Edgecombe County Demographics
As of 2022, Edgecombe County, NC, has a population of approximately 48,000. About 52.3% are female and 47.7% male. The median age is 42.4 years. Racially, the county is 53% Black or African American, 39% White, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Asian, and 1.5% identifying as other or multiracial. Around 21% of residents are under 18, and about 18% are aged 65 or older, indicating a slightly older population profile.
Edgecombe County Elections
Edgecombe County, NC, has approximately 39,000 registered voters as of 2024, with 57% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 26% unaffiliated. The county holds general, primary, municipal, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 67% voted Democrat and 32% Republican. There are 21 polling locations, administered by the Edgecombe County Board of Elections. Key issues include economic development, education, and healthcare access. The Board ensures election integrity and registration services, with early voting and mail-in absentee options widely utilized by residents.
Edgecombe County Housing
Edgecombe County, NC, has a homeownership rate of around 60%, with median home values near $105,000 and a median rent of about $800 per month. Housing options primarily include single-family homes, with some apartments in Tarboro and Rocky Mount neighborhoods. Property values have risen approximately 6% year-over-year, reflecting a steady, affordable market. Property tax rates average 0.95%, lower than the national average, benefiting homeowners. Neighborhoods vary from historic districts in Tarboro to newer developments, offering diverse choices for residents.
Employment in Edgecombe County
Edgecombe County, NC, had an employment rate of about 52.4% in 2022. Major industries include health care and social assistance (18%), manufacturing (15%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupation types are office and administrative support (13%) and production (11%). About 80% of employed residents commute outside their home city for work, with an average commute time of 24 minutes; Rocky Mount is a primary employment hub. The unemployment rate was approximately 6.5% as of early 2023, higher than the state average.
Education in Edgecombe County
Edgecombe County, NC, is served by Edgecombe County Public Schools, with 14 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 78% of adults are high school graduates, while only 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is below North Carolina’s average, with a GreatSchools score around 3–4/10. Advanced educational programs like Early College are available. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Adult education is supported by Edgecombe Community College, offering GED preparation and career training to over 1,400 students.
Edgecombe County Crime & Safety
Edgecombe County, NC, has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national levels, with a violent crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 39.8 per 1,000, according to recent data. Law enforcement regularly reports incidents, focusing on theft, burglary, and assaults as primary concerns. Despite community efforts and increased police presence, there were over 1,000 reported crimes in 2023. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs to enhance safety and reduce criminal activity.
Popular names in Edgecombe County
- James Williams
- James Parker
- Mary Williams
- James Johnson
- William Jones
- George Williams
- Marcus Johnson
- Charles Williams
- Christopher Watson
- John Smith
- Michael Jones
- Charles Smith
- James Davis
- James Pittman
- Jessica Williams
- Joshua Williams
- Mary Jones
- Michael Brown
- Michael Davis
- Michael Graham
- Dorothy Smith
- James Jones
- Jessica Jones
- Joyce Johnson
- Kimberly Jones
- Linda Smith
- Mary White
- Robert Johnson
- Tiffany Jones
- Alice Smith
Table of Contents
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Anson
- Avery
- Beaufort
- Bertie
- Bladen
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Caldwell
- Caswell
- Catawba
- Chatham
- Columbus
- Cumberland
- Currituck
- Dare
- Davie
- Franklin
- Graham
- Greene
- Guilford
- Harnett
- Hertford
- Hoke
- Iredell
- Jones
- Lee
- Lenoir
- Lincoln
- Madison
- Martin
- Mcdowell
- Nash
- Onslow
- Orange
- Pasquotank
- Pender
- Person
- Polk
- Randolph
- Robeson
- Rowan
- Surry
- Swain
- Transylvania
- Tyrrell
- Wake
- Yadkin
- Yancey