Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,312 km² (507 mi²). 1,308 km² (505 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.31% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 55,606 people, 20,392 households, and 14,804 families residing in the county. The population density is 43/km² (110/mi²). There are 24,002 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (48/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 40.06% White, 57.46% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.56% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 2.79% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,392 households out of which 32.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.20% are married couples living together, 21.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% are non-families. 24.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.67 and the average family size is 3.16.

In the county the population is spread out with 27.10% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.40% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 86.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 80.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,983, and the median income for a family is $35,902. Males have a median income of $27,300 versus $21,649 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,435. 19.60% of the population and 16.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 27.50% are under the age of 18 and 18.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Conetoe
• Leggett
• Macclesfield
• Pinetops
• Princeville
• Rocky Mount
• Sharpsburg
• Speed
• Tarboro
• Whitakers