Edgecombe County

As of the 2020 Census, Edgecombe County, NC, has a population of about 48,900. The racial composition is approximately 52% Black or African American, 39% White, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% two or more races. The median household income is around $35,500, and about 23% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 507 square miles.

As of the latest available data, Edgecombe County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $100,000. The homeownership rate is around 58%. The median rent is roughly $700 per month. About 30% of the housing units are vacant. The housing market has seen a modest annual appreciation rate of 4-5% over recent years. The county's housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with a significant portion built before 1980, reflecting the region's historical character.

Edgecombe County, NC, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal offices. As of the latest election, the main races included:

1. County Commissioners: Several seats were contested, with notable candidates being Viola Harris, Evelyn Powell, and Geraldine Higgs for District 1, and Leonard Wiggins and Farris Vines for District 2.

2. Sheriff: Incumbent Clee Atkinson ran against challenger Kevin Sawyer.

3. Board of Education: Various districts had candidates including Teresa Summerlin and Janice Davidson for District 2, and Greg Higgs and Emma Johnson for District 6.

4. Judicial Races: Included seats for District Court Judge, with candidates such as Brenda Green and Will Farris.

Additionally, voter turnout was notable with approximately 23,000 of the 36,000 registered voters participating in the most recent election. The information represents local and county-focused races, providing an insight into electoral engagement in Edgecombe County.

Edgecombe County, NC, has notably lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Only 19.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold an associate degree or higher, according to U.S. Census data. This is significantly lower than North Carolina's state average of 43.1% and the national average of 42%. High school graduates in the county make up about 76.5% of the population, trailing behind the state average of 85.8% and the national average of 88%. These figures highlight education challenges in Edgecombe County relative to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Edgecombe County, NC, had a labor force of approximately 22,000 individuals. The county's unemployment rate stands at 6.1%, higher than North Carolina's state average of 3.6% and the national average of 3.8%.

Top industries in Edgecombe County include manufacturing, healthcare, and social assistance, which together employ around 40% of the local workforce. Manufacturing is particularly significant in Edgecombe, representing nearly 25% of all jobs, compared to about 10% at the state level and 8.5% nationally. Healthcare and social assistance sectors make up approximately 15% of the jobs, on par with state and national figures.

Agriculture also plays a crucial role in the local economy, highlighting the county's rural character, though it's less substantial in terms of employment compared to manufacturing and healthcare.

Edgecombe County, NC, has a median household income of approximately $33,100, significantly below the national median household income, which stands around $68,703, and North Carolina's state median household income of approximately $54,602. This highlights a notable income disparity when compared to both state and national figures.

Residents in Edgecombe County face economic challenges that are more pronounced than those experienced by average households in both the state and the country.

As of the most recent data, Edgecombe County, NC, has a crime rate higher than the national average. Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, are notable concerns. Here's a brief overview of crime rates per 100,000 people:

These rates are reflective of the county's ongoing challenges with both violent and property crimes. Local authorities are actively working on various initiatives to improve public safety and reduce crime rates.