Person County was established in 1789 when it was formed from a division of Caswell County. The county has a nearly perfect square shape, with the county seat of Roxboro located at its center. It was named after Brigadier General Thomas Person from Granville County.

In 1870, the population of Person County was estimated at 11,700. According to the 2024 census, that number has grown to 40,134. Person County consists of nine townships: Allensville, Bushy Fork, Cunningham, Flat River, Holloway, Mt. Tirzah, Olive Hill, Roxboro, and Woodsdale.

Historically, its 400 square-mile area has been characterized by farmland and forests. Tobacco served as the primary industry for many years. The arrival of the railroad in 1890 was a significant turning point which led to the construction of tobacco warehouses, the organization of banks, and the establishment of new stores and homes to accommodate new residents. In the early 1900s, the economy began to diversify with the introduction of other industries, including copper mining and cotton mills.

Person County has developed significantly since its early days, offering strong and vibrant communities for its residents, as well as ample opportunities for growth and development. The range of services and activities available makes it an attractive place to live, work, play and learn.

Geographically, Person County provides a strategic location for business and industry, being within an hour's drive of North Carolina's two major economic hubs: the Research Triangle Park (which includes Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh) and the Piedmont Triad (comprising Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point). Additionally, it is just a two-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia.