14 Poorest Counties in North Carolina
- Washington County
- Robeson County
- Halifax County
- Bertie County
- Scotland County
- Anson County
- Warren County
- Columbus County
- Martin County
- Northampton County
- Edgecombe County
- Vance County
- Wilson County
- Greene County
Washington County
Washington County, the poorest county in North Carolina, was established in 1799, carved from the western part of Tyrrell County. It was named in honor of George Washington. The county faces economic challenges, with a median household income of only $38,927 and a 21.1% poverty rate. Its population stands at 10,892, highlighting the need for focused efforts to address economic disparities and improve the well-being of its residents.
Robeson County
Robeson County, located in North Carolina, is another struggling area with a median household income of $39,393 and a poverty rate of 26.1%. With a population of 116,328, the county faced tough times in the 1990s when the tobacco and textile industries saw big declines, causing damage to the local economy. The impact of these setbacks has lingered, contributing to the economic challenges faced by the residents of Robeson County.
Halifax County
Halifax County is a poor county in North Carolina, with a population of 48,272 people. It was established in 1758 and is located 8 miles from the Virginia border. The median household income in Halifax County is $41,629, and the poverty rate is 19.6%. The county faces economic challenges, and efforts are needed to improve income levels and reduce poverty for the well-being of its residents.
Bertie County
Bertie County, another poor county in North Carolina, was made in 1722 as Bertie Precinct and became a county in 1739. With a median household income of $41,652 and a poverty rate of 23.8%, it faces economic challenges. The population is 17,505, and despite its historical roots, the county grapples with issues related to income and poverty.
Scotland County
Scotland County, the fifth poorest county in North Carolina, faces economic challenges with a median household income of $41,948 and a population of 34,227. In the 2000s, the county experienced a tough time as textile manufacturers left, and the Great Recession took its toll on the local economy.
With a poverty rate of 24.1%, the community is working towards revitalization to improve living conditions and create new opportunities for its residents.
Anson County
Next on our list of poorest counties in North Carolina is Anson County. Home to a population of 22,060, Anson is considered a majority-minority county. Over the decade from 2010 to 2020, Anson saw a significant population decline of 18.2%.
The median household income in Anson is $42,000, and the poverty rate stands at 22.4%. These statistics highlight the economic challenges faced by the residents of Anson County, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to address poverty and promote economic well-being in the community.
Warren County
Warren County, the seventh poorest county in North Carolina, is home to 18,762 people. Known as the birthplace of the environmental justice movement, it has a median household income of $42,282 and a poverty rate of 20.7%.
Historically, the county played a significant role in tobacco and cotton plantations, later evolving into a center for education and textile mills. Despite its rich history, Warren County faces economic challenges reflected in its ranking on the list of North Carolina's poorest counties.
Columbus County
Columbus County, the eighth poorest county in North Carolina, has a median household income of $43,206 and a poverty rate of 20.9%. With a population of 50,092, the county faced a significant decline of 12.9% according to the 2020 census compared to 2010, including an inmate prison population of around 2,500.
Martin County
Martin County, the ninth on our list, is a place with a median household income of $44,799 and a poverty rate of 20.4%. Home to 21,754 people, the county was formed in 1774. Despite its historical roots, Martin County faces economic challenges reflected in its income and poverty figures.
Northampton County
Northampton County, located in North Carolina, is another poor county in the state. Positioned in the middle of America's Atlantic seaboard, it has a median household income of $45,698 and a poverty rate of 19.6%. With a population of 17,129, the county provides easy access to the Ports of Virginia and three international airports, contributing to its economic landscape.
Edgecombe County
Edgecombe County, another poor county in North Carolina, is located about one hour east of Raleigh. With a median household income of $46,370 and a poverty rate of 20.8%, it faces economic challenges. The county, home to around 48,900 people, relies on agriculture and also supports advanced manufacturing, maintaining a diverse economic base.
Vance County
Vance County, found in North Carolina, is another county facing economic challenges. With a median household income of $48,340 and a poverty rate of 20.1%, many residents grapple with financial difficulties. The county, home to a population of 42,185, was established in 1881. Notably, Vance County boasts Kerr Lake, adding a touch of natural beauty to the area.
Wilson County
Wilson County, the penultimate county on our list, was established by the North Carolina General Assembly on February 13, 1855. With a population of 78,369, the county has a median household income of $49,827 and a poverty rate of 19.7%.
Located just 30 minutes east of Raleigh, Wilson County offers a blend of history and proximity to urban amenities, facing economic challenges that reflect a broader narrative of disparities in certain areas of North Carolina.
Greene County
Located in North Carolina, Greene County wraps up our list of poorest counties. Established around 1710 by immigrants from Maryland and Virginia, it has a population of 20,417.
The state classifies Greene County as economically distressed, with a median household income of $50,320 and a poverty rate of 25.3%. Despite its historical roots, the county faces economic challenges, and efforts to uplift its residents remain a priority for community and state leaders.