Cities and Towns in Rowan County, North Carolina
Founded in 1753, Rowan County is one of 100 counties in the state of North Carolina. Historically, Rowan County was formed from Anson County. The city of Salisbury is the county seat. With FIPS code of 159, Rowan County has a population of 148,150 and area of 524 square miles (1,357 km²).
List of all cities in Rowan County, NC alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amity, NC | 27013 | 704/980 |
| Barber, NC | 27013 | 704/980 |
| Bear Poplar, NC | 28125 | 704/980 |
| China Grove, NC | 28023 | 704/980 |
| Cleveland, NC | 27013 | 704/980 |
| Cool Spring, NC | 27013 | 704/980 |
| Correll Park, NC | 28144 | 704/980 |
| East Spencer, NC | 28039 | 704/980 |
| Faith, NC | 28041 | 704/980 |
| Gold Hill, NC | 28071 | 704/980 |
| Granite Quarry, NC | 28072 | 704/980 |
| 28146 | 704/980 | |
| Landis, NC | 28088 | 704/980 |
| Mount Ulla, NC | 28125 | 704/980 |
| Mount Vernon, NC | 27013 | 704/980 |
| Rockwell, NC | 28138 | 704/980 |
| Salisbury, NC | 28144 | 704/980 |
| 28145 | 704/980 | |
| 28146 | 704/980 | |
| 28147 | 704/980 | |
| Spencer, NC | 28159 | 704/980 |
| Woodleaf, NC | 27054 | 704/980 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rowan County, North Carolina
Salisbury
Overview
- Area: Approximately 22.14 square miles
- Population: 33,988 (2020 census)
- ZIP Codes: 28144, 28145, 28146, 28147
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.6700° N, 80.4742° W
Location and History
Salisbury, the county seat of Rowan County, is centrally located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Established in 1755, it is one of the state’s oldest cities, named after Salisbury, England. During the 19th century, Salisbury became a significant hub for commerce and transportation, particularly with the arrival of the North Carolina Railroad. The city played a notable role during the Civil War, housing the only Confederate prison in North Carolina. Post-war, Salisbury experienced growth in textile manufacturing and continues to preserve its rich historical heritage through numerous historic districts and landmarks.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Salisbury is home to several educational institutions, including Catawba College and Livingstone College, both offering a range of undergraduate programs. The city boasts numerous landmarks, such as the Salisbury Historic District, featuring well-preserved architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Rowan Museum provides insights into the region’s history, while the North Carolina Transportation Museum, located in nearby Spencer, showcases the state’s transportation heritage. Additionally, the historic Salisbury National Cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the city’s Civil War history.
China Grove
Overview
- Area: Approximately 4.3 square miles
- Population: 4,230 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 28023
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.5701° N, 80.5812° W
Location and History
China Grove is situated in the southern part of Rowan County, approximately 10 miles south of Salisbury. The town’s name is believed to originate from a grove of chinaberry trees that once stood near the town center. Established in the mid-19th century, China Grove developed as an agricultural community, with cotton being a primary crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s spurred growth, transforming it into a local trade center. Over time, the town has maintained its small-town charm while adapting to modern developments.
Major Schools and Landmarks
China Grove is served by educational institutions such as China Grove Elementary School and South Rowan High School, providing comprehensive education to the community. The town features several landmarks, including the historic China Grove Roller Mill, which operated from 1903 to 1995 and now serves as a museum preserving the area’s agricultural history. The annual Farmers Day Festival celebrates the town’s heritage, attracting visitors with parades, crafts, and local cuisine. Additionally, the town’s proximity to the Patterson Farm offers residents and visitors opportunities for agritourism activities, including seasonal produce picking and educational tours.
Spencer
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
- Population: 3,267 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 28159
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.6921° N, 80.4312° W
Location and History
Spencer is located directly north of Salisbury, along the Yadkin River. Founded in 1905, the town was established primarily to serve as a hub for the Southern Railway’s steam locomotive repair facility, known as the Spencer Shops. Named after Samuel Spencer, the first president of the Southern Railway, the town grew rapidly as workers and their families settled in the area. The decline of steam locomotives led to the closure of the shops in the mid-20th century, but the town has preserved its rich railroad heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spencer is home to North Rowan High School, offering educational programs to the local student population. The town’s most prominent landmark is the North Carolina Transportation Museum, located on the site of the former Spencer Shops. The museum showcases a vast collection of locomotives, automobiles, and aviation exhibits, attracting visitors interested in transportation history. The historic district of Spencer features early 20th-century architecture, reflecting its origins as a railroad town. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Spencer Train Show, celebrating its railroading legacy with model train displays and historical exhibits.
Rockwell
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.2 square miles
- Population: 2,144 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 28138
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.5485° N, 80.4073° W
Location and History
Rockwell is situated in the southeastern part of Rowan County, approximately 10 miles east of Salisbury. The town’s origins date back to the late 19th century, with its name believed to be derived from a local well that produced particularly hard water, or “rock well.” Incorporated in 1911, Rockwell developed as a small agricultural community, with farming being the primary economic activity. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character while experiencing gradual growth and development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rockwell is served by educational institutions such as Rockwell Elementary School and East Rowan High School, providing education to the local community. The town features several landmarks, including the historic Grace Lower Stone Church, established in the 18th century and reflecting the area’s German heritage. The Rockwell Museum offers insights into the town’s history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to its development. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Rockwell Fest, a community event featuring local vendors, entertainment, and activities that celebrate the town’s heritage and foster community spirit.
