Alexander County Overview
Alexander County is located in the western Piedmont region of North Carolina. It was formed in 1847 from parts of Iredell, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties and named after William Julius Alexander, a Speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons. The county is bordered by Catawba County to the south, Iredell County to the east, Caldwell County to the west, and Wilkes County to the north. Known for its rolling hills, small towns, and rich agricultural land, Alexander County has a strong sense of community.
With a population of around 37,000 residents, Alexander County offers a rural lifestyle with proximity to the larger cities of Hickory, Statesville, and Charlotte. The economy is based on manufacturing, agriculture, and small businesses, and the area is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Lake Hickory and the Brushy Mountains.
- County Seat: Taylorsville
- Number of Cities and Towns: 3
- Major School Districts: Alexander County Schools
Taylorsville
Taylorsville Overview
Taylorsville is the county seat of Alexander County and is located in the central part of the county. Founded in 1847, Taylorsville was named after General Zachary Taylor, who would later become the 12th President of the United States. Historically, the town developed as a small trading hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. Taylorsville is bordered by the Brushy Mountains to the north and enjoys a rural setting with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
Taylorsville has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Major landmarks in the town include the Alexander County Courthouse, a symbol of the town’s historical significance, and Matheson Park, a popular local destination for recreation and community events.
- Population: 2,176
- Population Density: 1,045 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 28681
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 64, North Carolina Highway 16, North Carolina Highway 90
- Nearest Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (60 miles), Hickory Regional Airport (15 miles)
- Libraries: Alexander County Library (Main Branch)
- Hospitals: Catawba Valley Medical Center (nearby in Hickory)
Schools in Taylorsville
Taylorsville is served by Alexander County Schools. Taylorsville Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 500 students and focuses on early childhood education with strong programs in reading, math, and science. East Alexander Middle School (grades 6-8) serves about 600 students, preparing them for high school with a wide range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities like sports and arts. Alexander Central High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 1,300 students, offering a broad curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular programs such as athletics, band, and clubs. The schools in Taylorsville emphasize community involvement and academic excellence.
Stony Point
Stony Point Overview
Stony Point is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Alexander County, near the border with Iredell County. Founded in the late 19th century, the community developed around agriculture and small-scale manufacturing. Today, Stony Point retains its rural charm, with much of the surrounding area devoted to farming and residential use. The community is bordered by the South Yadkin River, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.
Stony Point experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. The town’s landmarks include local churches and small family-owned businesses, which reflect its strong sense of community and agricultural heritage. While small, Stony Point is closely connected to the nearby cities of Statesville and Taylorsville, providing residents with easy access to larger markets and services.
- Population: 1,317
- Population Density: 363 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 28678
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 64, North Carolina Highway 90
- Nearest Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (55 miles), Hickory Regional Airport (20 miles)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Taylorsville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Statesville (Iredell Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Stony Point
Stony Point is also part of the Alexander County Schools system. Stony Point Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 250 students, offering a personalized learning environment that focuses on core academic subjects and the social development of students. After completing elementary school, students typically attend East Alexander Middle School and Alexander Central High School. These schools offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music programs, and career-preparation courses, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for the next stages of their education or careers.
Hiddenite
Hiddenite Overview
Hiddenite is a small town located in the northeastern part of Alexander County. It is renowned for its unique gemstone, the hiddenite, which was discovered in the area in the late 19th century. Named after the gemstone’s discoverer, William Earl Hidden, the town became a minor hub for mining and tourism. Today, Hiddenite remains a quiet rural town with a rich cultural history. It is bordered by farmland and forests, making it a picturesque community.
The town experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Hiddenite’s most famous landmark is the Hiddenite Gem Mines, where visitors can mine for precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires, and hiddenite. The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is another major attraction, offering cultural programs and art exhibits that celebrate the town’s history and artistic community.
- Population: 536
- Population Density: 450 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 28636
- Road Network: North Carolina Highway 90, U.S. Highway 64
- Nearest Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (65 miles), Hickory Regional Airport (25 miles)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Taylorsville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Taylorsville (Catawba Valley Medical Center)
Schools in Hiddenite
Hiddenite is served by Alexander County Schools. Students in the town typically attend Hiddenite Elementary School (PreK-5), which has about 300 students. The school provides a nurturing environment with a focus on both academic subjects and social development. After elementary school, students attend East Alexander Middle School and Alexander Central High School. These schools offer a range of programs, including vocational training, advanced academic courses, and extracurricular activities like sports and arts. Hiddenite’s schools are known for their strong community ties and commitment to student success.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem Overview
Bethlehem is an unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Alexander County, near the shores of Lake Hickory. Though small, Bethlehem is a rapidly growing suburban area due to its proximity to Hickory and its appeal as a residential community. The town is primarily a residential area with small businesses, churches, and schools. Bethlehem’s location near Lake Hickory makes it a popular destination for water-based recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Bethlehem experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The community is known for its peaceful atmosphere and easy access to both the scenic outdoors and the amenities of nearby Hickory. Landmarks include the Bethlehem Recreation Center, which offers a variety of sports and community activities.
- Population: 4,214
- Population Density: 590 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 28681
- Road Network: North Carolina Highway 127, U.S. Highway 64
- Nearest Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (60 miles), Hickory Regional Airport (10 miles)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Taylorsville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Hickory (Catawba Valley Medical Center)
Schools in Bethlehem
Bethlehem is part of Alexander County Schools, and students in the community attend Bethlehem Elementary School (PreK-5), which enrolls about 350 students. The school focuses on a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on reading, math, and science, as well as physical education and arts programs. After elementary school, students attend West Alexander Middle School and Alexander Central High School, which offer comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement courses, athletics, and clubs. Bethlehem’s schools are known for their close-knit community and commitment to preparing students for future success.