Washington County, North Carolina

Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 13,228.[1] Its county seat is Plymouth.[2] The county was formed in 1799 from the western third of Tyrrell County. It was named for George Washington.

For counties with a similar name, see Washington County (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Washington, North Carolina or Washington District, North Carolina.
Washington County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
North Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°50′N 76°34′W
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1799
Named forGeorge Washington
SeatPlymouth
Largest townPlymouth
Area
 • Total424 sq mi (1,100 km2)
 • Land348 sq mi (900 km2)
 • Water76 sq mi (200 km2)  18%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
11,859
 • Density38/sq mi (15/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.washconc.org

There are three incorporated towns in Washington County. Plymouth is the county seat. Other towns are Roper and Creswell. Washington County is known for rich farmland, extensive forests and abundant public access waters. The Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound form the northern boundary. Lake Phelps is 16,000 acres and is part of Pettigrew State Park in Creswell. Somerset Place is a restored antebellum plantation and NC Historic Site on Lake Phelps.

The Pungo Unit of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in the southern part of the county is said to have the best public black bear viewing in North Carolina. This part of the State is known for having the world's largest black bears and highest black bear densities, according to the NC Black Bear Biologist, Colleen Olfenbuttel. The award-winning NC Black Bear Festival takes place in Plymouth on the first weekend in June.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 424 square miles (1,100 km2), of which 348 square miles (900 km2) is land and 76 square miles (200 km2) (18%) is water.[3] The county borders the Albemarle Sound.

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Major highways

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18002,422—
18103,46443.0%
18203,98615.1%
18304,55214.2%
18404,525−0.6%
18505,66425.2%
18606,35712.2%
18706,5162.5%
18808,92837.0%
189010,20014.2%
190010,6084.0%
191011,0624.3%
192011,4293.3%
193011,6031.5%
194012,3236.2%
195013,1807.0%
196013,4882.3%
197014,0384.1%
198014,8015.4%
199013,997−5.4%
200013,723−2.0%
201013,228−3.6%
2018 (est.)11,859[4]−10.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7]
1990-2000[8] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 13,723 people, 5,367 households, and 3,907 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 people per square mile (15/km2). There were 6,174 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 48.28% White, 48.94% Black or African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.66% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 2.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,367 households, out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.10% were married couples living together, 18.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.00% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 25.00% from 25 to 44, 25.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 89.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,865, and the median income for a family was $34,888. Males had a median income of $27,058 versus $19,477 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,994. About 17.60% of families and 21.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.50% of those under age 18 and 19.20% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Washington County is a member of the Albemarle Commission regional council of governments.

Washington County is one of the proposed sites for a Navy outlying landing field. This practice airfield would allow pilots to simulate landings on an aircraft carrier. Construction, which has not yet begun, is controversial due to its potential ecological impact.

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[10]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 41.6% 2,564 56.9% 3,510 1.5% 91
2012 40.3% 2,622 59.0% 3,833 0.7% 44
2008 41.4% 2,670 58.1% 3,748 0.6% 36
2004 45.4% 2,484 54.3% 2,969 0.3% 18
2000 44.4% 2,169 55.3% 2,704 0.4% 17
1996 34.5% 1,562 61.6% 2,790 4.0% 180
1992 33.9% 1,780 55.2% 2,902 10.9% 571
1988 43.7% 2,186 56.1% 2,806 0.2% 12
1984 46.7% 2,731 53.2% 3,114 0.1% 7
1980 38.6% 1,943 59.7% 3,008 1.7% 86
1976 34.1% 1,486 65.1% 2,840 0.8% 35
1972 61.7% 2,559 37.2% 1,546 1.1% 46
1968 21.3% 1,016 39.7% 1,898 39.0% 1,866
1964 31.4% 1,144 68.7% 2,505
1960 29.8% 1,027 70.2% 2,415
1956 34.7% 1,033 65.3% 1,947
1952 28.2% 774 71.8% 1,974
1948 16.2% 333 81.4% 1,675 2.4% 49
1944 21.8% 497 78.2% 1,782
1940 17.4% 362 82.7% 1,724
1936 22.2% 535 77.8% 1,875
1932 26.8% 619 72.7% 1,681 0.5% 12
1928 56.9% 1,183 43.2% 898
1924 48.4% 834 51.3% 883 0.4% 6
1920 46.5% 971 53.5% 1,116
1916 42.7% 486 57.3% 651
1912 37.1% 384 48.6% 503 14.4% 149

Education

Communities
Map of Washington County, North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels

Towns

Unincorporated communities

Townships
  • Plymouth
  • Lees Mill
  • Scuppernong
  • Skinnersville

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  5. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  6. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  7. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  8. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  9. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  10. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 2018-03-17.

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