Geography of Concord, North Carolina

Location and Land Area

Concord is located in south-central North Carolina, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Charlotte in Cabarrus County. With a total land area of 59.3 square miles, Concord ranks as the seventh largest city by land area in North Carolina.

Topography and Hydrology

Much of Concord sits on rolling Piedmont terrain at elevations between 650 and 850 feet above sea level. The land gently slopes downward from north to south. Major waterways include Rocky River, Irish Buffalo Creek, and Cold Water Creek. Lake Fisher, a small man-made lake, lies just outside the city limits.

Rocky River

Rocky River originates north of Concord and flows in a southerly direction, passing through the eastern part of the city. The river continues south where it meets the Yadkin River. Key facts:

• River length: 150 miles
• Watershed area: 557 sq miles
• Tributaries: Irish Buffalo Creek, Cold Water Creek

Irish Buffalo Creek

Irish Buffalo Creek starts north of Concord and winds through the northern and western areas of the city. The creek merges with Rocky River south of Concord. Details:

• Length: 42 miles
• Watershed size: 77 sq miles

Cold Water Creek

Starting as a spring in north Concord, Cold Water Creek flows southward through downtown before joining Rocky River. Highlights:

• Length: 15 miles
• Watershed area: 31 sq miles

Districts and Neighborhoods

Concord comprises numerous neighborhoods and commercial districts, including:

Historic Downtown

• Location: Along Union St between Corban Ave and Barbrick Ave
• Known for antique shops and historic architecture

International Speedway area

• Location: Near Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Major tourist area with hotels, shops and restaurants that cater to racing fans

Joint Military Base

• Location: Northeast Concord along NC-73
• Home to the Concord Pad for the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and a National Guard base

Market and Depot District

• Location: South of downtown centered along Cabarrus Ave
• Former industrial area now transitioning to mixed residential and commercial uses

Medical District

• Location: Along Church St between W Corbin St and Davidson Ave
• Home to major medical centers and doctor offices

Midtown

• Location: Between downtown and Concord Mills Mall along I-85 and Bruton Smith Blvd
• Large mixed-use area with retail, dining, hotels and entertainment

North Concord

• Location: North of I-85 along US-601 and Poplar Tent Rd
• Primarily residential neighborhoods

Odell School Road Corridor

• Location: Along Odell School Rd between Cabarrus Ave and International Speedway Blvd
• Medical offices, shopping centers, multi-family housing

Outlets and Entertainment Zone

• Location: Around Concord Mills Mall near I-85 Exit 49
• Large retail outlet stores, restaurants, cinemas and attractions like Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort

Piedmont Corporate Park

• Location: Near Charlotte Motor Speedway off I-85 and Derita Rd
• Large business park with major employers and hotels

Poplar Tent Road Corridor

• Location: Along N Poplar Tent Rd south of I-85
• Retail stores, medical practices and new housing developments

Stallings Road Industrial Area

• Location: Between Stallings Rd, Old Charlotte Rd and Rocky River Rd
• Warehouses, manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities

Stallings Road Residential District

• Location: Along Stallings Rd between Trinity Church Rd and Winborne Ave
• Mainly single family homes

Vista Commercial District

• Location: At the intersection of I-85 and Vista Ridge Rd
• Shopping centers and big box retail stores like Walmart, Best Buy and IKEA

Weddington Road Medical Cluster

• Location: Along Weddington Rd between I-85 and Branchview Dr
• Doctor offices, outpatient clinics, senior living communities

Parks and Open Space Network

Concord has over 20 parks ranging from small neighborhood playgrounds to larger community parks. Major green spaces and recreational areas include:

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

A 300,000 square foot multipurpose facility that hosts sporting events, conferences, concerts and more. Includes an indoor ice skating rink and outdoor tailgating spaces.

Cabarrus Woods Park

A 90-acre park with hiking trails, fishing ponds, picnic shelters and a canoe/kayak launch point into Irish Buffalo Creek. Home to annual Wine and Hops Fest.

Cold Water Creek Greenway

A paved 4-mile multi-use trail running alongside Cold Water Creek through downtown Concord. Connects to other greenway trails.

Cooper Farm Park

A new 53-acre park featuring a playground, walking trails, boardwalk over wetlands and open green space.

Cross Country Skiing Trails

Miles of cross country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking trails through open fields at Frank Liske Park and Cabarrus Woods Park.

Field of Dreams Park

Primarily used for baseball and softball tournaments and league games with 5 fields, batting cages, concessions and playground.

Frank Liske Park

One of Concord’s largest parks set on 340 acres. Amenities include a disc golf course, lake for fishing, picnic areas and a BMX track.

Hartsell Soccer Complex

Features 11 full-size soccer fields, concessions stand and hosts regional tournaments.

Highland Creek Greenway

A 6-mile paved loop trail around Highland Creek for walking, running and biking. Connects to other greenways.

Vietnam Veterans Park

Honors area veterans with a memorial, walking trail with exercise stations, gardens and open lawn areas.

Demographics

According to recent census estimates, Concord has a population of approximately 98,000 residents. Here is a demographic breakdown:

Age

• Median Age: 37 years old
• 18 years and under: 23%
• 65 years and older: 15%

Racial Makeup

• White: 73%
• Black or African American: 16%
• Asian: 5%
• Hispanic or Latino: 12%

Household Data

• Average Household Size: 2.5 people
• Median Household Income: $57,000
• Home Ownership Rate: 60%

Education

• High School Graduate or Higher: 88%
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 26%

Economy and Major Employers

Historically Concord’s economy centered around textile manufacturing. Today, the city has diversified into sectors like healthcare, retail, education, technology and tourism. Major private employers include:

Atrium Health Cabarrus

Regional medical center complex and Level II trauma center employing over 2,500 people. Part of one of the largest public healthcare systems in the US.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Iconic NASCAR racetrack that hosts major racing events throughout the year. Employs approximately 1,500 full time staff. Generates significant tourism dollars for the local economy.

Concord Mills Mall

Massive 1.4 million square foot shopping and entertainment complex. Anchored by 20 major retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Dave & Buster’s and Legoland Discovery Center. Employs over 3,000 people.

Daimler Trucks North America

Leading heavy duty truck manufacturer operating a large manufacturing plant in Concord. Employs around 1,800 workers.

Hendrick Automotive Group

One of the largest privately-held auto dealership groups in the US, headquartered in Concord. Employs over 6,000 people nationwide.

Metrolina Regional Produce Market

A 106-acre wholesale produce distribution hub supplying fresh fruits and vegetables across the region. Tenants employ around 500 workers.

Concord serves as corporate headquarters for several rapidly growing tech firms involved in motorsports analytics, blockchain technology and data management. Major public sector employers include the Cabarrus County School System and North Carolina National Guard base located in Concord.

Transportation Infrastructure

Concord is served by extensive transportation networks:

Interstate Highways

• I-85: Major north-south interstate corridor connecting Concord to Charlotte and points beyond.
• I-485: Outer beltway circling Charlotte metro with 2 interchanges in Concord.

US Highways

• US 601: Primary highway through downtown Concord leading to Charlotte and Winston Salem
• US 29: Crosses northern areas of the city, linking to interstates 85 and 77

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)

Provides regular bus service between Concord and downtown Charlotte

Amtrak Rail Station

Daily passenger rail service to cities up and down the East Coast

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

A major global airport and air cargo hub located 20 miles from downtown Concord

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport

Reliever airport in northeast Concord serving private aviation andcharter flights

Freight Rail Infrastructure

Concord has direct freight rail access via both Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation networks

Public Transit

Concord Kannapolis Area Transit (Rider) runs local bus routes and the Concord/Charlotte Express (CCX) commuter bus

Walkability

Most neighborhoods have good walkability with sidewalk connectivity. Downtown areas are highly walkable and bike friendly.

Micromobility

Bikeshare and electric scooters available downtown and in some corridor areas through Brightwalk company

Climate and Natural Hazards

Climate

• Humid Subtropical (Köppen classification Cfa)
• Average high temperature: 71°F
• Average low temperature: 48°F
• Average annual precipitation: 45 inches

Natural Hazards

Situated inland, Concord faces limited risks from tidal surges or rising sea levels. It does contend occasionally with:

• Hurricanes: Heavy rain, high winds and spinoff tornadoes
• Severe Thunderstorms: Potential for damaging straight line winds, hail and lightning
• Winter Storms: Snow, ice storms and blizzards
• Extreme Heat: Heat index over 100°F during summer months
• Wildfires: Moderate wildfire hazard in rural areas during drought conditions

Concord utilizes a multi-pronged hazard mitigation strategy centered on prevention, emergency preparedness, timely warning and effective response.

So in summary, that covers the main elements related to geography of Concord – from its terrain, hydrology and neighborhoods to economy, transportation and climate. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!