Edgecombe County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Edgecombe County, North Carolina is 48,777 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $48,480, the median home value is $116,800, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Edgecombe County has declined 13.2% since 2010 (56,595 → 49,124), a -1.01% annualized rate.
48,777
Population
-1.01%
Annual growth
97
People / sq mi
$48,480
Median Income
$116,800
Median Home Value
Edgecombe County covers 505 sq mi of land at 96.5 people per square mile.
About Edgecombe County, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Edgecombe County: 59.4% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 48,777 residents, Edgecombe County is a county in North Carolina.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $48,480, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 19.0%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $116,800, with typical rent around $818.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Edgecombe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Edgecombe County had a population of 56,595 in 2010 and 49,124 in 2024, a -13.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 56,595 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.00%.
49,124
Population (2024)
56,595
Population (2010)
56,595
Peak (2010)
-1.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 56,595 |
| 2011 | 56,038 |
| 2012 | 55,667 |
| 2013 | 55,419 |
| 2014 | 54,860 |
| 2015 | 53,734 |
| 2016 | 53,281 |
| 2017 | 52,793 |
| 2018 | 52,015 |
| 2019 | 51,429 |
| 2020 | 48,780 |
| 2021 | 48,351 |
| 2022 | 48,481 |
| 2023 | 48,946 |
| 2024 | 49,124 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.8% |
| Black or African American | 55.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
53.1%
Female
46.9%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,480$-21,424 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,592 |
| Per-capita income | $27,235 |
| Poverty rate | 19.0%+9.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Edgecombe County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$116,800$-142,600 vs state
Median home value
$818
Median rent
59.4%
Homeownership rate
23,258
Total housing units
84.0%
Occupied
16.0%
Vacant
40.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.2%
With health insurance
86.8%
With broadband internet
16.0%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
93.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.4%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Edgecombe County, North Carolina has a population of 48,777 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 97 people per square mile.
The population of Edgecombe County has declined 13.2% since 2010 (56,595 → 49,124), a -1.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Edgecombe County, North Carolina is $48,480, with mean (average) household income of $66,592 and per-capita income of $27,235. 19.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Edgecombe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (55.9%), White (37.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Edgecombe County, North Carolina is 41.7 years. Residents are 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
The median home value in Edgecombe County is $116,800 and median monthly rent is $818. 59.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 23,258 total housing units, 16.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Edgecombe County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Edgecombe County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Edgecombe County, NC Climate
Edgecombe County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1149 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1149
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 102 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 93 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 101 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 80 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 99 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 100 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 116 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 121 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 109 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 76 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 71 mm |
| December | 6° / 44° | 81 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Edgecombe County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Edgecombe County, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Edgecombe County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.