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. 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
Demographics
thumb|left|200px|Age distribution (2000 census)thumb|right|200px|Population (2000-2008)thumb|right|200px|Median income (2000 census)As of the
census 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
Map of Pitt County, North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels
Educational institutions
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..
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.
