Locust, North Carolina, is a fast-growing small city in western Stanly County, about 25 miles east of uptown Charlotte along NC-24/27. Buyers come for newer homes, more space for the money than closer-in suburbs, quick access to Mint Hill, Concord and Albemarle, and a small-town feel with its own parks, farmers market and Christmas parade.
I'm Paul Mattos, a mortgage broker with CarolinaHomeFinancing.com serving buyers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Here's what to know about living in Locust, property taxes, schools, commuting and your mortgage options before you make an offer.
The Quick Answer
Where it is: western Stanly County where NC-24/27 meets NC-200, about 25 miles from uptown Charlotte, 15 miles from Concord and 15 miles from Albemarle. Parts of the city extend west into Cabarrus County.
Why people move here: newer homes and subdivisions, lower prices than Mint Hill or Concord, a straight shot to Charlotte on NC-24/27, and a smaller-town pace.
Growth: about 4,500 residents at the 2020 Census, up from about 2,900 in 2010. The city's FY2026-27 budget cites a 2024 state estimate of 5,992 and notes Locust was among North Carolina's fastest-growing municipalities from 2020 to 2023.
Prices: Zillow's typical home value for Locust was about $377,000 as of October 2026, roughly flat over the past year.
Property taxes: for FY2026-27, Stanly County is 51 cents per $100 of value and the City of Locust is 29 cents, for about 80 cents combined inside city limits.
Common loans: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA on eligible properties nearby, new construction and NC Housing Finance Agency down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
About Locust
Locust grew from a crossroads community into Stanly County's second-largest city, and most of that growth has come in the last 15 years as Charlotte-area buyers moved east looking for more space. The city's budget notes its tax base grew more than 5% in 2025 from new residential and commercial construction, and the city adopted a new land use plan in November 2025 to guide future growth.
Day-to-day life centers on NC-24/27, where you'll find grocery stores, restaurants and everyday shopping. Locust City Park includes the Officer Jeff Shelton Memorial Park athletic complexes, and the city runs a seasonal farmers market and an annual Christmas parade. The Locust Historical Society Museum covers local history.
For more, see my North Carolina Mortgage Guide or all of my Charlotte Area Guides. If you're relocating, see the Moving to Charlotte mortgage and cost of living guide.
Where to Buy in Locust
Newer Subdivisions
Much of Locust's housing has been built since the 2000s, with single-family subdivisions along and off NC-24/27 and NC-200. These homes often have more square footage and larger lots than similarly priced homes closer to Charlotte.
New Construction
Builders continue to add homes in and around Locust. If you're buying new, compare the builder's incentive against the rate, discount points, lender fees, estimated taxes, HOA dues and total cash to close before choosing the builder's preferred lender.
Older Homes and Land Outside City Limits
Older homes, homes on acreage and rural land surround the city, especially to the east and south toward Stanfield and Oakboro. These properties may use wells and septic systems, and some may be USDA eligible.
Property Taxes in Locust
North Carolina taxes homes at their full assessed value, so your bill is the county rate plus any city rate:
Stanly County: 51 cents per $100 of value for FY2026-27. Stanly County completed a revaluation effective January 1, 2025, and the next is scheduled for 2029.
City of Locust: 29 cents per $100 for FY2026-27, unchanged from the prior year.
Combined inside city limits: about 80 cents per $100.
Cabarrus County portion: homes in the part of Locust that extends into Cabarrus County pay the Cabarrus County rate of 57.6 cents plus the Locust city rate.
Outside city limits: no city tax, but fire district charges may apply.
Always confirm which county and taxing districts apply to a specific address before you make an offer. See North Carolina vs. South Carolina property taxes and escrow explained for first-time homebuyers.
Utilities in Locust
According to the City of Locust, water service is provided by Stanly County Utilities and sewer service by the City of Locust. Electric service may be through Duke Energy or Union Power Cooperative depending on the address. Homes outside city limits may use a private well and septic system, so ask during your due diligence period.
Schools in Locust
Most of Locust is served by Stanly County Schools, and the city lists Locust Elementary, West Stanly Middle and West Stanly High for the area. Homes in the Cabarrus County portion of the city may be assigned to Cabarrus County Schools. Assignments depend on the exact address and can change, so verify the current assignment directly with the district before you make an offer.
Commuting From Locust
Uptown Charlotte: about 25 miles west on NC-24/27 through Mint Hill.
Concord: about 15 miles northwest on NC-200.
Monroe: about 22 miles southwest on NC-200.
Albemarle: about 15 miles east on NC-24/27.
NC-24/27 is a surface highway with traffic lights, so test the drive from the specific home at the times you'll actually commute.
Mortgage Options in Locust
Conventional Loans
Common for first-time, repeat and move-up buyers. Eligible buyers may put as little as 3% or 5% down, and 20% down avoids private mortgage insurance. See my conventional home loans page.
FHA Loans
FHA offers a 3.5% down payment option for qualified buyers and may offer more flexibility on credit and debt-to-income ratios. See my FHA home loans page.
VA Loans
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members and certain surviving spouses may buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. See my VA home loans page.
USDA Loans
Some properties in and around Locust may be USDA eligible, which can mean no down payment for qualified buyers. Eligibility depends on the exact address and your household income, so check before you fall in love with a home. See my USDA home loans page and USDA eligible areas near Charlotte.
New Construction Loans
If you're buying from a builder or building on land, see my new construction loans page and buying a new construction home in Charlotte.
First-Time Homebuyers in Locust
Locust can be a good fit for first-time buyers who want a newer home and are comfortable with a longer drive. Options may include low down payment conventional loans, FHA, VA for eligible buyers, USDA on eligible properties, NC Housing Finance Agency down payment assistance and seller credits. See my first-time homebuyer programs page and how much money do I need to buy a home?
Locust vs. Nearby Areas
Mint Hill: closer to Charlotte along the same NC-24/27 corridor, with higher prices and Mecklenburg County taxes. See my Mint Hill Mortgage Guide.
Concord and Harrisburg: more shopping, jobs and I-85 access to the north. See my Concord and Harrisburg guides.
Monroe: the Union County seat to the southwest. See my Monroe, NC Mortgage Guide.
Albemarle: the Stanly County seat, with lower prices and lake access to the east. See my Albemarle, NC Mortgage Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Locust, NC in?
Mostly Stanly County, with part of the city extending into Cabarrus County.
How far is Locust from Charlotte?
About 25 miles from uptown Charlotte by NC-24/27.
What is the property tax rate in Locust, NC?
For FY2026-27, about 80 cents per $100 of value inside city limits in Stanly County: 51 cents for the county and 29 cents for the city.
Is Locust growing?
Yes. It grew from about 2,900 residents in 2010 to about 4,500 in 2020, and a 2024 state estimate put it near 6,000.
Can I get a USDA loan in Locust?
Some properties in and around Locust may be eligible. It depends on the exact address and your household income.
Work With a Local Mortgage Broker
Whether you're buying your first home, moving up to more space or buying new construction in Locust, I can help you compare options and build a plan around your goals. Schedule a consultation, start your application or read client reviews.
Paul Mattos
Mortgage Broker | CarolinaHomeFinancing.com
NMLS# 2339069 | Licensed in NC and SC
Call or text: 980-221-4959
This article provides general educational information and is not a commitment to lend or a rate quote. Home prices, tax rates, utilities and school assignments change and should be verified for the specific address. Financing is subject to credit, income, assets, appraisal, title and underwriting requirements. Not all applicants will qualify. Full licensing information appears at the bottom of this page.
