Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and the county seat of Mecklenburg County. According to the 2020 census, Charlotte has a population of 910,288, making it the 15th most populous city in the United States.
History
Charlotte was first settled in 1755 and was named after Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of British King George III. It was incorporated as a town in 1768 and as a city in 1856. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Charlotte emerged as a major textile manufacturing center and transportation hub. The discovery of gold nearby in 1799 spurred the city’s early growth. Today, Charlotte is a major financial center and home to Bank of America’s headquarters.
For more information on the history of Charlotte, visit the Charlotte, North Carolina Wikipedia page.
Population
As mentioned previously, Charlotte has a population of 910,288 as of the 2020 census. This makes it the 15th largest city in the United States and the largest city in North Carolina. The Charlotte metropolitan area, which includes surrounding suburbs, has a population of 2.6 million as of 2020, making it the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the country.
Some quick facts about Charlotte’s population:
- 50.8% of residents are female, 49.2% are male
- Median age is 34.8 years old
- Racial makeup is 50.4% White, 35.0% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, 2.8% two or more races
- 13.5% of population is Hispanic or Latino of any race
Charlotte has seen rapid population growth over the past few decades. From 2000 to 2010, Charlotte was the country’s fastest growing metropolitan area, nearly doubling in population. The city continues to grow thanks to its strong economy and job market.
Economy
Charlotte has a diverse economy with a focus on the financial services and manufacturing sectors. Some key facts about Charlotte’s economy:
- Largest city in the nation’s second largest banking center after New York City
- Home to 8 Fortune 500 company headquarters including Bank of America, Honeywell, Nucor, and Lowe’s
- Other major companies based in Charlotte include Duke Energy, Atrium Health, LendingTree, and Family Dollar
- Leading industries include financial services, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, education, and retail
- Unemployment rate is lower than the national average at 3.1% as of October 2022
For more details on Charlotte’s economy and job market, visit the Charlotte Regional Economic Development website.
Places and Landmarks
Charlotte has many great cultural, historic, and recreational attractions. Here are some of the top landmarks and places to visit in Charlotte:
Bank of America Stadium
Home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, this 75,000 seat stadium hosts football games and major concerts. Website. Located at 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Levine Museum of the New South
This history museum focuses on the South after the Civil War and has exhibits on topics like segregation, civil rights, and industrialization. Website. Located at 200 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Discovery Place Science
Large science museum with exhibits on subjects like physics, astronomy, biology, and more. Great for families. Website. Located at 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Carowinds
Major amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina border with world-class roller coasters and attractions. Website. Located at 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Outdoor recreation complex with whitewater rafting, ziplines, hiking, climbing, and more. Website. Located at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214.
Freedom Park
Large urban park with trails, gardens, sports facilities, and lake. Popular spot for running, walking, and community events. Located at 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Bank of America Corporate Center
Iconic 60-story skyscraper that is the headquarters for Bank of America. Located at 100 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. More Info
GPS Coordinates and Map
Here are GPS coordinates for 3 landmarks in Charlotte:
- Bank of America Stadium – 35.2258° N, 80.8527° W
- Levine Museum of the New South – 35.2267° N, 80.8392° W
- Discovery Place Science – 35.2269° N, 80.8402° W
County and Government
Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. The Mecklenburg County government provides many services to Charlotte residents including public health, social services, parks, libraries, and more.
Mecklenburg County website: https://www.mecknc.gov
Mecklenburg County address: 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone number: (980) 314-2900
The city of Charlotte government provides services like police, fire, roads, water, and planning.
City of Charlotte website: https://charlottenc.gov
City Hall address: 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone number: (704) 336-7600
Education
Public schools in Charlotte are run by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the second largest school district in North Carolina. CMS operates 178 schools serving over 140,000 students. The district is led by Superintendent Earnest Winston.
CMS website: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us
CMS address: 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone number: (980) 343-3000
In addition to CMS, there are also a number of private and charter schools in the Charlotte area.
Local Resources
Here are some additional local resources and information for Charlotte residents and visitors:
Public Library
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library operates 20 branches throughout the city. Website.
Public Transit
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates bus and light rail service in the region. Website.
Charlotte Chamber
Promotes the interests of local businesses. Website. 330 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. (704) 378-1300.
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Provides guides and resources for tourists visiting Charlotte. Website. 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202. (704) 331-2700.
Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major global hub for American Airlines. Website. 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208. (704) 359-4013.