In the mid-20th century, the county continued to see rapid growth. Many new government buildings were constructed, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport was expanded in 1954. By 1960, a quarter million people were living in the county, with the population reaching half a million by 1990. A proposal to form a consolidated city-county government with Charlotte was considered, but voted down by residents in 1971. The metropolitan statistical area now includes 11 counties in both North Carolina and South Carolina, and had an estimated combined population of 2,805,115 in 2023.
In the mid-20th century the county continued to see rapid growth Many new government buildings were constructed and Charlotte Douglas International Airport was expanded in 1954 By 1960 a quarter million people were living in the county with the population reaching half a million by 1990 A proposal to form a consolidated city-county government with Charlotte was considered but voted down by residents in 1971 The metropolitan statistical area now includes 11 counties in both North Carolina and South Carolina and had an estimated combined population of 2805115 in 2023