EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Richmond County, NC 

Welcome to Richmond County, North Carolina, where locals enjoy small-town living and modern conveniences and activities. Along the South Carolina border, this southern county has various natural and modern attractions, all with a deep-rooted sense of history. The heart of the Sandhills is where others come to get away from it all. 

Whether you’re looking for a family farm or a charming southern small-town, you’ll find it here. Learn more about living in Richmond County, NC.

About Richmond County

Richmond County is part of North Carolina’s Sandhills region, known for its rolling hills and the rivers and creeks that cross its boundaries. Besides the Great Pee Dee River, several lakes, Seaburn Spring, and Buffalo Creek attract wildlife and people. 

The Great Pee Dee River forms the western boundary. South Carolina forms the southern border, while the remaining surrounding counties are Montgomery, Moore, Scotland, Marlboro, and Anson. Interstate 73 and 74 cut through the region, connecting residents to the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The interconnectivity with the Interstate System allows residents to access other population centers when needed. Richmond County lies 75 miles east of Charlotte, 100 miles south of the Triad, and 110 miles Southwest of Raleigh. It’s close to Pinehurst, a golfing capital in Moore County. 

Residents enjoy a relatively temperate climate. January is the coldest month, with average highs of 56F and lows of 33F. July is the warmest month averaging 94F for the high and 70F for the low. July averages the most precipitation with ten days. 

According to Sperling’s cost of living index, Richmond County scores an overall 74.8, below North Carolina’s 90.6 and the national index average of 100. The most affordable category was housing, while the most expensive was health care. 

Richmond County History

The region was originally inhabited by the Cheraw Indians. Their mark is evident today in remaining pre-historic sites and mounds. The earliest European settlers were Scottish, German, Irish, English settlers.

Richmond County’s roots date back to 1779, when it broke from Anson County. It was named after the third Duke of Richmond. 

Rockingham was established as the County Seat in 1779. Its name comes from the Marquess of Rockingham, who had friendly relations with the American colonies during the revolution. 

Agriculture has been important to Richmond County’s economy throughout the years. Its lands made Richmond County one of the most wealthy in the state by the early 20th century. The golden era of agriculture and industry, particularly in textile production, continued through the Great Depression. 

The textile mills resurged with WWII when textile orders rolled in. Many local mills sold to national manufacturers, some of whom still own plants in the area today. 

The North Carolina Motor Speedway was an important Rockingham attraction. It was locally known as “The Rock” and hosted NASCAR’s AC Delco 200 Busch Grand National Race and the AC Delco 400 Winston Cup race. Thousands of visitors came to the county each year for these events. The last race was held at this venue in February 2004.

Richmond Cities and Areas 

Large portions of Richmond County remain rural and agricultural. However, several towns and cities serve residents with a small-town lifestyle and the amenities they need.

Rockingham is the county seat and the largest city in the county. Rockingham is home to the Rockingham Speedway, formerly known as the North Carolina Speedway. The downtown underwent a ten-year revitalization to attract new business and spur the economy.  

Hamlet is the second-largest city with around 6,500 residents. It is close to a chicken processing plant and is at the junction of three major CSX rail lines. The town has deep roots tied to the railroad industry. At one point, it was the largest city in Richmond County because of rail traffic. During its heyday, 30 trains stopped and Hamlet every day. It was called the “Hub of the Seaboard.” 

Ellerbe is a small town with just over 1,000 residents. Its claim to fame is being the home of professional wrestler Andre the Giant, who owned a nearby farm. It has a few attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hoffman is another small town with just over 500 residents. Highway 1 runs through the city’s center, connecting it to Aberdeen and Pinehurst.

Other small towns in Richmond County include Dobbins Heights, Norman, and East Rockingham. The county is divided into several townships.

Richmond County Job Market

Agriculture and industry remain vital facets of the Richmond County economy. The land produces cotton, peaches, corn, tobacco, sweet beans, vegetables, and other fruits. Its manufactured products include furniture, plastics, poultry processing, steel fabrication, and textiles. 

Richmond County’s top employers based on the number of employees are Richmond County Schools, Perdue Products, Moore Regional Hospital, Richmond County, Richmond Community College, Burlington Industries, Walmart, Cascades Moulded Pulp, and Plastek Industries.

The unemployment rate in December 2021 was 5.4%. The North Carolina rate was 3.2%. 

Richmond County Real Estate Market 

In February 2022, Richmond County had 151 homes for sale. The median list price was $155,000. The median price per square foot was $103. The most affordable listing was a lot for $7,000, while the top of the market was a $2.8 million single-family home. 

Median home prices have generally been moving upward since February 2020, with some dips and valleys. Homes exceeded the $150,000 mark in August 2021. Listing prices were up 21% year-over-year in February. 

Richmond County assessed a $0.83 property tax rate per $100 of assessed value in 2021-2022. Housing values were last assessed in 2016 and are scheduled to be re-evaluated in 2024. 

Richmond County Population 

Based on the April 2020 US Census, Richmond County had 42,946 residents. The number of persons living in the county declined from 2010 by around 4,300. The median resident age was 41. Around 25% of the population was aged 18 and under, and 17% was 65 and older.

Demographically, approximately 57% of residents identified as white alone. About 32% identified as black or African-American, and 7% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Of residents aged 25 and older, around 16% had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income from 2015 through 2019 was $36,148. 

North Carolina projects that Richmond will continue losing residents. By 2030, it is expected to have 2.4% fewer persons, or about 1,000 people less than in 2020. 

Richmond County Education 

Richmond County Schools is the resource for 8,000 youth in grades K-12. The district runs 15 schools, broken into seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. The high schools include a freshman center and an early college option. 

Four private schools are available in Richmond County. The private schools tend to be religiously affiliated. 

Richmond Community College is the local two-year college with associate’s degree programs, university transfer, and workforce development programs. Some of its top attended programs include business administration, early childhood education, information technology, health care management technology, and accounting and finance. 

Richmond County Health Care 

FirstHealth runs Moore Regional Hospital from Rockingham. The community hospital has a 99-bed acute care and emergency facility. It offers surgical and medical services, including an ICU, pediatrics, joint replacement, gastroenterology, orthopedics, laboratory, and rehabilitation. 

Sandhills Regional Medical Center operates from Hamlet. Their facilities have a 64-bed acute care hospital with 24-hour emergency services, inpatient and outpatient medical services, intensive care, and telemetry. 

Richmond County Things to Do

Richmond County has plenty of opportunities for you to get outside and appreciate nature. Part of the 60,000-acre Sandhills Gamelands runs through northeastern Richmond County. The game lands are ideal locations for hiking, biking, and hunting. 

If you enjoy fishing or boating, try casting at Hitchcock Creek or on Hinson Lake. These beautiful facilities are great for fishing and canoeing. The Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail runs for 14 miles from Rockingham. Paddle by historic mills, rare plants, and wildlife. Hinson Lake is surrounded by three miles of walking trails. 

Agritourism is an important part of Richmond County’s economy. Several farms are open for pick-your-own produce and other food goods. Take delight in knowing everything is homegrown and locally produced. 

If you prefer arts and cultural attractions, the Richmond Community Theater produces three mainstage productions every year. It is one of the state’s longest operating community theaters. 

Richmond County Local Attractions

The Webb Farm offers a North Carolina quail hunting experience complete with hunting dogs. It has been profiled on CNN Travel, Garden and Gun, and Sporting Classics as one of the top destinations for quail hunting. The facilities include a lodge and dining.

Ranking Museum of American Heritage profiles natural, local, and Native American history. It is based on the lifetime collections of Dr. Pressley R. Rankin, Jr. An interactive zone is tailored for student learning. 

Rockingham Speedway, nicknamed “The Rock,” hosts numerous racing events throughout the year. It’s been the home of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. There are camping sites with RV hookups available on the speedway grounds during events. 

Rockingham Dragway will get your heart pounding with fast-paced drag racing. The Dragway hosts events and car shows throughout the year. These include the GM Performance Super Chevy Show and the ADRL Dragstock.

Prefer racing at a slower speed? Weekengo Farm Arena and Still Waters Arena Moss host horse racing and livestock events. 

DeWitt’s Outdoor Sports has shooting ranges, sporting clays, and hunting for duck, upland game birds, and pheasant.

The Bostick Schoolhouse is a 159-year-old schoolhouse near Ellerbe. The Richmond Historical Society has restored it from its prior use as a barn and now is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Hamlet Depot and Museums is an active passenger train depot and is home to several hands-on exhibits, visual displays, and consoles. It describes the city’s history and has model railroads.  

Discovery Place Kids is an interactive children’s museum in downtown Rockingham. It has live shows, a science lab, and rotating exhibitions.

Big Pine Retreat can be reserved for conferences or stays. The outside amenities include a low and high ropes course.

Richmond County Dining 

There are more dining choices for a rural county than you might expect. Fast food and casual dining options are available, as are American classics like burger joints, pizza, and diners. Try some classic Carolina BBQ from a roadside stand or a downtown venue. Have a fish camp experience at Seaboard Station in Hamlet. In Rockingham, your cuisine choices include Italian, Japanese, and Mexican.

Richmond County Shopping

Richmond residents have their lifestyle shopping needs met by local Wal-mart and Family Dollar stores. More shopping options are available in Rockingham, where you’ll find fashion, gifts, furniture, and more.

Go shopping for locally-made specialty goods at one of the roadside farm stands. Check out Norton Farms and The Berry Patch for homemade crafts and products.

Living in Richmond County 

You’re looking for a quiet, small-town to live in, Richmond County has it. You’ll find a close-knit community and a slower pace of life among the Sandhills in this region. Much of Richmond’s County’s bounty is tied to the land, whether it’s in the nature preserves or the agricultural production.

Not only do residents enjoy close ties to their neighbors, but it is an affordable place to live with a lower cost of housing compared to other areas in the state and the nation.