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Kannapolis, NC

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Kannapolis, NC

Kannapolis is a city in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, in the U.S. state of North Carolina, northwest of Concord and northeast of Charlotte, and is a suburb in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The city of Kannapolis was incorporated in 1984. The population was 53,114 at the 2020 census, which makes Kannapolis the 19th-most populous city in North Carolina. It is the home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the Low-A baseball affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and it is the hometown of the Earnhardt racing family. It is also the headquarters for the Haas F1 racing team. The center of the city is home to the North Carolina Research Campus, a public-private venture that focuses on food, nutrition, and biotech research.

Kannapolis is located on the boundary of Cabarrus and Rowan counties, with a greater portion of its area in Cabarrus County. U.S. Route 29 (Cannon Boulevard) passes through the city east of the downtown area; U.S. 29 leads northeast 15 miles (24 km) to Salisbury and south 7 miles (11 km) to Concord. Interstate 85 bypasses the city on the south and the east, with access from Exits 54 through 63 (five exits total). I-85 leads northeast 65 miles (105 km) to Greensboro and southwest 21 miles (34 km) to Charlotte.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.06 square miles (88.2 km²), of which 33.50 square miles (86.8 km²) is land and 0.56 square miles (1.5 km²) (1.64%) is water.

The early meaning and usage of the city's name was a direct reference to Cannon Mills Corporation, or James William Cannon himself. Early published name variations include "Cannon-opolis" and "Kannapolis". A widely accepted origin of the word "Kannapolis" comes from the combination of the Greek words kanna (reeds, not looms) and polis (city), which some believed meant "City of Looms". Dr. Gary Freeze, Catawba College history and politics department chairman, said a Concord newspaper used the name "Cannon City" in 1906. After mill workers or newspapers called the town "Kannapolis", J.W. Cannon asked Cabarrus County commissioners to give the town the name, but starting with a "K". Kannapolis historian Norris Dearmon said the K might have been to distinguish the town from his Concord mill village. Since, Freeze said, "Jim Cannon didn't study Greek," Cannon did not name the town "city of looms". In 1906 J.W. Cannon purchased the land that later became Kannapolis, and acquired a total of 1,008 acres in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. Approximately 808 of those acres of farmland, purchased along the historic wagon road between Salisbury and Charlotte, became the location of the new textile mill, Cannon Manufacturing. Cannon Manufacturing began production in 1908. In 1914 Cannon Manufacturing became known as the world's largest producer of sheets and towels. Shortly after, Mr. Cannon opened plants in Rowan County, Concord, and in South Carolina totaling 20,000 workers. Mill founder J.W. Cannon's youngest son, Charles A. Cannon, consolidated all the separate mills into the giant Cannon Mills Company in 1928.

Kannapolis prioritizes the well-being of its residents, with a focus on health and wellness initiatives. The city boasts a comprehensive healthcare system, including the Atrium Health Cabarrus Medical Center, providing a range of medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include  Quantum Fitness, H.P.T!!! High Performance Training and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Kannapolis, such as the Bakers Creek Greenway and Village Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Kannapolis, NC are Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve, Village Park, and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Population: 53,114 (2020). ZIP Code: 28083. Area code: 704. Elevation: 764 ft (233 m). Area: 34.06 sq mi (88.22 km²).

FAQs

What is Kannapolis, NC famous for?

Once home to the world's largest manufacturer of household textiles, Kannapolis offers everything from a revitalized downtown district packed with local dining and boutique shopping to sporting events, motorsports attractions, and music history. In 1906 J.W. Annon purchased the farmland that later became Kannapolis to open a new textile mill, Cannon Manufacturing. By 1914, Cannon Manufacturing was the world’s largest producer of sheets and towels. Today, the City thrives as home to the North Carolina Research Campus, motorsports history and innovative racing facilities, exciting small businesses, and so much more.

What is the average household income in Kannapolis, NC?

20th Largest City in N.C. Median Household Income: Kannapolis - $66,487. This median income reflects the economic stability and prosperity enjoyed by many households in Kannapolis, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents. With its affordable cost of living and opportunities for employment, Kannapolis continues to attract individuals and families seeking a vibrant community to call home.

What is the crime rate in Kannapolis, NC?

The crime rate in Kannapolis is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Kannapolis is 1 in 45. Based on FBI crime data, Kannapolis is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to North Carolina, Kannapolis has a crime rate that is higher than 70% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kannapolis

Atrium Health Cabarrus Medical Center

Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department 

Quantum Fitness

H.P.T!!! High Performance Training 

Anytime Fitness

Bakers Creek Greenway 

Village Park

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve

Village Park

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

Explore Cabarrus

NeighborhoodScout

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