first Democrat to carry North Carolina since 1976. At the same time, [[John McCain]] became the first Republican to win less than 40 percent of the county's vote since 1948.

Obama won the county almost as easily in 2012. The county swung even further in favor of [[Hillary Clinton]] in 2016 and [[Joe Biden]] in 2020, with both beating Obama's 2008 total. However, Republicans continue to retain some strength in local races.

===Courts and policing===
Mecklenburg County is in District 26 of the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Mecklenburg County Courthouse is at 832 East Fourth Street in
Charlotte. Since 2017, the District Attorney has been Spencer B. Merriweather III.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the DA |url=https://charmeckda.com/about-the-da/ |website=Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office. |access-date=26 January 2025}}</ref>

The post of 'High Sheriff' of Mecklenburg County dates back to 1763 and is mandated in the constitution of North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.mecksheriff.com/index.php/history/ |website=Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office |access-date=26 January 2025}}</ref> The county sheriff is elected for a four year term and heads the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. As of 2018, the sheriff is Garry L. McFadden, who has featured in a number of true crime documentaries.

==Economy==
[[File:Mecklenburg county unemployment.png|thumb|300px|Data represents January 1990 to November 2009]]
[[File:Mecklenburg county labor force.png|thumb|300px|Data represents January 1990 to November 2009]]

The major industries of Mecklenburg County are [[banking]], [[manufacturing]], and [[professional]] services, especially those supporting [[banking]] and [[medicine]]. Mecklenburg County is home to ten [[Fortune 1000]] companies.<ref>{{cite web | title =Fortune 500 Companies | work =Charlotte Chamber Web Site | url =http://www.charlottechamber.com/index.php?submenu=fortune_500_members&src=gendocs&link=Fortune500Companies&category=Research | access-date =July 15, 2013 | archive-date =September 18, 2008 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080918042239/http://www.charlottechamber.com/index.php?submenu=fortune_500_members&src=gendocs&link=Fortune500Companies&category=Research | url-status =live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Fortune 1,000 companies<br />with headquarters in Mecklenburg County
|-
!
! Name
! Industry
! 2019 Revenue
! Rank
|-
|1.
| [[Bank of America]]
| Banking
| $110.6&nbsp;billion
| 25<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/fortune500/2019/|title=Fortune 500|website=Fortune|language=en|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525135458/https://fortune.com/fortune500/2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2.
|[[Nucor]]
| Metals
| $25.1&nbsp;billion
| 120<ref name=":0" />
|-
|3.
|[[Duke Energy]]
| Utilities
| $24.1&nbsp;billion
| 126<ref name=":0" />
|-
|4.
|[[Sonic Automotive]]
| Automotive retailing
| $10.0&nbsp;billion
| 316<ref name=":0" />
|-
|5.
| Brighthouse Financial
| Insurance
| $9.0&nbsp;billion
| 342<ref name=":0" />
|-
|6.
|Sealed Air
|Conglomerate
|$4.7&nbsp;billion
|555<ref name=":0" />
|-
|7.
|Coca-Cola Consolidated
|Food Processing
|$4.7&nbsp;billion
|563<ref name=":0" />
|-
|8.
|JELD-WEN Holding
|Building Products
|$4.3&nbsp;billion
|590<ref name=":0" />
|-
|9.
|Albemarle
|Chemicals
|$3.4&nbsp;billion
|702<ref name=":0" />
|-
|10.
|[[SPX Corporation|SPX]]
| Electronics
| $2.1&nbsp;billion
| 962<ref name=":0" />
|}

[[Wachovia]], a former Fortune 500 company, had its headquarters in Charlotte until it was acquired by [[Wells Fargo]] for $15.1&nbsp;billion. Wells Fargo maintains the majority of the former company's operations in Charlotte.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/orders/20081012a.htm|title=FRB: Press Release&mdash;Approval of proposal by Wells Fargo & Company to acquire Wachovia Corporation|publisher=Federal Reserve Board|date=October 12, 2008|access-date=October 12, 2008|archive-date=October 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017143202/http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/orders/20081012a.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Goodrich Corporation]], a former Fortune 500 company, had its headquarters in Charlotte until it was acquired by [[United Technologies Corporation]] for $18.4&nbsp;billion. Charlotte is now the headquarters for [[UTC Aerospace Systems]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2012/07/26/united-technologies-closes-goodrich.html |title=United Technologies completes Goodrich acquisition |access-date=July 15, 2013 |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724011238/http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2012/07/26/united-technologies-closes-goodrich.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+20 largest employers in Mecklenburg County, by number of employees in region (Q2 2018)<ref>{{cite web |title=Major Employers in Charlotte Region – Charlotte Area Major Employers (Q2 2018) |url=https://charlotteregion.com/clientuploads/Data/Major-Employers-Q218.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410160336/https://charlotteregion.com/clientuploads/Data/Major-Employers-Q218.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=August 25, 2019 |work=Charlotte Regional Business Alliance}}</ref>
|-
! Name
! Industry
! Number of employees
|-
| 1. [[Atrium Health]]
| Health Care and Social Assistance
| 35,700
|-
| 2. [[Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools]]
| Educational Services
| 18,495
|-
| 3. [[Bank of America]]
| Finance and Insurance
| 15,000
|-
| 4. [[American Airlines]]
| Transportation and Warehousing
| 11,000
|-
| 5. [[Harris Teeter]]
| Retail Trade
| 8,239
|-
| 6. [[Duke Energy]]
| Utilities
| 7,900
|-
| 7. City of Charlotte
| Public Administration
| 6,800
|-
| 8. Mecklenburg County Government
| Public Administration
| 5,512
|-
| 9. YMCA of Greater Charlotte
| Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
| 4,436
|-
| 10. [[Carowinds]]
| Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
| 4,100
|-
| 11. [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]]
| Educational Services
| 4,000
|-
| 11. [[United States Postal Service]]
|Transportation and Warehousing
| 4,000
|-
| 11. [[TIAA]]
| Finance and Insurance
| 4,000
|-
| 14. [[LPL Financial]]
| Finance and Insurance
| 2,850
|-
| 15. [[Central Piedmont Community College]]
| Educational Services
| 2,700
|-
| 16. [[Belk]]
| Retail Trade
| 2,300
|-
| 17. DMSI
| Transportation and Warehousing
| 2,175
|-
| 18. [[IBM]]
| Professional Services
| 2,100
|-
| 19. [[Robert Half International]]
| Administrative and Support Services
| 2,000
|-
| 19. [[Allstate Insurance]]
| Finance and Insurance
| 2,000
|-
|}

==Transportation==
===Air===
The county's primary commercial aviation airport is [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] in Charlotte.

===Intercity rail===
With twenty-five freight trains a day, Mecklenburg is a freight railroad transportation center, largely due to its place on the [[Norfolk Southern|NS]] main line between Washington and Atlanta, and the large volumes of freight moving in and out of the county via truck.

Mecklenburg County is served daily by three [[Amtrak]] routes.
The [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]] train connects Charlotte with [[New York City|New York]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]], [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]], [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]], and [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]] to the north, and [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] and [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]] to the southwest.

The [[Carolinian (train)|Carolinian]] train connects Charlotte with New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], [[Durham, North Carolina|Durham]] and Greensboro.

The [[Piedmont (train)|Piedmont]] train connects Charlotte with Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro.

The [[Charlotte station (Amtrak)|Amtrak station]] is located at 1914 North [[Tryon Street]]. A new centralized multimodal train station, Gateway Station, has been planned for the city. It is expected to house the future [[LYNX Rapid Transit Services|LYNX]] Purple Line, the new [[Greyhound bus]] station, and the Crescent line that passes through Uptown Charlotte.

Mecklenburg County is the proposed southern terminus for the initial segment of the [[Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor]] operating between Charlotte and Washington, D.C. Currently in conceptual design, the SEHSR would eventually run from Washington, D.C. to [[Macon, Georgia]].

===Light rail and mass transit===
Light rail service in Mecklenburg County is provided by [[LYNX Rapid Transit Services]]. Currently, the {{convert|19|mi|adj=on}} [[Lynx Blue Line]] runs from [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]], through [[Uptown Charlotte]], to [[Pineville, North Carolina|Pineville]]; build-out is expected to be complete by 2034. The [[CityLynx Gold Line]], a {{convert|1.5|mi|adj=on}} streetcar line runs from Sunnyside Avenue, in [[Plaza-Midwood]], through [[Uptown Charlotte]], stopping at the [[Charlotte Transportation Center]] and future [[Charlotte Gateway Station]], before continuing to French Street in [[Biddleville (Charlotte neighborhood)]], near the campus of [[Johnson C. Smith University]].

[[Charlotte Area Transit System]] (CATS) bus service serves all of Mecklenburg County, including Charlotte, and the municipalities of Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Matthews, Pineville, and Mint Hill.

The Lynx Silver Line is a proposed {{convert|29|mi|adj=on}} east-west [[light rail]] line that would connect the outlying cities and towns of [[Belmont, North Carolina|Belmont]], [[Matthews, North Carolina|Matthews]], [[Stallings, North Carolina|Stallings]] and [[Indian Trail, North Carolina|Indian Trail]] to [[Uptown Charlotte]] and the [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wfae.org/local-news/2021-04-29/cats-board-oks-revised-route-map-for-proposed-silver-line-light-rail |agency=WFAE |date=April 29, 2021 |first=David |last=Boraks |title=CATS Board OKs Revised Route Map For Proposed Silver Line Light Rail |access-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515122920/https://www.wfae.org/local-news/2021-04-29/cats-board-oks-revised-route-map-for-proposed-silver-line-light-rail |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/38c41613178a4650b9a9a509f00fb8ae |title=LYNX Silver Line |publisher=Charlotte Area Transit Systems |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216160139/https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/38c41613178a4650b9a9a509f00fb8ae |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally setup as two separate projects known as the Southeast Corridor and West Corridor, they were merged in 2019 by the Metropolitan Transit Commission.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Rob |last2=Goldner |first2=Brandon |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/commission-approves-plan-for-new-light-rail-from-belmont-to-matthews/275-6fa05acb-e958-4a2d-8424-70b0d6f06ef4 |title=Commission approves plan for new light rail from Belmont to Matthews |publisher=[[WCNC-TV]] |location=Charlotte, NC |date=February 28, 2019 |accessdate=February 28, 2019 |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228203622/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/commission-approves-plan-for-new-light-rail-from-belmont-to-matthews/275-6fa05acb-e958-4a2d-8424-70b0d6f06ef4 |url-status=live }}</ref> The tentative opening date in 2037.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bruno |first1=Joe |title=Cost increased and timeline pushed back for light rail expansion in Charlotte |url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cost-increased-timeline-pushed-back-light-rail-expansion-charlotte/XEH3SHFMPZE4LOVULPXHE45YFM/ |access-date=June 29, 2021 |agency=WSOC-TV 9 |date=June 28, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629042056/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cost-increased-timeline-pushed-back-light-rail-expansion-charlotte/XEH3SHFMPZE4LOVULPXHE45YFM/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Freight===
Mecklenburg's manufacturing base, its central location on the Eastern Seaboard, and the intersection of two major interstates in the county have made it a hub for the trucking industry. Also located in the county is the [[North Carolina State Ports Authority#Charlotte Inland Port|Inland Port of Charlotte]], which is a major rail corridor for [[CSX Transportation|CSX]] rail lines.

===Major highways===
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|77}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|85}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|277}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|485}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|21}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|29}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|74}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|521}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|16}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|24}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|27}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|49}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|51}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|73}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|115}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|160}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|218}}
* [[File:Charlotte Route 4 shield.svg|20px]] [[Charlotte Route 4]]
{{div col end}}

==Education==
===School system===
The [[Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools]] (CMS) serves the entire county; however, the State of North Carolina also has approved a number of charter schools in Mecklenburg County (independently operated schools financed with tax dollars).

===Colleges and universities===
====Current====
* [[Central Piedmont Community College]]
* [[Davidson College]]
* [[Johnson C. Smith University]]
* [[Johnson & Wales University]]
* [[Pfeiffer University at Charlotte|Pfeiffer University]]
* [[Queens University of Charlotte]]
* [[Union Presbyterian Seminary]]
* [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]]
* [[Wake Forest University|Wake Forest University Charlotte Center]]

====Former====
* [[King's College (Charlotte, North Carolina)|King's College]]

===Libraries===
The [[Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County]] serves residents of Mecklenburg County. Library cards from any branch can be used at all 20 locations. The library has an extensive collection (over 1.5&nbsp;million items) of reference and popular materials including DVDs, books on CD, best sellers, downloadable media, and books.

The [[Billy Graham Library]] contains the papers and memorabilia related to the career of the well-known 20th century evangelist, [[Billy Graham]].

==Healthcare==
Two major healthcare providers exist within Mecklenburg County, [[Atrium Health]], and [[Novant Health]]. The two healthcare systems combined offer 14 [[emergency department]]s throughout Mecklenburg County, including a psychiatric emergency department<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolinas Medical Center |url=https://atriumhealth.org/locations/detail/atrium-health-behavioral-health |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=Atrium Health |language=en}}</ref> and two children's emergency departments. Two hospitals in the region offer trauma services with one [[Level I Trauma Center|level I trauma center]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center {{!}} Hospital in Charlotte, NC |url=https://atriumhealth.org/locations/detail/carolinas-medical-center |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=Atrium Health |language=en}}</ref> and one [[Trauma center#Level II|level II]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina Trauma Centers |url=http://www.ncats.org/nc-trauma-centers.php |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=www.ncats.org}}</ref> [[Atrium Health]], legally Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, is the [[public hospital]] authority of the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atriumhealth.org/about-us/corporate-financial-information|title=Atrium Health Financial Information|publisher=[[Atrium Health]]|accessdate=November 19, 2021|archive-date=November 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119232549/https://atriumhealth.org/about-us/corporate-financial-information|url-status=live}}</ref>

The residents of Mecklenburg County are provided emergency medical service by MEDIC, the Mecklenburg EMS Agency.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Emergency Medical Services Charlotte NC |url=https://www.medic911.com/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=www.medic911.com |language=en-US}}</ref> All emergency ambulance service is provided by MEDIC. No other emergency transport companies are allowed to operate within Mecklenburg County. In the fiscal year 2024, MEDIC responded to 157,121 calls for service and transported 113,768 patients.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flipsnack |title=AR22 web |url=https://www.flipsnack.com/mecklenburgemsagency/ar22.html |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=Flipsnack |language=en}}</ref> While MEDIC is a division of Mecklenburg County Government, a board guides and directs MEDIC that consists of members affiliated with [[Atrium Health]], [[Novant Health]] and a swing vote provided by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. Atrium and Novant are the two major medical institutions in Charlotte, North Carolina.

==Arts and culture==
===Museums and libraries===
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Bechtler Museum of Modern Art]]
* [[Billy Graham Library]]
* [[Carolinas Aviation Museum]]
* [[Charlotte Museum of History]]
* [[Charlotte Nature Museum]]
* [[Discovery Place]]
* [[Discovery Place#Discovery Place Kids|Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville]]
* [[Harvey B. Gantt Center|Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture]]
* [[ImaginOn]]
* [[Levine Museum of the New South]]
* [[McColl Center for Visual Art]]
* [[Mint Museum#Mint Museum Randolph|Mint Museum Randolph]]
* [[Mint Museum#Mint Museum Uptown|Mint Museum Uptown]]
* [[NASCAR Hall of Fame]]
* [[Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County]]
{{div col end}}

===Sports and entertainment===
{{div col}}
* [[Carolina Panthers]]
* [[Charlotte Hornets]]
* [[Charlotte Hounds]]
* [[Charlotte FC]]
* [[Charlotte Checkers (AHL)|Charlotte Checkers]]
* [[Charlotte Knights]]
* [[Charlotte Independence]]
* [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]]
* [[Bank of America Stadium]]
* [[Truist Field]]
* [[Knights Stadium]]
* [[American Legion Memorial Stadium]]
{{div col end}}

===Music and performing arts venues===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Actor's Theatre of Charlotte
* [[Bojangles' Coliseum]]
* [[Carolina Actors Studio Theatre]]
* [[ImaginOn]]
* Knight Theater
* Morrison YMCA Amphitheatre
* The Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa
* [[North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center]]
* [[Ovens Auditorium]]
* [[PNC Music Pavilion]]
* [[Spectrum Center (arena)|Spectrum Center]]
* Spirit Square
* Theatre Charlotte
* Uptown Amphitheatre At the NC Music Factory
{{div col end}}

===Amusement parks===
* [[Carowinds]]
* [[Great Wolf Lodge]] in Cabarrus County
* [[Ray's Splash Planet]]

===Other attractions===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Carolina Place Mall]]
* Carolina Raptor Center
* [[Concord Mills Mall]] in Cabarrus County
* [[Lake Norman]]
* [[Lake Wylie]]
* Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
* [[Little Sugar Creek Greenway]]
* Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center
* [[Northlake Mall (Charlotte)|Northlake Mall]]
* [[President James K. Polk Historic Site]]
* [[SouthPark Mall (Charlotte, North Carolina)|SouthPark Mall]]
* [[U.S. National Whitewater Center]]
* [[Charlotte Premium Outlets]]
{{div col end}}

==Communities==
[[File:Map of Mecklenburg County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|350px|Map of Mecklenburg County with municipal and township labels]]
Mecklenburg County contains seven municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville (north of Charlotte); and the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville (south and southeast of Charlotte). A small portion of [[Stallings, North Carolina|Stallings]] is also in Mecklenburg County, though most of that town is in [[Union County, North Carolina|Union County]]. Extraterritorial jurisdictions within the county are annexed by municipalities as soon as they reach sufficient concentrations. Townships are administrative divisions of unincorporated county land and do not have any government function.

===City===
* [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]] (county seat and largest municipality in the county and state)

===Towns===
{{div col}}
* [[Cornelius, North Carolina|Cornelius]]
* [[Davidson, North Carolina|Davidson]] (most; small portions extend into [[Iredell County, North Carolina|Iredell]] and [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus]])
* [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]]
* [[Matthews, North Carolina|Matthews]]
* [[Mint Hill, North Carolina|Mint Hill]] (most; small portions extend into [[Union County, North Carolina|Union]])
* [[Pineville, North Carolina|Pineville]]
* [[Stallings, North Carolina|Stallings]] (parts; mostly in [[Union County, North Carolina|Union]])
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Caldwell, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Caldwell]]
* [[Dixie, North Carolina|Dixie]]
* [[Hopewell, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Hopewell]]
* [[Newell, North Carolina|Newell]]
{{div col end}}

===Townships===
By the requirements of the [[Constitution of North Carolina#Constitution of 1868|North Carolina Constitution of 1868]], Mecklenburg County was divided into 15 [[Township (United States)|townships]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Blythe |first1=LeGette |last2=Brockmann |first2=Charles Raven |title=Hornets' Nest: The Story of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County |publisher=Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County |year=1961 |volume=2 |location=Charlotte, North Carolina |pages=416–425 |language=en |chapter=Mecklenburg Towns and Villages |access-date=March 10, 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/hornets-nest-book-two/mecklenburg-towns-and-villages}}</ref> However, one township, Sharon, was later annexed to the Charlotte township and ceased to exist. The townships, which are both numbered and named, are as follows:

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Township 1, Charlotte<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 1, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993268-township-1-charlotte-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 2, Berryhill<ref> {{Cite web |title=Township 2, Berryhill, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993320-township-2-berryhill-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Steele Creek, North Carolina|Township 3, Steele Creek]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 3, Steele Creek, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993392-township-3-steele-creek-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 4, Sharon (extinct)
* Township 5, Providence<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 5, Providence, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993492-township-5-providence-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 6, Clear Creek<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 6, Clear Creek, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993516-township-6-clear-creek-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 7, Crab Orchard<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 7, Crab Orchard, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993564-township-7-crab-orchard-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 8, Mallard Creek<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 8, Mallard Creek, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993600-township-8-mallard-creek-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 9, Deweese<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 9, Deweese, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993636-township-9-deweese-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 10, Lemley<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 10, Lemley, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993668-township-10-lemley-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 11, Long Creek<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 11, Long Creek, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993700-township-11-long-creek-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Paw Creek (Charlotte neighborhood)|Township 12, Paw Creek]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 12, Paw Creek, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993720-township-12-paw-creek-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 13, Morning Star<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 13, Morning Star, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993736-township-13-morning-star-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 14, Pineville<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 14, Pineville, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993740-township-14-pineville-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* Township 15, Huntersville<ref>{{Cite web |title=Township 15, Huntersville, Mecklenburg County, NC |url=http://censusreporter.dokku.censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US3711993748-township-15-huntersville-mecklenburg-county-nc/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Notable people==
* [[Abraham Alexander]] (1717–1786), on the commission to establish town of Charlotte, North Carolina, North Carolina state legislator<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896">{{cite book | title = Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896 | publisher = Marquis Who's Who | location = Chicago | year = 1963}}</ref>
* [[Evan Shelby Alexander]] (1767–1809), born in Mecklenburg County, later [[United States Congressman]] from North Carolina<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896" />
* [[Nathaniel Alexander (governor)|Nathaniel Alexander]] (1756–1808), born in Mecklenburg County, [[United States Congressman]] and [[governor]] of North Carolina<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896" />
* [[Nellie Ashford]] (born <abbr>c.</abbr> 1943), folk artist born in Mecklenburg County<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myeol.nccu.edu/|title=Nellie Ashford: Life, Liberty, and the Lack Thereof|website=NCCU {{!}} myEOL|language=en|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224033843/https://myeol.nccu.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Romare Bearden]] (1911–1988), 20th century African-American artist<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.beardenfoundation.org/artlife/biography/biography.shtml|title=Home – Bearden Foundation|website=www.beardenfoundation.org|language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523233801/http://www.beardenfoundation.org/artlife/biography/biography.shtml|archive-date=May 23, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Sarah Frew Davidson]] (1804-1889), educator
* Brigadier General [[William Lee Davidson]] (1746–1781), was a North Carolina militia general during the [[American Revolutionary War]].
* [[Ric Flair]] (born 1949), retired [[professional wrestler]]
* [[Anthony Foxx]] (born 1971), former [[United States Secretary of Transportation]], former mayor of Charlotte.
* Judge [[Shirley Fulton]] (1952–2023), chief resident judge in the [[North Carolina Superior Court|Superior Court of North Carolina]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=Michael |date=February 9, 2023 |title=‘Best of the best.’ NC Judge Shirley Fulton, legal trailblazer, activist, dies at 71 |work=The News & Observer |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article271688992.html |access-date=February 14, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Billy Graham (evangelist)|Billy Graham]] (1918–2018), world-famous [[Evangelism|evangelist]]
* [[Eliza Ann Grier]] (1864–1902), born in Mecklenburg County, first African-American female physician in Georgia
* [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]] (born 1971), American R&B/soul singer
* [[Daniel Harvey Hill]] (1821–1889), Confederate general during the American Civil War and a Southern scholar.
* Gen. [[Robert Irwin (North Carolina politician)|Robert Irwin]] (1738–1800), a distinguished commander of [[Patriot (American Revolution)]] militia forces, who is said to have been a signer of the [[Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence]]
* [[Willie Kirkpatrick Lindsay]] (1875–1954), Dean of Women, [[Erskine College]]; President, North Carolina State [[Woman's Christian Temperance Union]] 
* [[Pat McCrory]] (born 1956), former [[Governor of North Carolina]], former seven-term [[Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina|Mayor of Charlotte]].
* [[James K. Polk]] (1795–1849), 11th president of the United States. Polk was born in Mecklenburg County in 1795; his family moved to [[Tennessee]] when he was an adolescent.
* [[William Polk (colonel)|Colonel William Polk]] (1758–1834) banker, educational administrator, political leader, renowned [[Continental Army|Continental]] officer in the [[American Revolutionary War|War for American Independence]], and survivor of the 1777/1778 encampment at [[Valley Forge]].
* [[Shannon Spake]] (born 1976), [[ESPN]] [[NASCAR]] correspondent

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|North Carolina}}
* [[List of counties in North Carolina]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina]]
* [[List of United States cities by population]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{citation |title=Branson's North Carolina Business Directory...1867-68 |publisher=Branson & Jones |location=Raleigh, NC |chapter-url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101065143529&seq=116&view=2up |page= 71 |chapter= Mecklenburg County |via= [[hathitrust.org]] }}
* {{citation |title=Branson's North Carolina Business Directory, 1896 |publisher=Levi Branson |location=Raleigh, NC |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/bransonsnorthcar1896bran/page/410/mode/2up |page= 410 |chapter= Mecklenburg County |via= [[archive.org]] }}
* {{citation |chapter-url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nc01.ark:/13960/t2r49km5g&seq=360&view=2up |chapter= Mecklenburg County |title=North Carolina Year Book and Business Directory, 1916 |publisher=News and Observer Publishing Company |location= Raleigh, N.C. |via= hathitrust.org }}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{osmrelation|2528722}}
* {{Official website|https://www.mecknc.gov}}
* [http://www.parkandrec.com/ Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation]
* [http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/ Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools]
* [http://www.plcmc.org/ Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County]
* [http://ncgenweb.us/nc/mecklenburg/ NCGenWeb Mecklenburg County], genealogy resources for the county
* [https://oldemeck.org/ Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society]

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
|North = [[Iredell County, North Carolina|Iredell County]]
|Northeast = [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]]
|East =
|Southeast = [[Union County, North Carolina|Union County]]
|South = [[Lancaster County, South Carolina]]
|Southwest = [[York County, South Carolina]]
|West = [[Gaston County, North Carolina|Gaston County]]
|Northwest = [[Catawba County, North Carolina|Catawba County]], [[Lincoln County, North Carolina|Lincoln County]]
}}
{{Mecklenburg County, North Carolina}}
{{Charlotte, North Carolina}}
{{Charlotte/Metrolina}}
{{North Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mecklenburg County, North Carolina| ]]
[[Category:1762 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1762]]
[[Category:Charlotte metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Majority-minority counties in North Carolina]]