For the sixth year in a row, the Pinehurst-Southern Pines micropolitan tops POLICOM’s 2023 Economic Strength Rankings as the #1 micropolitan area in North Carolina.
The Pinehurst-Southern Pines area is first out of 22 micropolitan statistical areas in North Carolina and 21st out of 543 micropolitan statistical areas across the United States. Pinehurst-Southern Pines moved up 18 places from its 2022 ranking, placing the area in the top 7 percent nationally of communities with a stable and consistently growing economy in 2023.
A “micropolitan” is defined as a statistical area having an urbanized core with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 and includes adjacent territory that is socially and economically integrated with the core as measured by commuting ties. The Pinehurst-Southern Pines micropolitan includes all of Moore County.
POLICOM, a Florida-based independent economic research firm, uses 23 economic factors measured over a 19-year period to analyze local and state economies annually to determine if a particular economy is growing or declining and why.
“Our consistent POLICOM ranking as the #1 micropolitan in North Carolina affirms that Moore County’s economy is consistently growing in both size and quality,” said Natalie Hawkins, President of Moore County Economic Development Partnership, in a press release. “Our ranking speaks volumes about the collective strength and success of Moore County’s businesses and industries that are the solid foundation of our local economy.”
“MCEDP recognizes the correlation between a strong economy and a better quality of life. However, we cannot afford to be complacent because our economy is strong and prosperous today,” Hawkins cautioned in a press release. “It’s critical that our local government officials continue to have priorities and policies that not only support our existing businesses but also encourage the recruitment and formation of new businesses so our economy can continue to prosper.”
After Pinehurst-Southern Pines, the second highest North Carolina micropolitan in POLICOM’s rankings is Kill Devil Hills (#43 nationally), followed by Boone (#53 nationally) and Morehead City (#62 nationally).
Visit https://policom.com/rankings-micropolitan-areas/ to view POLICOM’s complete ranked list of micropolitan areas for 2023.
King and Latonia Parks both had successful careers in the military before returning to civilian life and starting their real estate business. They eventually expanded their portfolio, opening a Cold Stone Creamery in Hope Mills and The UPS Store on C
NaTasha Lax is an advocate for sustainable living and community gardening.She founded Carolina Foodscapes to promote food security, environmentalstewardship and community empowerment through innovative gardeningprojects. Photo by Mac Elliott Media.Ce
Located at 1161 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, N.C., Legacy Rolls opened in March of 2025. The business is run by a father-son duo and draws on over 150 years of family tradition and history.
