Columbus County

As of the latest available data, Columbus County, NC, has a population of approximately 50,000 residents. The racial composition is around 60% White, 31% Black or African American, 5% Native American, and 4% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is about $38,000, and the poverty rate is approximately 25%. Educational attainment shows around 75% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while about 10% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county spans 954 square miles, with a population density of roughly 52 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Columbus County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $100,000. The housing market comprises around 25,000 housing units. About 62% of these are owner-occupied, while 38% are rentals. The median rent is about $650 per month. Housing prices have appreciated by roughly 4.5% over the past year. The vacancy rate stands at around 15%, reflecting a mix of seasonal and unoccupied homes. New construction and development projects are ongoing, with moderate growth expected.

As of the latest data available, Columbus County, NC, holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions.

In the 2020 general election, voter turnout was approximately 73.2%. For the Board of Commissioners, district-specific seats were contested. The 2022 elections saw candidates such as Democrat Giles E. Byrd and Republican Jason Bullock vying for District 1, while Republican Larry W. Yarborough ran unopposed for District 3. The sheriff's race featured Democrat Jody Greene against Republican challenger Jason Soles.

In education, the School Board elections included candidates from multiple districts. For judicial positions, races included seats for District Court Judges.

Prospective candidates for the upcoming 2024 elections are yet to officially declare their intentions.

This snapshot provides a cursory overview; refer to the Columbus County Board of Elections for detailed and up-to-date information.

As of the latest data available, Columbus County, NC shows the following educational statistics:

• High School Graduates: Approximately 80% of residents aged 25 and over have earned at least a high school diploma. This is below the national average of about 88% and also falls short of North Carolina's average of around 87%.
• Bachelor's Degree: Around 13% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the national average of approximately 33% and below the North Carolina state average of about 31%.

Overall, Columbus County lags behind both state and national averages in educational attainment, reflecting challenges in higher education achievement within the county.

As of recent data, Columbus County, NC has an employment rate of about 54.2%, which is lower than the national average of 59.7% and North Carolina’s state average of approximately 60.4%. The county's key industries include health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The health care sector employs around 18.3% of the workforce, manufacturing accounts for about 16.4%, and retail trade employs 11.6%. In contrast, nationally, the health care sector constitutes approximately 14.7% of employment, manufacturing is around 8.5%, and retail is about 10.6%. North Carolina's averages are slightly higher in manufacturing at 18.9% but aligned in healthcare at 14.6% and retail at 10.7%. Comparison indicates Columbus County relies more heavily on manufacturing and healthcare than the national averages but falls in line with state trends in these industries.

Columbus County, NC, has an average household income of approximately $38,000. This is significantly lower compared to the national average household income, which is around $68,700. In comparison, the state average for North Carolina is approximately $54,300. These disparities reflect the economic challenges faced by residents of Columbus County. Below is a table summarizing these statistics:

This comparison highlights the income gap between Columbus County and broader averages at both the state and national levels.

As of the latest available data, Columbus County, NC, has a crime rate that features various types of offenses. The overall crime rate for the county stands approximately at 2,915 incidents per 100,000 people. Below is a statistics table outlining the types of crimes reported:

These figures can fluctuate, so it's advisable to consult local law enforcement or updated resources for the most current statistics.