Chatham County, North Carolina incorporates over 707 square miles of the heart of the Tar Heel State. Chatham County lies in the Durham metro area, situated between the Triangle and Piedmont regions, which are two of NC's largest centers of population and commerce. Proximity to these thriving regions provides a healthy boost to Chatham County's economy, ensuring a promising future.

According to 2000 Census information, 49,329 residents live in Chatham County. Approximately one-fifth of the population resides within urban areas. Chatham's largest urban areas include Fearrington, Goldston, Siler City and Pittsboro, the county seat. Chatham County divides further into thirteen townships.

Pittsboro boasts a charming historical downtown district, with numerous antique shops and a farmer's market located on the Chatham County Fairgrounds. Pittsboro is also home to the renowned Premier Motorsports facility, where the popular Pit Stop Café overlooks the professional race shop. Biolex and Alamance Regional Medical Center are among Pittsboro's leading employers.

Chatham County affords residents a wealth of employment opportunities. A diverse industry sector provides jobs with agriculture, brick making, lumber products, metalworking, production of poultry and textiles. In addition, nearby areas such as Chapel Hill, Raleigh-Durham and the Research Triangle Park add to the economic viability of the area. North Carolina's Department of Commerce reported that with approximately $30,000 in personal per capita income, Chatham County placed fourth out of NC's 100 counties. Chatham County also placed first with a median family income of just over $66,000 per year.

Chatham County is proud of its modern public and private schools at the primary and secondary levels. Several excellent opportunities for higher learning exist within a thirty-five mile radius. Choices include Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Meredith College in Raleigh. North Carolina Central University, Duke University and Durham Technical Community College are in nearby Durham.

Chatham County is home to Jordan Lake, one of NC's leading state forest and recreational areas. Scenic rivers, including the Deep, Haw and Rocky rivers, offer exciting outdoor activities in addition to providing drinking water for Chatham County and its surrounding areas. The Camelback Truss Bridge, constructed over Deep River in 1908, holds a place on the National Register for Historic Places. Visitors to the area also enjoy the local wineries, tours of the Carnivore Preservation Trust, New Hope Valley Railroad and Museum in New Hill and gemstone mining at The Rocks.

Chatham County, North Carolina, also known as "The Heart of North Carolina", is the geographic center of the state. Convenient access to all of Raleigh-Durham's bustling big city amenities complements the predominantly rural character of the region.

<< Back to Our Community