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Cary, North Carolina

Located in Wake County, North Carolina, Cary was founded in 1750. SAS Institute, the world's largest private software company, is headquartered in Cary. Cary is sometimes jokingly called 'Containment Area for Relocated Yankees' due to transplant population.

Founded 1750 | Population 137,710 | Peak 137,710 (2024) | County Wake County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Cary, North Carolina

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1750Page Family Settles Area: Early settlers establish farms in Wake County.

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1854Railroad Brings Growth: North Carolina Railroad stop creates commercial hub.

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1959Research Triangle Park Opens: Nearby RTP transforms region; Cary positioned for growth.

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1980Suburban Boom Begins: RTP tech growth makes Cary one of fastest-growing U.S. towns.

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2003SAS Institute Campus: World's largest private software company HQ in Cary.

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2010Named Safest City: Multiple rankings name Cary among safest U.S. cities.

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2023Population Approaches 138,000: One of most desirable Triangle communities.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1750 Culture

Page Family Settles Area

1854 Transport

Railroad Brings Growth

1959 Business

Research Triangle Park Opens

1980 Business

Suburban Boom Begins

2003 Business

SAS Institute Campus

2010 Government

Named Safest City

2023 Business

Population Approaches 138,000

Did You Know?

SAS Institute, the world's largest private software company, is headquartered in Cary.

Cary is sometimes jokingly called 'Containment Area for Relocated Yankees' due to transplant population.

Cary consistently ranks among the safest cities and best places to live in America.

Cary is located in Wake County, North Carolina.

Cary was founded in 1750.

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