Editing Moore County, North Carolina

{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Moore County
 | state                = North Carolina 
 | seal                 = Moore County seal.jpg 
 | ex image             = MOORE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CARTHAGE, MOORE COUNTY.jpg 
 | ex image cap         = [[Moore County Courthouse]] in Carthage
 | founded              = 1784
 | named for            = [[Alfred Moore]] 
 | seat wl              = Carthage 
 | largest city wl      = Pinehurst 
 | city type            = community 
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 705.69 
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 697.68 
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 8.00 
 | area percentage      = 1.13 
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 99727
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2023
 | population_est       = 106898 {{Increase}}
 | population_density_sq_mi = 142.94
 | coordinates          = {{coord|35.31|-79.49|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}}
 | web                  = www.moorecountync.gov
 | district             = 9th
 | time zone            = Eastern
 | flag                 = Moore County Flag.png
}}

'''Moore County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], its population was 99,727.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> Its [[county seat]] is [[Carthage, North Carolina|Carthage]] and its largest community [[Pinehurst, North Carolina|Pinehurst]]. It is a border county between the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]] and the [[Atlantic Coastal Plain]].

In the early years, the economy was dependent on agriculture and lumber. The lumber business expanded after railroads reached the area, improving access to markets. It lies at the northern edge of the area known as the [[Sandhills (Carolina)|Sandhills region]], and developed resorts in the late 19th century, aided by railroads.

Since the early 21st century, Moore County comprises the [[Pinehurst, North Carolina|Pinehurst]]-[[Southern Pines, North Carolina|Southern Pines]], NC [[Metropolitan statistical area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. Moore County is a part of the [[Fayetteville, North Carolina|Fayetteville]]-[[Lumberton, North Carolina|Lumberton]]-Pinehurst, NC [[Fayetteville, North Carolina metropolitan area|Combined Statistical Area]], which had an estimated population of 693,299 in 2023, making it the [[Combined statistical area#List of combined statistical areas|75th-largest CSA]] in the United States.<ref name="2023OMB">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2023 |title=OMB Bulletin No. 23-01: Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=[[United States Office of Management and Budget]]}}</ref><ref name="PopEstCBSA">{{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>

==History==
Archeological evidence indicates [[Siouan]] Native Americans inhabited the area eventually comprising Moore County from the early 500s until the 1600s. European settlers arrived in about 1739. In subsequent years, settlers of English, Ulster Scots, and German origin arrived by way of the [[Great Wagon Road]] and from the [[Cape Fear River]] valley, with most choosing to reside in the northern section of the eventual county. From the 1750s to the 1770s, the area received an influx of settlers from the [[Scottish Highlands]], who mostly occupied the southeastern portions of the county and developed a [[naval stores]] industry with the area's [[longleaf pines]].<ref name= countyhistory/> The Scots also brought African slaves to the area.{{sfn|Southern Pines Comprehensive Long Range Plan|2016|pp=B-24, B-25}}

[[File:ALSTON HOUSE, MOORE COUNTY.jpg|thumb|left|A [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]] skirmish occurred at the [[House in the Horseshoe]] (pictured) in 1781.]]
Settlement decreased during the [[American Revolutionary War]]. Settlers in the northern portion of the eventual county generally supported the Patriots, while the Highlands Scots in the southeastern area were mostly Loyalists.<ref name= countyhistory/> In July 1781 [[Battle of the House in the Horseshoe|a Patriot–Loyalist skirmish]] took place at the [[House in the Horseshoe]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/house-horseshoe/history| title = House in the Horseshoe : History| website = North Carolina Historic Sites| publisher = North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites and Properties| access-date = April 23, 2023}}</ref> Many Loyalists were socially ostracized after the end of the war.<ref name= countyhistory/> Moore County was formed in 1784, from part of [[Cumberland County, North Carolina|Cumberland County]]. It was named after [[Alfred Moore]], an officer in the Revolutionary War and a later associate justice of the [[Supreme Court of the United States]].{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=155}} A courthouse was erected the following year.<ref name= countyhistory/>  The county's boundaries were redrawn several times between 1784 and 1829.{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|pp=155–156}} The county's northern section benefited from economic development in the years after its creation. In 1796, a law was passed designating the county seat at a new community to be known as [[Carthage, North Carolina|Carthage]],{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=155}} where the courthouse was eventually moved in 1814. A new one was built six years later. Another one was built in 1840.<ref name= countyhistory/>

[[File:Gymkhana games in Pinehurst 2.jpg|thumb|Equestrian games in Pinehurst, c. 1930s]]
Many men from the county served in the [[American Civil War]].<ref name= countyhistory/> In 1877, the [[Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railroad]] was established and laid through Moore, leading to the creation of new communities. Logging of the local pines increased and the rail towns of Cameron, Manly, Keyser, and Aberdeen were built to ship the lumber.<ref name= countyhistory/>{{sfn|Schloegl|1997|p=7}} Most of the county's [[old-growth forest|old-growth]] pine forests were depleted by 1900.{{sfn|Southern Pines Comprehensive Long Range Plan|2016|p=B-25}} With large swathes of lands cleared and transportation links well-established, new health resort towns and [[mineral spa]]s were created, such as [[Southern Pines, North Carolina|Southern Pines]], [[Pinehurst, North Carolina|Pinehurst]], [[Pinebluff, North Carolina|Pinebluff]], and [[Jackson Springs, North Carolina|Jackson Springs]].<ref name= countyhistory/>{{sfn|Schloegl|1997|p=7}}

In 1897, the first [[golf]] courses were established in the county. The number of courses expanded over the years and drew in wealthy vacationers from [[New England]] and the [[Mid-Atlantic (United States)|Mid-Atlantic]], who built seasonal homes in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Fox hunting and polo and equestrian activities also grew in popularity.{{sfn|Schloegl|1997|p=7}} In 1907, parts of Moore and [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham]] counties were combined to form [[Lee County, North Carolina|Lee County]].{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=157}} In 1922, the present [[Moore County Courthouse]] was built.<ref name= countyhistory/> In 1958, the Little River Township of [[Hoke County, North Carolina|Hoke County]] was annexed to Moore.{{sfn|Monroe|2011|p=8}}

Moore County has many [[golf]] resorts in the [[Southern Pines, North Carolina|Southern Pines]]/[[Pinehurst Resort|Pinehurst]] area, and hosted the 1996 and 2001 [[United States Women's Open Championship (golf)|Women's U.S. Opens]], as well as the 1999 and 2005 Men's [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Opens]]. The Women's Open returned to Southern Pines in 2007. In 2014, they consecutively hosted both the Women's and Men's Opens in the same year, a first in U.S. Open history.<ref>[http://www.msgpromotions.com/us-open-hospitality/2014-u-s-open-championship/ 2014 US Open Championship]</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Pine trees in Moore County.jpg|thumb|left|Pine trees in Moore County]]
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|705.69|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|697.68|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|8.00|sqmi}} (1.13%) 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> Moore County is bordered by [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham]], [[Lee County, North Carolina|Lee]], [[Harnett County, North Carolina|Harnett]], [[Cumberland County, North Carolina|Cumberland]], [[Hoke County, North Carolina|Hoke]], [[Scotland County, North Carolina|Scotland]], [[Richmond County, North Carolina|Richmond]], [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]], and [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph]] counties.<ref name= countyhistory/> It lies mostly within the [[Central North Carolina|Piedmont]] region, though some of the county extends into the state's [[Atlantic Plain|Coastal Plain]].<ref name= mazzocchi>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncpedia.org/geography/moore| title = Moore County| last = Mazzocchi| first = Jay| date = 2006| website = NCPedia| publisher = North Carolina Government & Heritage Library| access-date = April 20, 2023}}</ref> Additionally, the county lies within the [[Sandhills (Carolina)|Sandhills region]],<ref name= quillen1/> and about two-thirds of its land are host to sandy soils.{{sfn|Bonham|2012|pp=34–35}} The county drains into the [[Cape Fear River]] Basin and Lumber River Basin.{{sfn|Bonham|2012|p=34}} Local waterways include Pine Lake, [[Deep River (North Carolina)|Deep]] and [[Little River (Cape Fear River tributary)|Little]] Rivers<ref name= baxley1>{{cite news| last = Baxley| first = Jaymie| title = Company Postpones Plan to Tear Down High Falls Dam| newspaper = The Pilot| date = October 18, 2018| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/company-postpones-plan-to-tear-down-high-falls-dam/article_2ec1cbb2-d31a-11e8-b92c-c330bf56cdce.html| access-date = February 25, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2023 |title=Little River Near Mount Pleasant, NC |url=https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/02102907/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=waterdata.usgs.gov |language=en}}</ref> and [[Aberdeen Creek (Drowning Creek tributary)|Aberdeen]], [[Big Governors Creek|Big Governors]], Big Juniper, [[Drowning Creek|Drowning]], Herds, [[McLendons Creek|McLendons]], Sugar, and [[Crane Creek (Little River tributary)|Little Crane]] Creeks.<ref name= mazzocchi/><ref>{{cite web |title=Big Governors Creek Watershed Report |url=https://watersgeo.epa.gov/watershedreport/?comid=8874744 |accessdate=August 20, 2020 |website=US EPA Geoviewer |publisher=US EPA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=McLendons Creek Watershed Report |url=https://watersgeo.epa.gov/watershedreport/?comid=8874826 |accessdate=August 20, 2020 |website=US EPA Geoviewer |publisher=US EPA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Aberdeen Creek Watershed Report |url=https://watersgeo.epa.gov/watershedreport/?comid=9125734 |accessdate=November 23, 2019 |website=Waters Geoviewer |publisher=US EPA}}</ref>

Longleaf pine is native to the region.<ref>{{cite news| last = Douglass| first = Laura| title = Foxfire's Longleaf Restoration Begins With Burn| newspaper = The Pilot| date = February 26, 2021| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/foxfire-s-longleaf-restoration-begins-with-burn/article_d196fa24-785e-11eb-8a16-2741f2e676a4.html| access-date = April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226215414/https://www.thepilot.com/news/foxfire-s-longleaf-restoration-begins-with-burn/article_d196fa24-785e-11eb-8a16-2741f2e676a4.html|archive-date=February 26, 2021}}</ref> It grows in the Sandhills Game Land, a state nature preserve which covers part of Moore County,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sandhills Game Land |url=https://visitrichmondcounty.com/f/sandhills-game-land |date=July 23, 2019 |publisher=Richmond Country Tourism Development Authority|website=Richmond County Visitor's Guide|language=en-US|access-date=December 20, 2022}}</ref> and the [[Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve]], which resides wholly in the county.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/weymouth-woods-sandhills-nature-preserve| title = Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve| publisher = North Carolina Divisions of Parks & Recreation | access-date = April 24, 2023}}</ref> Fish present in the county include bass, sunfish,<ref>{{cite news| last = Georgevitch| first = Gregory| title = Local Creeks, Lakes Allow for Fly Fishing Opportunities| newspaper = The Pilot| date = December 28, 2020| url = https://www.thepilot.com/sports/local-creeks-lakes-allow-for-fly-fishing-opportunities/article_70df4154-4925-11eb-afc3-8fbed9eae623.html| access-date = April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228214509/https://www.thepilot.com/sports/local-creeks-lakes-allow-for-fly-fishing-opportunities/article_70df4154-4925-11eb-afc3-8fbed9eae623.html|archive-date=December 28, 2020}}</ref> and [[Cape Fear shiner]].<ref name= baxley1/> The endangered [[red-cockaded woodpecker]] resides in the area.<ref name= quillen1/>
{{clear}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1790= 3870
|1800= 4767
|1810= 6367
|1820= 7128
|1830= 7745
|1840= 7988
|1850= 9342
|1860= 11427
|1870= 12040
|1880= 16821
|1890= 20479
|1900= 23622
|1910= 17010
|1920= 21388
|1930= 28215
|1940= 30969
|1950= 33129
|1960= 36733
|1970= 39048
|1980= 50505
|1990= 59013
|2000= 74769
|2010= 88247
|2020= 99727
|estyear=2024
|estimate=108417
|estref=<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/>
|align-fn=center
|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=January 18, 2015}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 18, 2015}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nc190090.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=January 18, 2015}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=January 18, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36125.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 27, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/moorecountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Moore County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Moore County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US37125&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-22|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 75,391
| 75.6%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 10,545
| 10.57%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 688
| 0.69%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 1,237
| 1.24%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
| 59
| 0.06%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 4,442
| 4.45%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 7,365
| 7.39%
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 99,727 people, 41,530 households, and 27,191 families residing in the county.  The [[population density]] was 107 people per square mile (41/km<sup>2</sup>).  There were 48,237 housing units at an average density of 50 per square&nbsp;mile (19/km<sup>2</sup>).

Racially, 77 percent of county residents identified as white, 10 percent as black, 7.4 percent as Hispanic/Latino, 2.8 as Native American, and 1.3 percent as Asian.<ref name= johnson1>{{cite news| last = Johnson| first = Kristen| title = Hoke, Harnett counties experienced major population growth since 2010, Census results show| newspaper = The Fayetteville Observer| date = August 16, 2021| url = https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2021/08/16/census-hoke-harnett-county-saw-population-growth-us-census-north-carolina-data/8107329002/| access-date = April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925160325/https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2021/08/16/census-hoke-harnett-county-saw-population-growth-us-census-north-carolina-data/8107329002/|archive-date=September 25, 2021}}</ref> Compared to the rest of the state, the population of the county is older and more white.<ref name= quillen1>{{cite news| last = Quillen| first = Martha| title = Mix of Communities affected by Moore County power outage| newspaper = The News & Observer| page = 4A| date = December 6, 2022| url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123557055/the-news-and-observer/}}</ref> For the first time, the census classified the municipalities of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Pinebluff, Taylortown, and Whispering Pines as constituting a contiguous urban area, due to the combined population of those areas exceeding 50,000 people.<ref name= risano/>

Between 2010 and 2020, Moore County grew by 11,480 residents.<ref name= johnson1/> The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projected in 2023 that the county's population will grow to be 146,972 in 2040 and 170,097 in 2050.<ref name= risano>{{cite news| last = Risano | first = Ana| title = 'Small' vs. 'Large:' Towns Continue Transportation Planning Talks| newspaper = The Pilot| date = April 17, 2023| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/small-vs-large-towns-continue-transportation-planning-talks/article_7b052e1c-dd8b-11ed-bd09-47f4d4934370.html| access-date = April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418193608/https://www.thepilot.com/news/small-vs-large-towns-continue-transportation-planning-talks/article_7b052e1c-dd8b-11ed-bd09-47f4d4934370.html|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>

==Law and government==
===Government===
Carthage is the [[county seat|seat]] of Moore County.<ref name= mazzocchi/> The county's government is led by a five-member board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected at-large but represent districts in which they reside. The board is responsible for levying taxes and appropriating county funds, issuing ordinances within the confines of state law, and overseeing county government administration.<ref name= commission>{{cite web| url = https://www.moorecountync.gov/board-of-commissioners| title = Board of Commissioners| website = County of Moore, North Carolina| publisher = County of Moore Government| access-date = April 18, 2023}}</ref> The commissioners appoint a county manager who leads the everyday function of county administration under the commissioners' direction. They also appoint their own clerk, a county attorney, and a tax administrator. In addition to the commissioners, county voters elect a register of deeds.<ref name= countyhistory>{{cite web| url = https://www.moorecountync.gov/community#modal-education | title = Moore Community : Our History| website = County of Moore, North Carolina| publisher = County of Moore Government| access-date = April 18, 2023}}</ref>

Moore County is a member of the [[Triangle J Council of Governments]], a regional planning body.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About TJCOG |url=https://www.tjcog.org/about-tjcog |access-date=April 18, 2023|website=Triangle J Council of Government (TJCOG)|publisher=Triangle J Council of Government|language=en}}</ref> It is located in [[North Carolina's 9th congressional district]],<ref>{{cite news| last = Hudson| first = Sam| title = Clark, Hudson Facing Off for 9th District| newspaper = The Pilot| date = October 17, 2022| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/clark-hudson-facing-off-for-9th-district/article_9013ba52-4e21-11ed-bc63-0f94cb2c06a2.html| access-date = April 20, 2023}}</ref> the [[North Carolina Senate]]'s [[North Carolina's 21st Senate district|21st district]], and the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]' [[North Carolina's 51st House district|51st]], [[North Carolina's 52nd House district|52nd]], and [[North Carolina's 78th House district|78th]] districts.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/CountyRepresentation/Moore| title = Moore County Representation : 2023-2024 Session| publisher = North Carolina General Assembly| access-date = April 18, 2023}}</ref>

===Judicial system===
[[File:Moore County Courts Facility annex.jpg|thumb|Moore County Courts Facility]]
Moore County lies within the bounds of North Carolina's 29th Prosecutorial District, the 19D [[North Carolina Superior Court|Superior Court]] District, and the 19D [[North Carolina District Courts|District Court]] District.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/moore-county| title = Moore County| publisher = North Carolina Judicial Branch| access-date = April 18, 2023}}</ref> County voters elect a sheriff.<ref name= countyhistory/>

===Politics===
{{PresHead|place=Moore 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}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|39,617|21,436|737|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|36,764|20,779|796|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|30,490|16,329|1,873|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|29,495|16,505|415|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|27,314|17,624|390|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|24,714|13,555|113|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|19,882|11,232|187|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|14,760|9,847|1,872|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|12,448|9,649|4,494|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|14,543|7,642|63|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|14,681|7,063|38|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|10,158|8,084|669|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|7,577|7,373|70|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|9,406|3,627|275|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|5,322|3,583|3,263|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|5,162|6,384|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|5,815|5,548|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|5,238|4,729|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|5,442|5,066|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|2,719|3,341|690|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|2,663|3,711|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|2,587|4,330|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|2,481|4,466|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|2,459|4,287|47|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|3,290|2,639|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|1,974|2,771|38|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|2,279|2,679|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,047|1,337|22|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|252|1,167|695|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|1,077|1,109|19|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|1,178|1,424|23|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|2,029|1,606|12|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|1,948|2,207|12|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|1,460|1,674|744|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1888|Democratic|1,826|1,955|62|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1884|Democratic|1,468|1,769|2|North Carolina}}
{{PresFoot|1880|Democratic|1,367|1,476|3|North Carolina}}

Politically, Moore County is dominated by the Republican Party. As of December 2022, the county hosts 15,812 registered Democrats, 31,387 Republicans, four members of the Green Party, 613 Libertarians, and 28,112 unaffiliated voters.<ref name= woolverton1>{{cite news| last = Woolverton| first = Paul| title = Moore County, NC: Where is it, what makes it special?| newspaper = The Fayetteville Observer | date = December 5, 2022| url = https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2022/12/06/moore-county-nc-everything-to-know-about-the-community/69701703007/| access-date = April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206013736/https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2022/12/06/moore-county-nc-everything-to-know-about-the-community/69701703007/|archive-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref>

==Economy==
Moore County residents are on average wealthier than their statewide contemporaries.<ref name= quillen1/> In mid-2021, the United States Census Bureau reported the county's median annual income as $63,324.<ref name= woolverton1/> As of December 2022, the poverty rate was about nine percent.<ref name= quillen1/> Healthcare and social assistance, accommodation and food services, and retail are the largest-employing private sectors in Moore.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://moorecountyedp.org/industries/| title = Industries| publisher = Moore County Economic Development Partnership| access-date = April 24, 2023}}</ref> Moore's economy also relies heavily on tourism, largely driven by golfing events. In 2021, the county benefitted from $673 million in tourism spending, giving it the 10th largest tourism economy among North Carolina's counties.<ref name= hudson1>{{cite news| last = Hudson| first = Sam| title = Moore County Sets Record in Visitor Spending| newspaper = The Pilot| date = August 17, 2022| url = https://www.thepilot.com/business/moore-county-sets-record-in-visitor-spending/article_aae6abc0-1e68-11ed-8120-efa5bfefb906.html| access-date = April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818195319/https://www.thepilot.com/business/moore-county-sets-record-in-visitor-spending/article_aae6abc0-1e68-11ed-8120-efa5bfefb906.html|archive-date=August 18, 2022}}</ref> Some county residents work in both civilian and military capacities at the [[U.S. Army]]'s [[Fort Bragg]] in neighboring Cumberland County. Some manufacturing also takes place in Moore.<ref name= quillen1/>

== Transportation ==
{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q507782|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Moore County}}
Public airplane facilities are provided by the [[Moore County Airport (North Carolina)|Moore County Airport]], located near Pinehurst and Southern Pines,<ref name= infrastructure>{{cite web| url = https://moorecountyedp.org/infrastructure/| title = Infrastructure| publisher = Moore County Economic Development Partnership| access-date = April 24, 2023}}</ref> though many air travelers opt to fly into [[Raleigh-Durham International Airport]] before driving to Moore.<ref>{{cite news| last = Baxley| first = Jaymie| title = Airport Officials Seeking County Support for Projects| newspaper = The Pilot| date = April 11, 2023| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/airport-officials-seeking-county-support-for-projects/article_cf5495c8-d84c-11ed-8bb3-8b4e25a09576.html| access-date = April 17, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230417103904/https://www.thepilot.com/news/airport-officials-seeking-county-support-for-projects/article_cf5495c8-d84c-11ed-8bb3-8b4e25a09576.html|archive-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> A private airport, Gilliam–McConnell Airfield is maintained in Carthage.<ref>{{cite news| last = Douglass| first = Laura| title = Carthage Airfield Set to Exchange Hands| newspaper = The Pilot | date = February 3, 2023| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/carthage-airfield-set-to-exchange-hands/article_ee51e5a0-6636-11eb-99f3-6725fa66d847.html| access-date = April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424003032/https://www.thepilot.com/news/carthage-airfield-set-to-exchange-hands/article_ee51e5a0-6636-11eb-99f3-6725fa66d847.html|archive-date=April 24, 2023}}</ref> North–south rail lines are operated by [[CSX Transportation]], with additional short-line rail service provided by the [[Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway]] and the [[Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad|Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad Company]].<ref name= infrastructure/> [[Amtrak]] maintains [[Southern Pines station|a passenger rail station]] in Southern Pines.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.southernpines.net/facilities/facility/details/Southern-Pines-Train-Station-1| title = Facilities: Southern Pines Train Station| website = Town of Southern Pines, North Carolina| publisher = Town of Southern Pines North Carolina| access-date = April 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.amtrak.com/stations/sop| title = Southern Pines, North Carolina| publisher = [[Amtrak]]| access-date = April 23, 2023}}</ref>

===Major highways===
{{div col}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|1}}<ref name= risano/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|1|dab1=Vass–Cameron}}<ref name= pilotroads>{{cite news| title = NCDOT Awards $8 Million Repaving Contract for Moore County Roads| newspaper = The Pilot| date = June 7, 2018| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/ncdot-awards-8-million-repaving-contract-for-moore-county-roads/article_2973fe94-6aa8-11e8-8865-6fd5f0555907.html| archive-date = April 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426035533/https://www.thepilot.com/news/ncdot-awards-8-million-repaving-contract-for-moore-county-roads/article_2973fe94-6aa8-11e8-8865-6fd5f0555907.html}}</ref>
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|15}}<ref name= risano/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|501}}<ref name= risano/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|2}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|5}}<ref name= pilotroads/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|22}}<ref name= pilotroads/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|24}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|27}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|73}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|211}}<ref name= risano/>
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|690}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|705}}<ref name= pilotroads/>
{{div col end}}

==Education==
Public primary and secondary education in the county is provided by Moore County Schools. Of the county's [[K-12 education in the United States|K-12]] students, 72 percent are enrolled in public schools, 16 percent are enrolled in private and charter schools, and 11 percent are homeschooled. Post-secondary education is provided by the [[Sandhills Community College]], which has its main campus in Moore.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://moorecountyedp.org/workforce-education/| title = Workforce & Education| publisher = Moore County Economic Development Partnership| access-date = April 24, 2023}}</ref> [[SandHoke Early College]], a program managed by Hoke County Schools, also uses the campus.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2023 |title=SandHoke Early College High School |url=https://www.sandhills.edu/academics/ccp/sandhoke-early-college-high-school-2.html |access-date=April 25, 2023 |website=Sandhills Community College |language=en}}</ref> According to the 2021 [[American Community Survey]], an estimated 40.8 percent of county residents have attained a bachelor's degree or higher level of education.<ref name= censusprofile>{{cite web| url = https://data.census.gov/profile/Hoke_County,_North_Carolina?g=050XX00US37093| title = Moore County, North Carolina| publisher = [[U.S. Census Bureau]]| access-date = April 23, 2023}}</ref>

==Culture==
Many Moore County residents helped developed the regional pottery craft centered in [[Jugtown Pottery|Jugtown]], [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]]. The county is host to the Moore County Agricultural Fair, the Carthage Buggy Festival, the Pet Parade and Bark-in-the-Park Festival, and the North Carolina Playwright Festival.<ref name= mazzocchi/> The Moore County Hounds hunting club hosts an annual British-style traditional fox hunt, the Blessing of the Hounds, on [[Thanksgiving Day]].<ref>{{cite news| title = Timeless tradition in Moore County| newspaper = The North State Journal| date = December 4, 2016| url = https://nsjonline.com/article/2016/12/moore-county-thanksgiving-day-hunt/| access-date = April 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Murphy| first = Mary Kate| title = Blessing of the Hounds Event Returns This Thanksgiving| newspaper = The Pilot| date = November 19, 2021| url = https://www.thepilot.com/news/blessing-of-the-hounds-event-returns-this-thanksgiving/article_16bbce1a-49a4-11ec-aab4-b31ff4176ecb.html| access-date = April 22, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211128111610/https://www.thepilot.com/news/blessing-of-the-hounds-event-returns-this-thanksgiving/article_16bbce1a-49a4-11ec-aab4-b31ff4176ecb.html|archive-date=November 28, 2021}}</ref> Moore County, particularly the Pinehurst–Southern Pines area, host many golf courses and golfing tournaments.<ref name= quillen1/><ref>{{cite news| last = Madhavan| first = Neel| title = Golf sees 'rejuvenation' as a result of pandemic| newspaper = The Laurinburg Exchange| date =June 1, 2021 | url = https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/sports/49839/golf-sees-rejuvenation-as-a-result-of-pandemic| access-date = April 26, 2023}}</ref> Equestrianism is popular in the county.<ref name= quillen1/> Several area buildings and sites [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Robeson County, North Carolina|have been listed]] on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name= mazzocchi/><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncdcr.gov/about/history/division-historical-resources/state-historic-preservation-office/architectural-surveys-and-national-register-historic-places/north-carolina-national-register-historic-places/nc-listings-national-register-historic-places| title = NC Listings in the National Register of Historic Places| publisher = North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources| access-date = December 22, 2022}}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:Map of Moore County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|300px|Map of Moore County with municipal and township labels]]

===Incorporated communities===
* [[Aberdeen, North Carolina|Aberdeen]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Cameron, North Carolina|Cameron]]<ref name= municipalities>{{cite web| url = https://www.moorecountync.gov/community/municipalities| title = Community : Municipalities| website = County of Moore, North Carolina| publisher = County of Moore Government| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Carthage, North Carolina|Carthage]] (county seat)<ref name= woolverton1/>
* [[Foxfire, North Carolina|Foxfire]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Pinebluff, North Carolina|Pinebluff]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Pinehurst, North Carolina|Pinehurst]] (largest community)<ref>{{Cite web |title=QuickFacts: Moore County, North Carolina; Pinehurst village, North Carolina; Southern Pines town, North Carolina |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/moorecountynorthcarolina,pinehurstvillagenorthcarolina,southernpinestownnorthcarolina |access-date=April 18, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
* [[Robbins, North Carolina|Robbins]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Southern Pines, North Carolina|Southern Pines]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Taylortown, North Carolina|Taylortown]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Vass, North Carolina|Vass]]<ref name= municipalities/>
* [[Whispering Pines, North Carolina|Whispering Pines]]<ref name= municipalities/>

===Townships===
The county is divided into ten [[township (United States)|townships]], which have no legal or political authority:<ref name= countyhistory/>
{{div col}}
* Carthage
* Bensalem
* Sheffields
* Ritter
* Deep River
* Greenwood
* McNeill
* Sandhill
* Mineral Springs
* Little River
{{div col end}}

===Census-designated places===
* [[Jackson Springs, North Carolina|Jackson Springs]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/2812798| title = Feature Details : Jackson Springs Census Designated Place| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Seven Lakes, North Carolina|Seven Lakes]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/2402839| title = Feature Details : Seven Lakes Census Designated Place| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 26, 2023}}</ref>

===Unincorporated communities===
* [[Eagle Springs, North Carolina|Eagle Springs]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/1020069| title = Feature Details : Eagle Springs| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Glendon, North Carolina|Glendon]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/985730| title = Feature Details : Glendon| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[High Falls, North Carolina|High Falls]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/1020730| title = Feature Details : High Falls| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Manly, North Carolina|Manly]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/1021338| title = Feature Details : Manly| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[West End, North Carolina|West End]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/997007| title = Feature Details : West End| publisher = U.S. Geological Survey| access-date = April 27, 2023}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Charles E. Brady, Jr.|Charles Brady]] (1951–2006), was raised here. He became a physician, career Navy officer, and NASA astronaut
* [[John Edwards]] (born 1953), politician, US Senator and former presidential candidate was raised here
* [[Jeff Hardy]] (born 1977) and [[Matt Hardy]] (born 1974), brothers, were raised here; they are professional wrestlers currently working in [[All Elite Wrestling]] as [[The Hardy Boyz]]
* [[Mable Parker McLean]] (1922–2012), academic administrator<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Bates |first=Gerri |date=2007 |title=These Hallowed Halls: African American Women College and University Presidents |journal=The Journal of Negro Education |volume=76 |issue=3 |pages=373–390 |issn=0022-2984 |jstor=40034579}}</ref> 
* [[Shannon Moore]] (born 1979), was raised here; he is a wrestler currently working in the [[Independent Circuit]]
* [[Watts family murders|Shanann Watts]] (1984–2018), murdered with her two daughters by her husband Chris in [[Colorado]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|last=Chapin|first=Josh|url=https://abc11.com/chris-watts-update-parents-news-family/4677948/|title='He's not a monster': Parents of Chris Watts defend son who admitted to killing wife, children|work=[[WTVD]]|date=November 13, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2022|quote=Shanann Watts lived in Moore County when she was younger and attended Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of counties in North Carolina]]
* [[Moore County substation attack]], electrical substation attack in 2022

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Works cited==
* {{Citation| last = Bonham| first = John G.| title = Moore County Working Lands Protection Plan | publisher = North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality| date = August 21, 2012| url = https://umo.edu/wp-content/uploads/Moore_County_FLP.pdf}}
* {{cite book| last = Corbitt| first = David Leroy| title = The formation of the North Carolina counties, 1663-1943| publisher = North Carolina Division of Archives and History | edition = reprint| date = 2000| location = Raleigh| url = https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/the-formation-of-the-north-carolina-counties-1663-1943/3692099?item=4553233| oclc= 46398241}}
* {{cite book|title=Hoke County |first1=Joyce C. |last1=Monroe |last2=Raeford-Hoke Museum |date=2011 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn= 978-0-7385-8679-3|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=jBmArfFTD6gC|ref={{harvid|Monroe|2011}}}}
* {{cite book| last = Schloegl| first = Richard J.| title = Moore County| publisher = Arcadia Publishing| date = 1997| location = | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zDx3X59-3ykC| isbn = 9780752405261}}
* {{Citation| title = Town of Southern Pines Comprehensive Long Range Plan| publisher = Town of Southern Pines| date = March 8, 2016| url = http://southernpinesudo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CLRP-adopted-3-8-16.pdf| ref = {{harvid|Southern Pines Comprehensive Long Range Plan|2016}}}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{osmrelation|2528725}}
* {{Official website|http://www.moorecountync.gov}}
* [http://www.moorecountychamber.com/ Moore County Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.moorehistory.com Moore County Historical Association]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160128203653/https://moorecountync.gov/community/history Moore County NC History]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080515020044/http://www.gosandhills.com/history.html Go Sandhills History]
* [http://www.ncgenweb.us/moore/ NCGenWeb Moore County], genealogy resources for the county

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Moore County, North Carolina
|North     = [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham County]]
|Northeast = [[Lee County, North Carolina|Lee County]]
|East      = [[Harnett County, North Carolina|Harnett County]]
|Southeast = [[Cumberland County, North Carolina|Cumberland County]]
|South     = [[Hoke County, North Carolina|Hoke County]] and [[Scotland County, North Carolina|Scotland County]]
|Southwest = [[Richmond County, North Carolina|Richmond County]]
|West      = [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]]
|Northwest = [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]]
}}
{{Moore County, North Carolina}}
{{North Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Moore County, North Carolina| ]]
[[Category:1784 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1784]]