Washington County, North Carolina

Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,003. Its county seat is Plymouth. The county was formed in 1799 from the western third of Tyrrell County. It was named for George Washington.

History
There are three incorporated towns in Washington County; Plymouth is the county seat, while 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 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 421.91 sqmi, of which 346.51 sqmi is land and 75.40 sqmi (17.87%) is water. The county borders the Albemarle Sound.

National protected area

 * Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (part)

State and local protected areas/sites

 * Bachelor Bay Game Land (part)
 * Lantern Acres Game Land (part)
 * Latham House
 * Pettigrew State Park (part)
 * Somerset Place
 * Van Swamp Game Lands (part)

Major water bodies

 * Albemarle Sound
 * Lake Phelps
 * Pungo River
 * Roanoke River

Adjacent counties

 * Chowan County – north
 * Perquimans County – northeast
 * Tyrrell County – east
 * Hyde County – southeast
 * Beaufort County – southwest
 * Martin County – west
 * Bertie County – northwest

2010/2020 censuses
As of the 2020 census, there were 11,003 people, 4,977 households, and 2,655 families residing in the county.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 13,723 people, 5,367 households, and 3,907 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 /mi2. There were 6,174 housing units at an average density of 18 /mi2. 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.

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

Washington County was one of the proposed sites for a Navy outlying landing field. This practice airfield would allow pilots to simulate landings on an aircraft carrier. Plans for construction have been scrapped due to public backlash and potential ecological impact.

Education
Washington County School District contains all public schools. The district contains a high school, a five-year early college, a middle school, and two elementary schools.
 * Washington County High School
 * Washington County Early College High School
 * Washington County Middle School
 * Creswell Elementary School
 * Pines Elementary School

Pocosin Innovative Charter School is a charter school separate from the district.

Towns

 * Creswell
 * Plymouth (county seat and largest community)
 * Roper

Townships

 * Plymouth
 * Lees Mill
 * Scuppernong
 * Skinnersville

Unincorporated communities

 * Lake Phelps
 * Macedonia
 * Mackeys
 * Pea Ridge