Robbins
cityRobbins is a small town located in Moore County, North Carolina, known for its red clay and pottery heritage. As of 2026, the population is estimated to be around 1,318. The town offers a close-knit community with a sparse suburban feel, attracting families and those seeking a slower pace of life. Historically a manufacturing hub for textiles and furniture, Robbins faced economic challenges as industries evolved. Today, the town is focusing on revitalization, leveraging grants to attract new businesses and improve infrastructure. Key sectors include manufacturing, information, and construction. Sandhills Community College has a center in Robbins, providing educational opportunities for residents. Robbins is distinctive for its history rooted in the Kennedy Rifle Works and its transformation into a textile town, later named in honor of Karl Robbins, a generous textile mill owner. The town's location along the Pottery Highway (NC 705) highlights its connection to the local arts scene. With affordable housing and a focus on community, Robbins aims to preserve its small-town charm while embracing future opportunities.
Robbins, North Carolina
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 37-57000
- Country
- United States
- County
- Moore County
- Region
- Northern Moore County
- Elevation
- 463 ft
- Total Area
- 1.59 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.59 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.42778
- Longitude
- -79.58306
- Climate
- No specific climate summary available.
- Notable Features
- Bear Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Seagrove · Carthage
- Population (2020)
- 1,168
- Est. Population (2026)
- 1,318
- Median Age
- 25.7
- Median Income
- $53,438
- Poverty Rate
- 22.11%
- Owner-Occupied
- 46.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Robbins includes 44.43% White, 32.07% Other Race, 20.44% Two or More Races, 2.06% Black or African American, and 1% Native American. A significant portion of the population (55.3%) is Hispanic.
- Government Type
- Manager-Council Government
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Moore County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Water/Sewer Services · Trash Pick Up · Emergency Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 0.9%
- Economic Profile
- Small town · Revitalizing
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Information · Construction
- School Districts
- Moore County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Sandhills Community College (Robbins Center)
- Transportation
- NC Highway 705
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Robbins Greenspace Stage · Parks
- Parks & Trails
- Greenspace · Milliken Park · Tracy Brown Park
- Founded
- 1795
- Incorporated
- 1943
- Named After
- Karl Robbins
- Historical Significance
- Robbins evolved from a gunsmith settlement to a textile town, later named after Karl Robbins, a key figure in its development. It reflects the changing economic landscape of the rural South.
- Key Events
- Alexander Kennedy establishes Kennedy Rifle Works (1795) · Durham and Charlotte Railroad reaches Mechanics Hill (c. 1899) · Karl Robbins purchases Pinehurst Silk Mills (1930) · Town name changed to Robbins (1943)