Why Locust?
Located in Stanly and Cabarrus Counties, the City of Locust is located in a prime location for residential and commercial growth. Our close proximity to I-485, Hwy 24/27, Hwy 601 and Hwy 200 allows Locust residents easy and convenient access to the Charlotte International, Stanly County, and Concord Regional Airports, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Concord Mills Mall, and much more within a short drive!
Locust offers a wide range of public services including: public safety, parks & recreation, solid waste & recycling, and sewer utility. Our residents also enjoy many amenities such as our athletic complex, Town Center, Locust library and more. Visit Locust today to discover what makes our community a wonderful place to live, work and play.
To learn more about Locust’s demographics and our market’s opportunities, please refer to our Retail Strategies – Retail Academy Report
Locust Population Trends
According to the United States Census Burau’s Population and Housing Unit Estimate Tables, the City of Locust’s estimated population from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 increased from 4,543 to 5,854 representing a 28.86% increase in population for this period. According to this data, Locust is the 7th fastest growing municipality in the State of North Carolina during this time period.
In August 9, 2017, the UNC Carolina Population Center – Carolina Demography highlighted Locust in an article entitled “Population Growth for Some Unlikely North Carolina Municipalities” In the article, the UNC Carolina Population Center described Locust’s 3.5 % growth rate from July 2015 to July 2016 as “among the fastest-growing places in the state.”
Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2023, the City of Locust issued permits for 1,106 new single family homes, 234 apartment units, and more than 100 commercial permits.
*2024 housing permits through September 30, 2024*
Locust Traffic Counts
In 2005 the North Carolina Department of Transportation widened Hwy 24/27 from a 2-lane highway to a 4-lane highway. Since then, almost 10,000 new vehicles per day travel through Locust via Hwy 24/27. As of 2019, approximately 28,500 vehicles per day travel through Locust via Hwy 24/27. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, “it has long been observed that [vehicle traffic] and economic growth appear to be correlated.” NCDOT estimates that daily traffic on Hwy 24/27 by the year 2040 will be approximately 40,000 vehicles. For more information on Locust’s traffic patterns and traffic counts, please visit the NCDOT AADT Mapping Application webpage
Variety of Commercial/Industrial Property Available in Locust, NC
A variety of development sites and distribution, office, manufacturing and retail buildings are available in Locust.
Grow Locust Town Center With Us!
With new retail, food establishments, events and services coming to Locust each year, Locust Town Center is emerging as a commercial and community hub for Locust residents and the surrounding communities in Stanly County.
Interested in Investing in Locust, NC?
Make an appointment today to speak to City officials that can help you answer questions about Locust and Stanly/Cabarrus Counties. We thank you for your interest in Locust, and we look forward to working with you!