New population data from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management suggests Moore County may grow significantly slower than previously projected.
The state now estimates Moore County’s population will reach approximately 141,000 residents by 2050, nearly 30,000 fewer people than last year’s forecast.
Local Planners Respond
The updated projections were recently reviewed by officials with the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization, which oversees long-term transportation planning for Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and surrounding communities.
Despite the revised numbers, SMPO leaders say they are comfortable keeping current growth assumptions for now, citing continued local development and the ability to update projections every five years.
The data will continue to be used to guide future road, traffic, and infrastructure planning across Moore County.