Cleveland County Map, North Carolina

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

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

Map of Cleveland County, North Carolina

About Cleveland County, North Carolina

Cleveland County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Shelby. As per 2020 census, the population of Cleveland County is 100359 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 469 sq mi (1,215 km2). Cleveland County was established on 1841.

Cleveland County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatShelby
Largest City/TownShelby
Established1841
Total Area469 sq mi (1,215 sq km)
Land Area464 sq mi (1,202 sq km)
Water Area5 sq mi (13 sq km)
Population99,519 (Census 2020)
Population Density214 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-74, US-29, NC-18, NC-150, NC-226
Major RiversBroad River, First Broad River, Second Broad River
Neighboring CountiesRutherford County, Burke County, Lincoln County, Gaston County, Cherokee County (SC), York County (SC)
Famous ForAmerican Revolution history, Earl Scruggs, small-town charm
Top AttractionsCrowders Mountain State Park, Earl Scruggs Center, Shelby Historic District, Kings Mountain National Military Park
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Cleveland County, North Carolina

Cleveland County is located in the southwestern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1841. The county seat is Shelby, which is also the largest city. The county lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the South Carolina border and is known for its Revolutionary War history, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes.

Cities and Towns in Cleveland County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Shelby (county seat)20,32335.2924°N, 81.5356°W
Kings Mountain10,00535.2451°N, 81.3412°W
Boiling Springs4,64735.2546°N, 81.6648°W
Belwood96235.5137°N, 81.5407°W
Casar29735.5115°N, 81.6321°W
Fallston60035.4329°N, 81.5176°W
Grover70835.1779°N, 81.4623°W
Lattimore41935.3096°N, 81.6662°W
Lawndale60035.4140°N, 81.5560°W
Mooresboro32135.2951°N, 81.6962°W
Patterson Springs62235.2879°N, 81.5493°W
Polkville54535.4267°N, 81.6329°W
Waco31935.3368°N, 81.4407°W

Golf Courses in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Deer Brook Golf ClubShelby35.2800°N, 81.5300°W
River Bend YMCA Golf CourseShelby35.2900°N, 81.5400°W
Woodbridge Golf LinksKings Mountain35.2400°N, 81.3500°W

Roads and Highways in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Cleveland County is connected by major highways linking it to Charlotte and surrounding regions.

  • US-74 – major east–west highway connecting Shelby to Charlotte and Asheville
  • US-29 – runs parallel to US-74 linking local communities
  • NC-18 – connects Shelby to Morganton and South Carolina
  • NC-150 – provides access to Lincoln County and surrounding areas
  • NC-226 – runs north–south connecting rural communities

Neighboring Counties of Cleveland County

  • Burke County (north)
  • Lincoln County (northeast)
  • Gaston County (east)
  • York County, South Carolina (southeast)
  • Cherokee County, South Carolina (south)
  • Rutherford County (west)

Top Attractions in Cleveland County, North Carolina

The county offers a mix of history, outdoor recreation, and cultural sites.

  • Crowders Mountain State Park – hiking trails with panoramic views and rock climbing
  • Kings Mountain National Military Park – historic Revolutionary War battlefield
  • Earl Scruggs Center – museum dedicated to bluegrass music and local heritage
  • Shelby Historic District – charming downtown area with shops and historic buildings
  • Broad River Greenway – scenic trails along the river for hiking and biking
  • Don Gibson Theatre – historic theater hosting concerts and events

Distance from Cleveland County to Nearby Cities

  • Shelby to Charlotte – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Shelby to Asheville – 70 mi (113 km)
  • Shelby to Greenville, SC – 60 mi (97 km)
  • Shelby to Columbia, SC – 95 mi (153 km)
  • Shelby to Hickory – 40 mi (64 km)

FAQs about Cleveland County

Where is Cleveland County located?

Cleveland County is located in southwestern North Carolina near the South Carolina border.

What is the population of Cleveland County?

The population of Cleveland County is 99,519 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Cleveland County known for?

Cleveland County is known for its Revolutionary War history, Crowders Mountain, and cultural heritage.

What are the major highways in Cleveland County?

Major highways include US-74, US-29, NC-18, NC-150, and NC-226.

Are there golf courses in Cleveland County?

Yes, Cleveland County has golf courses including Deer Brook Golf Club and Woodbridge Golf Links.