Pitt County, North Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Pitt County
state = North Carolina




map size = 250
founded = 1760
seat = Greenville | area_total_sq_mi =655
area_land_sq_mi =652
area_water_sq_mi =3
area percentage = 0.49%
census yr = 2000
pop = 133798
density_km2 =79
web = www.co.pitt.nc.us
| Pitt County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is included in the Greenville, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. As one of the fastest growing centers in the state, the county has seen a population boom since 1990. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 133,798. In 2006, the county's population was 145,619. [ [http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37147.html Pitt County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau ] ] Its county seat is Greenville.

History

The county was formed in 1760 from Beaufort County, though the legislative act that created it did not become effective until January 1, 1761. It was named for William Pitt the Elder, who was then Secretary of State for the Southern Department and Leader of the House of Commons. William Pitt was an English statesman and orator, born in London, England, UK. He studied at Oxford University and in 1731, Pitt joined the army. Pitt led the young "Patriot" Whigs and in 1756 became secretary of state, where he was a pro-freedom speaker in British Colonial government.

Law and government

Pitt County is a member of the Mid-East Commission regional council of governments.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 655 square miles (1,696 km²), of which, 652 square miles (1,688 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (8 km²) of it (0.49%) is water.

Townships

The county is divided into seventeen townships: Arthur, Ayden, Belvoir, Bethel, Black Jack, Carolina(Stokes), Chicod, Falkland, Farmville, Fountain, Greenville, Grifton, Grimesland, Pactolus, Simpson, Swift Creek, and Winterville.

Adjacent counties

*Martin County, North Carolina - northeast
*Beaufort County, North Carolina - east
*Craven County, North Carolina - south-southeast
*Lenoir County, North Carolina - south-southwest
*Greene County, North Carolina - southwest
*Wilson County, North Carolina - west
*Edgecombe County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 133,798 people, 52,539 households, and 32,258 families residing in the county. The population density was 205 people per square mile (79/km²). There were 58,408 housing units at an average density of 90 per square mile (35/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 62.08% White, 33.65% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.08% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.80% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 3.15% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 52,539 households out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.40% were married couples living together, 14.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.60% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 17.50% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 19.40% from 45 to 64, and 9.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 90.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,868, and the median income for a family was $43,971. Males had a median income of $31,962 versus $25,290 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,243. About 13.50% of families and 20.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.60% of those under age 18 and 20.20% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

*Ayden
*Bethel
*Falkland
*Farmville
*Fountain
*Greenville
*Grifton
*Grimesland
*Simpson
*Stokes
*Winterville

Educational institutions

*East Carolina University
*Pitt Community College

Transportation

Pitt County is roughly 20 miles east of Interstate 95, which is a part of the largest state highway system in the nation. US Airways serves the Pitt-Greenville Airport daily with connecting flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport and local officials are in discussion with United Airlines and its regional partner, Colgan Air, to provide 2 daily flights between PGV and Washington Dulles International Airport. [ [http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2007/08/greenville.html Eastern N.C. city hopes revenue guarantees can lure United - Today In the Sky - USATODAY.com ] ] .

Major highways that run through the area include US 264, US 264 Bypass, US 258, NC 11, US 13, NC 33, NC 43, and NC 903.

References

External links

* [http://www.locateincarolina.com Pitt County Development Commission Website]
* [http://www.pittcountync.gov Pitt County government official website]