Editing Randolph County, North Carolina

{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Randolph County
 | state                = North Carolina
 | seal                 = Randolph County Seal.jpg
 | founded              = 1779
 | named for            = [[Peyton Randolph]]
 | seat wl              = Asheboro
 | largest city wl      = Asheboro
 | city type            = community
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 790.01
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 782.38
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 7.63
 | area percentage      = 0.97
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 144171
 | pop_est_as_of        = 2023
 | population_est       = 147458
 | population_density_sq_mi = 184.27
 | coordinates          = {{coord|35.71|-79.81|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}}
 | web                  = www.randolphcountync.gov
 | ex image             = Randolph County Courthouse 2013-09-21 18-10-00.jpg
 | ex image cap         = [[Randolph County Courthouse (North Carolina)|Randolph County Courthouse]] and Confederate Monument
 | district             = 9th
 | time zone            = Eastern
 | motto                = "Serving with Heart from the Heart of North Carolina"
 | flag                 = Randolph County Flag.gif
 | logo                 = Randolph County Logo.jpg
}}

'''Randolph 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]], the population was 144,171.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> Its [[county seat]] is [[Asheboro, North Carolina|Asheboro]].<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}}</ref>

Randolph County is included in the [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]]-[[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]], NC [[Metropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the Greensboro–[[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]]–High Point, NC [[Piedmont Triad|Combined Statistical Area]].

In 2020, the [[center of population|center of population of North Carolina]] was located in Randolph County, east of [[Seagrove, North Carolina|Seagrove]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2021 |title=2020 Centers of Population by State |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/reference/cenpop2020/CenPop2020_Mean_ST.txt |access-date=October 25, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

==History==
The area which eventually became known as Randolph county was originally inhabited by Siouan Native Americans including [[Saponi]] and [[Keyauwee]]. In the 1700s, European settlers moved into the area, namely Germans, Scotch-Irish, and English, some of whom were [[Quakers]] and [[Moravians]].<ref name= mazzocchi>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncpedia.org/geography/randolph| title = Randolph County| last = Mazzocchi| first = Jay| date = 2006| website = NCPedia| publisher = North Carolina Government & Heritage Library| access-date = October 14, 2023}}</ref> The Legislature of 1779, then sitting at Halifax, passed an act providing for the formation of a new county from parts of [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford]] and Rowan, to be called Randolph.<ref>''Reminiscences of Randolph County'', author: J.A. Blair (1890)</ref> It was named for [[Peyton Randolph]], first president of the [[Continental Congress]].{{sfn|Corbitt|2000|p=179}}

In the [[antebellum period]], Randolph County was economically poor and characterized by smallholding farmers.{{sfn|Escott|1985|p=12}}

The outbreak of the [[American Civil War]] caused division in the county. Many resident Quakers were pacifists and opposed to the war, while poorer conscripts resented being detailed to the frontlines while wealthier militia officers were frequently exempted from such service, leading to many refusing to muster out.{{sfn|Escott|1985|pp=71–72}} In the 1864 gubernatorial election, Randolph was one of only three counties in the state to supply a majority of its votes to [[William Woods Holden]], who was running on a peace platform.{{sfn|Escott|1985|p=88}} A substantial number of men drafted to serve in the Confederate Army from Randolph deserted and were kept hidden with assistance of the anti-Confederate [[Heroes of America]], leading the state government to order operations in 1863 to detain them.{{sfn|Escott|1985|pp=44, 67–68}} The activity of deserters was curtailed by late 1864, though it increased in early 1865, with widespread reports of theft and robbery.{{sfn|Escott|1985|p=69}} Many local members of the Confederate Home Guard grew fearful of enforcing conscription, and some of the body's leaders doubted their subordinates' loyalty.{{sfn|Escott|1985|pp=79–80}} To ease tensions, the state government dispatched 600 troops to the county in March and offered terms to the deserters.{{sfn|Escott|1985|p=80}}

After the war, the county's government became dominated by men who had supported the Union, and some used their new positions of power to enact revenge on those who had enforced the conscription law.{{sfn|Escott|1985|pp=92, 94–95, 139}} Between 1868 and 1872, the white supremacist and reactionary [[Ku Klux Klan]] whose members were made up of [[Southern Democrats]] of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ccharity.com/contents/historical-reports/papers-related-crimes-committed-ku-klux-klan-north-carolina-1871-1800/activities-klan-ashboro-north-carolina/ | title=Activities of the Klan in Ashboro, North Carolina }}</ref> However, despite the Klan's activity, the majority of whites residing in Randolph County remained largely supportive of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] and the [[civil rights movement]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abc11.com/society/asheboro-leaders-denounce-planned-kkk-rally/1799957/ | title=Asheboro leaders denounce planned KKK rally }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://randolphhistory.wordpress.com/category/nc/ | title=NC }}</ref> The most recent affiliation with the Klan took place in May 2017 at the biker gang<ref>{{cite web | url=https://myfox8.com/news/asheboro-mark-walker-condemn-plans-for-kkk-rally/ | title=Asheboro, Mark Walker condemn plans for KKK rally | work=FOX8 WGHP | date=March 14, 2017 }}</ref> ''The Rebel Rousers,'' headquarters in [[Asheboro]] for a [[cross burning]] ceremony.<ref>https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article138193633.html</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068009/1926-09-02/ed-1/seq-1/ | title=The courier. (Asheboro, N.C.) 1906-1937, September 02, 1926, Image 1 | date=September 2, 1926 | issue=1926/09/02 }}</ref>

Randolph's textile industry expanded after the war with the establishment of new mills along the Deep River.{{sfn|Escott|1985|pp=198–199, 217}}

In 1911, a new county called Piedmont County was proposed, with [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] as its county seat, to be created from [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford]], [[Davidson County, North Carolina|Davidson]], and Randolph counties. Many people appeared at the Guilford County courthouse to oppose the plan, vowing to go to the state legislature to protest. The state legislature voted down the plan in February 1911.<ref>Jack Scism, "Remember When?", ''Greensboro News & Record'', January 23, 2011.</ref><ref>Jack Scism, "Remember When?", ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 6, 2011.</ref>

==Geography==
{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q507943|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Randolph County}}
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|790.01|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|782.38|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|7.63|sqmi}} (0.97%) 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> It is bordered by [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford County]], [[Alamance County, North Carolina|Alamance County]], [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham County]], [[Moore County, North Carolina|Moore County]], [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]], and [[Davidson County, North Carolina|Davidson County]].<ref name= about/>

Randolph County is located in the center of North Carolina, and the city of Asheboro (in the county) is the center point of North Carolina. Randolph County is located in the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]] section of central North Carolina, generally a region of gently rolling hills and woodlands. The central and western parts of the county contain the [[Uwharrie Mountains]] and the [[Caraway Mountains]]. These two ranges are the remnants of a much-higher range of ancient peaks. Today, they rarely top {{convert|1000|ft|m}} above sea level, yet due to the relative low terrain around them, they still rise {{convert|200|-|500|ft|m}} above their base.

The highest point in Randolph County is Shepherd Mountain, a peak in the Caraways. The [[North Carolina Zoo]] is located atop Purgatory Mountain, one of the peaks of the Uwharries.

===National protected area===
* [[Birkhead Mountains Wilderness]]
* [[Uwharrie National Forest]]

===State and local protected areas/sites===
* [[North Carolina Zoo]]
* [[Pisgah Covered Bridge]]
* [[Uwharrie Game Land]] (part)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCWRC Game Lands |url=https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/gamelands |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=www.ncpaws.org}}</ref>

===Major water bodies===
* [[Back Creek (Caraway Creek tributary)|Back Creek]]
* [[Bush Creek (Deep River tributary)|Bush Creek]]
* [[Caraway Creek (Uwharrie River tributary)|Caraway Creek]]
* [[Deep River (North Carolina)|Deep River]]
* [[Little Caraway Creek (Caraway Creek tributary)|Little Caraway Creek]]
* [[Little River (North Carolina)|Little River]]
* [[Little Uwharrie River]]
* [[Randleman Lake]]
* [[Reed Creek (Deep River tributary)|Reed Creek]]
* [[Rocky River (North Carolina)|Rocky River]]
* [[Toms Creek (Uwharrie River tributary)|Toms Creek]]
* [[Uwharrie River]]

===Major highways===
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|73}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|74}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I|85}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|I-Future|685}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|29}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|64}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|64|dab1=Asheboro}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|70}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|220}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Alt|220}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|220|dab1=Asheboro}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|311}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|US|421}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|22}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|42}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|47}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|49}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|62}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|109}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|134}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|159}}
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC-Spur|159|dab1=North Carolina Zoological Park}} ([[North Carolina Highway 159#North Carolina Zoological Park spur route|spur route]])
* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|705}}
{{div col end}}

===Major infrastructure===
* [[Asheboro Regional Airport]]

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1790= 7318
|1800= 9234
|1810= 10112
|1820= 11331
|1830= 12406
|1840= 12875
|1850= 15832
|1860= 16793
|1870= 17551
|1880= 20836
|1890= 25195
|1900= 28232
|1910= 29491
|1920= 30856
|1930= 36259
|1940= 44554
|1950= 50804
|1960= 61497
|1970= 76358
|1980= 91728
|1990= 106546
|2000= 130454
|2010= 141752
|2020= 144171
|estyear=2023
|estimate=147458
|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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37151.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812194237/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37151.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/randolphcountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Randolph County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Randolph County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US37151&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 20, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 108,354
| 75.16%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 8,592
| 5.96%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 666
| 0.46%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 2,158
| 1.5%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
| 10
| 0.01%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 5,340
| 3.7%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 19,051
| 13.21%
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 144,171 people, 56,117 households, and 37,795 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}}</ref> 130,454 people, 50,659 households, and 37,335 families resided in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|166|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. The 54,422 housing units averaged {{convert|69|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the county was 89.20% White, 5.63% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.01% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. About 6.63% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As with much of North Carolina, the Latino population of Randolph County continued to grow into the 21st century. In 2005, figures placed the Latino population as 9.3% of the county's total.

In 2000, of the 50,659 households, 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% were not families. About 22.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the county, the population was distributed as 25.00% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,348, and for a family was $44,369. Males had a median income of $30,575 versus $22,503 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $18,236. About 6.80% of families and 9.10% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.60% of those under age 18 and 11.50% of those age 65 or over.

==Government and politics==
===Government===
Randolph County operates under a [[Council–manager government|commissioner–manager form of government]]. It is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, with each commissioner elected in partisan contests at-large to serve a four-year term. The commissioners adopt county policy, create the county's budget, and hire the county manager. The manager oversees the administration of county government and implements the commissioners' policies.<ref name= about>{{cite web| url = https://www.randolphcountync.gov/382/About-Us| title = About Us| publisher = Randolph County, North Carolina| access-date = October 10, 2023}}</ref>

Randolph County is a member of the [[Councils of governments in North Carolina|Piedmont Triad Council of Governments]], a regional voluntary association of 12 counties.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ptrc.org/about| title = About Us| publisher = Piedmont Triad Council of Governments| access-date = October 11, 2023}}</ref>

Randolph County lies within the bounds of North Carolina's 37th Prosecutorial District, the 19B [[North Carolina Superior Court|Superior Court]] District, and the 19B [[North Carolina District Courts|District Court]] District.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/randolph-county| title = Randolph County| publisher = North Carolina Judicial Branch| access-date = November 29, 2022}}</ref>

===Politics===
{{PresHead|place=Randolph County, North Carolina|source=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|first=David|last=Leip|website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|59,357|15,951|700|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|56,894|15,618|804|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|49,430|13,194|1,951|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|45,160|14,773|782|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|40,998|16,414|735|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|37,771|12,966|173|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|30,959|11,366|371|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|23,030|10,783|3,722|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|20,697|11,274|6,931|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|23,881|8,641|49|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|25,759|7,511|29|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|19,881|10,107|729|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|14,337|12,714|146|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|18,724|5,346|559|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|13,450|5,351|6,892|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|13,739|10,638|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|15,772|9,789|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|13,174|8,404|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|12,429|8,975|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|8,372|6,567|743|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|8,768|7,277|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|7,056|8,455|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|6,927|8,090|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|6,072|7,345|75|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|7,414|4,188|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|6,336|5,397|24|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|6,297|5,110|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|3,031|2,747|3|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|370|2,665|1,815|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|2,676|2,472|0|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|1,808|2,334|21|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|2,487|2,264|28|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|2,743|2,482|104|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|1,883|2,077|857|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1888|Republican|2,339|2,121|262|North Carolina}}
{{PresRow|1884|Democratic|1,890|1,968|172|North Carolina}}
{{PresFoot|1880|Democratic|1,811|2,005|0|North Carolina}}

Politically, Randolph County is a huge outlier in North Carolina. The county is one of the most [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]-dominated counties in the state.<ref name= anatomy>{{cite news| title = Anatomy of a swing state: What these 6 counties tell us about the upcoming NC election| newspaper = The Charlotte Observer| date = November 4, 2022| url = https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article267776257.html| access-date = November 4, 2022}}</ref> The Republican dominance dates back to the [[Solid South]] era; it has supported the Republican presidential candidate in all but three elections since [[1916 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1916]]. No Democratic presidential nominee has carried the county since [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] in [[1940 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1940]], and [[Jimmy Carter]] is the last Democrat to even tally 40 percent of the county's vote. In [[1964 United States presidential election in North Carolina|1964]], it was one of only 13 counties in the state to vote for [[Barry Goldwater]], and the easternmost county in the state to do so. Republican dominance at the local level is extremely absolute that in some cases, Republican candidates and incumbents run unopposed.

==Economy==
Randolph's economy is largely based in manufacturing.<ref name= anatomy/> In its 2024 county economic tier ratings, the [[North Carolina Department of Commerce]] classified Randolph as among the state's 20 least economically distressed counties, or "tier 1".<ref name = gronberg>{{cite news| last = Gronberg| first = Ray| title = Project plans: Despite Toyota's record investment, Randolph County slides in the state economic rankings.| newspaper = Business North Carolina| date = December 31, 2024| url = https://businessnc.com/project-plans-despite-toyotas-record-investment-randolph-county-slides-in-the-state-economic-rankings/| access-date = January 5, 2025}}</ref><ref name= lindenburg>{{cite web| url = https://www.ednc.org/12-04-2024-north-carolina-economic-development-tier-designations-released-for-2025/| title = North Carolina economic development tier designations released for 2025| last = Lindenberg| first = Alli| date = December 4, 2024| website = EducationNC| access-date = January 5, 2024}}</ref>

==Education==
[[Randolph County School System (North Carolina)|Randolph County School System]] serves most of the county. The city of [[Asheboro, North Carolina|Asheboro]] is managed separately by [[Asheboro City Schools]].

[[Fayetteville Street Christian School]], located in Asheboro, is the largest private school in Randolph County.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fscspatriots.org/|title=Fayetteville Street Christian School|website=www.fscspatriots.org|access-date=March 17, 2018}}</ref>

==Culture==
Pottery-making has long been popular in the Seagrove area of Randolph County, and is annually celebrated in the Seagrove Pottery Festival.<ref name= kemp>{{cite web| url = https://www.ncpedia.org/pottery-birthplace-seagrove-area| title = State Birthplace of North Carolina Traditional Pottery: Seagrove Area| last = Kemp| first = Amy| date = 2017| website = NCPedia| publisher = North Carolina Government & Heritage Library| access-date = October 14, 2023}}</ref>

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

===Cities===
* [[Archdale, North Carolina|Archdale]] (part)
* [[Asheboro, North Carolina|Asheboro]] (county seat and largest community)
* [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] (part)
* [[Randleman, North Carolina|Randleman]]
* [[Thomasville, North Carolina|Thomasville]] (part)
* [[Trinity, North Carolina|Trinity]]

===Towns===
* [[Franklinville, North Carolina|Franklinville]]
* [[Liberty, North Carolina|Liberty]]
* [[Ramseur, North Carolina|Ramseur]]
* [[Seagrove, North Carolina|Seagrove]]
* [[Staley, North Carolina|Staley]]

===Townships===
{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
* Asheboro
* Archdale
* Back Creek
* Brower
* Cedar Grove
* Coleridge
* Columbia
* Concord
* Farmer
* Franklinville
* Grant
* Level Cross
* Liberty
* New Hope
* New Market
* Pleasant Grove
* Providence
* Randleman
* Richland
* Tabernacle
* Trinity
* Union
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Cedar Grove, Randolph County, North Carolina|Cedar Grove]]
* [[Climax, North Carolina|Climax]]
* [[Coleridge, North Carolina|Coleridge]]
* [[Erect, North Carolina|Erect]]
* [[Farmer, North Carolina|Farmer]]
* [[Level Cross, Randolph County, North Carolina|Level Cross]]
* [[Pisgah, North Carolina|Pisgah]]
* [[Sophia, North Carolina|Sophia]]
* [[Ulah, North Carolina|Ulah]]
* [[Whynot, North Carolina|Whynot]]
{{div col end}}

==Notable people==
* [[Sam Ard]], [[NASCAR]] driver
* [[Jerry Bledsoe]], author
* [[Heidi N Closet]], [[drag queen]]
* [[Braxton Craven]], educator and second president of [[Duke University]]
* [[Heaven Fitch]], wrestler
* [[Rufus Hussey]], marksman
* [[Henderson Luelling]], [[Quakers|Quaker]] abolitionist, horticulturist
* [[Gideon Morris]], [[Trans-Appalachia|trans-Appalachian pioneer]] and founder of [[Morristown, Tennessee]]
* [[Adam Petty]], NASCAR driver
* [[Kyle Petty]], NASCAR driver
* [[Lee Petty]], NASCAR pioneer
* [[Richard Petty]], NASCAR driver
* [[John Milton Odell]], American industrialist
* [[Naomi Wise]], murder victim
* [[Jonathan Worth (Governor)|Jonathan Worth]], former [[Governor of North Carolina]] (1865–1868)

==See also==
* [[List of counties in North Carolina]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Randolph County, North Carolina]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Works cited==
* {{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=4798800| oclc= 46398241}}
* {{cite book| last = Escott| first = Paul D.| title = Many Excellent People : Power and Privilege in North Carolina, 1850-1900| publisher = University of North Carolina Press| date = 1985| location = Chapel Hill| isbn = 978-0-8078-1651-6}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{osmrelation|2528736}}
* {{Official website|http://www.randolphcountync.gov}}
* [https://ncgenweb.us/randolph/ NCGenWeb Randolph County], genealogy resources for the county

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Randolph County, North Carolina
|North     = [[Guilford County, North Carolina|Guilford County]]
|Northeast = [[Alamance County, North Carolina|Alamance County]]
|East      = [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham County]]
|Southeast = [[Moore County, North Carolina|Moore County]]
|South     =
|Southwest = [[Montgomery County, North Carolina|Montgomery County]]
|West      = [[Davidson County, North Carolina|Davidson County]]
|Northwest =
}}
{{Randolph County, North Carolina}}
{{North Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Randolph County, North Carolina| ]]
[[Category:1779 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1779]]