Catawba County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Catawba County - Catawba County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Catawba County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Catawba County located in the map, major cities in Catawba county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Catawba County, North Carolina

About Catawba County, North Carolina

Catawba County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Newton. As per 2020 census, the population of Catawba County is 161723 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 414 sq mi (1,072 km2). Catawba County was established on 1842.

Catawba County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatNewton
Largest City/TownHickory
Established1842
Total Area416 sq mi (1,077 sq km)
Land Area399 sq mi (1,033 sq km)
Water Area17 sq mi (44 sq km)
Population160,610 (Census 2020)
Population Density403 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysI-40, US-70, US-321, NC-16, NC-127, NC-150
Major RiversCatawba River, Henry Fork
Neighboring CountiesAlexander County, Caldwell County, Burke County, Lincoln County, Iredell County
Famous ForFurniture manufacturing, Hickory metro area, Lake Norman proximity
Top AttractionsHickory Museum of Art, Lake Hickory, Catawba Science Center, Bakers Mountain Park
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Catawba County, North Carolina

Catawba County is located in the western part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1842. The county seat is Newton, while Hickory is the largest city. The county lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its strong manufacturing history, especially in furniture production, along with growing suburban communities.

Cities and Towns in Catawba County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Newton (county seat)13,14835.6699°N, 81.2215°W
Hickory43,49035.7332°N, 81.3412°W
Conover8,16535.7076°N, 81.2187°W
Claremont1,40435.7140°N, 81.1462°W
Maiden3,41535.5768°N, 81.2076°W
Long View5,19135.7293°N, 81.3676°W
Brookford38235.7251°N, 81.3581°W
Catawba40635.7071°N, 81.0648°W
Mountain View (CDP)3,20035.6800°N, 81.3000°W
St. Stephens (CDP)9,20035.7600°N, 81.2800°W

Golf Courses in Catawba County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Lake Hickory Country ClubHickory35.7355°N, 81.3272°W
Catawba Country ClubNewton35.6600°N, 81.2100°W
Rock Barn Country Club & SpaConover35.7100°N, 81.2200°W
River Oaks Golf ClubStatesville (near county line)35.7200°N, 81.0500°W

Roads and Highways in Catawba County, North Carolina

Catawba County is well connected by major highways linking it to regional economic centers.

  • I-40 – major east–west interstate connecting Hickory to Asheville and Greensboro
  • US-70 – parallels I-40 and provides local access across the county
  • US-321 – runs north–south connecting Hickory to Boone and Gastonia
  • NC-16 – links the county to Charlotte and northern regions
  • NC-127 – connects Hickory to Newton and surrounding communities
  • NC-150 – provides access toward Lake Norman and neighboring counties

Neighboring Counties of Catawba County

  • Alexander County (north)
  • Caldwell County (northwest)
  • Burke County (west)
  • Lincoln County (south)
  • Iredell County (east)

Top Attractions in Catawba County, North Carolina

The county offers a mix of culture, recreation, and scenic areas.

  • Hickory Museum of Art – one of the oldest art museums in North Carolina
  • Catawba Science Center – interactive exhibits and aquarium
  • Lake Hickory – popular for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation
  • Bakers Mountain Park – hiking trails with scenic views of the foothills
  • Hickory Motor Speedway – historic short track known as the “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars”
  • Maple Grove Park – community park with trails and recreational facilities

Distance from Catawba County to Nearby Cities

  • Newton to Charlotte – 55 mi (89 km)
  • Newton to Asheville – 80 mi (129 km)
  • Newton to Boone – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Newton to Greensboro – 90 mi (145 km)
  • Newton to Winston-Salem – 70 mi (113 km)

FAQs about Catawba County

Where is Catawba County located?

Catawba County is located in western North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the population of Catawba County?

The population of Catawba County is 160,610 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Catawba County known for?

Catawba County is known for its furniture manufacturing history, Hickory metro area, and access to Lake Hickory.

What are the major highways in Catawba County?

Major highways include I-40, US-70, US-321, NC-16, NC-127, and NC-150.

Are there golf courses in Catawba County?

Yes, Catawba County has several golf courses including Lake Hickory Country Club and Rock Barn Country Club & Spa.