Rowan County Map, North Carolina

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

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

Map of Rowan County, North Carolina

About Rowan County, North Carolina

Rowan County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Salisbury. As per 2020 census, the population of Rowan County is 148150 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 524 sq mi (1,357 km2). Rowan County was established on 1753.

Rowan County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatSalisbury
Largest City/TownSalisbury
Established1753
Total Area524 sq mi (1,357 sq km)
Land Area511 sq mi (1,324 sq km)
Water Area13 sq mi (33 sq km)
Population146,875 (Census 2020)
Population Density287 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysI-85, US-29, US-52, US-70, NC-150
Major RiversYadkin River
Neighboring CountiesCabarrus County, Davidson County, Davie County, Stanly County, Iredell County
Famous ForHistoric Salisbury, Cheerwine soda, transportation hub
Top AttractionsHistoric Salisbury, Dan Nicholas Park, North Carolina Transportation Museum, High Rock Lake
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Rowan County, North Carolina

Rowan County is located in the central part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1753. The county seat is Salisbury, which is also the largest city. The county lies within the Piedmont region along the Yadkin River and is known for its historic sites, transportation heritage, and local industries including the origin of Cheerwine soda.

Cities and Towns in Rowan County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Salisbury (county seat)35,58035.6709°N, 80.4742°W
Kannapolis (partly in Cabarrus County)53,11435.4874°N, 80.6217°W
China Grove4,35535.5700°N, 80.5800°W
Landis3,69035.5400°N, 80.6100°W
Spencer3,28035.6900°N, 80.4300°W
Granite Quarry3,00035.6100°N, 80.4400°W
Cleveland1,00035.7000°N, 80.6600°W
Rockwell2,10035.5500°N, 80.4100°W
Faith80035.5800°N, 80.4600°W

Golf Courses in Rowan County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Crescent Golf ClubSalisbury35.6700°N, 80.4800°W
Warrior Golf ClubChina Grove35.5700°N, 80.5800°W

Roads and Highways in Rowan County, North Carolina

Rowan County is a transportation hub with major highways crossing the region.

  • I-85 – major interstate connecting Charlotte and Greensboro
  • US-29 – runs parallel to I-85 through the county
  • US-52 – connects Salisbury to Winston-Salem and South Carolina
  • US-70 – provides east–west connectivity
  • NC-150 – serves local communities

Neighboring Counties of Rowan County

  • Iredell County (northwest)
  • Davie County (north)
  • Davidson County (east)
  • Stanly County (south)
  • Cabarrus County (southwest)

Top Attractions in Rowan County, North Carolina

The county offers historic sites, parks, and cultural attractions.

  • Historic Salisbury – downtown area with preserved historic buildings
  • Dan Nicholas Park – family park with zoo, playgrounds, and train rides
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum – exhibits on railroads and transportation
  • High Rock Lake – boating, fishing, and recreation
  • Spencer Shops Historic District – historic railway facilities
  • Downtown Kannapolis – revitalized area with shops and dining

Distance from Rowan County to Nearby Cities

  • Salisbury to Charlotte – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Salisbury to Greensboro – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Salisbury to Winston-Salem – 35 mi (56 km)
  • Salisbury to Raleigh – 120 mi (193 km)
  • Salisbury to Asheville – 120 mi (193 km)

FAQs about Rowan County

Where is Rowan County located?

Rowan County is located in central North Carolina in the Piedmont region.

What is the population of Rowan County?

The population of Rowan County is 146,875 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Rowan County known for?

Rowan County is known for historic Salisbury, Cheerwine soda, and its transportation heritage.

What are the major highways in Rowan County?

Major highways include I-85, US-29, US-52, US-70, and NC-150.

Are there golf courses in Rowan County?

Yes, Rowan County has golf courses including Crescent Golf Club and Warrior Golf Club.