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Waxhaw, NC

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Waxhaw, NC

Waxhaw is a town in Union County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 20,534 according to the 2020 Census. The population grew 108.28% from 2010. The name is derived from the indigenous people who lived in the area, who were known as the Waxhaw people.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.54 square miles (29.9 km²). Waxhaw's northernmost municipal boundary is located four and one-half miles south of Charlotte's southernmost city limit. Waxhaw is part of Union County.

Waxhaw is located in the historic region called The Waxhaws and both the region and the town are named after the indigenous Native American tribe who lived there before colonial settlement. Europeans sometimes referred to their settlements in the area as, The Waxhaw Settlement.

The town of Waxhaw is in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, which is a wooded area with rolling hills. This region is where gold was first discovered in the United States. The Howie Gold Mine is not far from the city limits. By 1935, 50,000 ounces of gold had been mined from this location. The Howie Gold mine operated until World War II, when most mines were shut down due to workforce changes during the war effort.

The original inhabitants of the region were a Native American people group known alternately as either the Wysacky or the Waxhaws. The first European to record contacting the group was the Spanish conquistador Juan Pardo. In 1711, the Waxhaw aided the British colonists of North Carolina in their war against the Tuscarora, a decision that antagonized the Tuscarora's Iroquoian allies in New York, who subsequently began raiding the Waxhaw tribe. These raids continued until 1715 when the Waxhaw joined the Yamasee war effort against the British colony of South Carolina. The tribe's involvement in the Yamasee War led to their destruction at the hands of South Carolina's Catawba allies and the freeing of their land for European settlement.

The area was first settled by colonists in the mid-eighteenth century. Most settlers were of German and Scots-Irish origin. Settlers became subsistence farmers and were known for being independent. Andrew Jackson, who later would become the seventh President of the United States, was born nearby in 1767, before the American Revolution. There is some disagreement as to which of the Carolinas was his birthplace because of the proximity of the border between the two. However, there are historical marker signs around Waxhaw, North Carolina describing Andrew Jackson's early connection to the area. His relationship to the area also is documented at the Museum of the Waxhaws. Andrew Jackson State Park is minutes from downtown Waxhaw, which has a memorial and other information about Andrew Jackson.

Health and wellness are integral to the Waxhaw community, with Atrium Health Primary Care serving as a primary healthcare provider. The medical center offers a range of services, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Waxhaw 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 9Round Fitness, Snap Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Waxhaw, such as the Mineral Springs Greenway and Cane Creek Red Trail Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Waxhaw, NC are Downtown Waxhaw, Museum of the Waxhaws, and The Museum of the Alphabet.

Population: 20,534 (2020). ZIP Code: 28173. Area code: 704. Elevation: 584 ft (178 m). Area: 12.22 sq mi (31.65 km²).

FAQs

What is the ethnicity of Waxhaw, NC?

Waxhaw, NC is home to a population of 20.7k people, of which 94.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 13.4% of Waxhaw, NC residents were born outside of the country (2.78k people). In 2022, there were 8.82 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (14.6k people) in Waxhaw, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.66k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 1.21k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Waxhaw, NC a good place to live?

Waxhaw is in Union County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Waxhaw offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Waxhaw and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Waxhaw are highly rated.

What is the poverty rate in Waxhaw, NC?

In 2022, the median household income of Waxhaw households was $124,711. Waxhaw households made slightly more than Faith households ($123,456) and Duck households ($122,500). However, 3.0% of Waxhaw families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Waxhaw

Atrium Health Primary Care 

Waxhaw Parks and Recreation Department

9Round Fitness

Snap Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Mineral Springs Greenway 

Cane Creek Red Trail Loop

Downtown Waxhaw

Museum of the Waxhaws

The Museum of the Alphabet

DataUSA

Niche

North Carolina Demographics

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