County · North Carolina
Northampton County, North Carolina
Northampton County, North Carolina. Northampton County had 16,491 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, down 5.6% since 2020, while North Carolina grew 7.2%. It holds 10 places (9 cities, villages and boroughs and 1 census-designated) and 10 census tracts. GEOID 37131.
Northampton County is one of the 2 counties of the Roanoke Rapids, NC micropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
16,491
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 17,471 · ACS 2020-2024: 16,931
Median household income
$50,086
±$3,007 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $72,388
Median home value
$114,500
±$10,415 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $288,900
Median gross rent
$758
±$63 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $1,228
How many people live in Northampton County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 17,471 residents in Northampton County. The Census Bureau estimates 16,491 for July 1, 2025, down 5.6% since 2020, while North Carolina grew 7.2%. The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 16,931 over 537 square miles of land.
| Measure | Northampton County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 16,931 | 10,730,404 | −3,015 |
| Households | 7,857±248 | 4,282,345 | −690 |
| Average household size | 2.10±0.07 | 2.44 | −0.14 |
| Housing units | 10,641±32 | 4,895,668 | −1,025 |
Northampton County's population since 2000
From 22,086 in 2000 to 16,491 in 2025: down 25.3%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Northampton County?
Northampton County holds 10 places: 9 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places) and 1 census-designated place. The largest is Gaston with 959 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Gaston | 1,008 | $42,105 |
|---|---|---|
| Garysburg | 904 | $41,333 |
| Rich Square | 894 | $37,031 |
| Conway | 752 | $36,920 |
| Woodland | 557 | $37,750 |
| Seaboard | 542 | $25,776 |
| Jackson | 430 | $49,048 |
| SevernGEOID 3760560 | 191 | $62,500 |
| MilwaukeeGEOID 3743320 | 157 | not published |
| LaskerGEOID 3737000 | 64 | $84,792 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Northampton County?
The median resident of Northampton County is 52.0 years old; 17.7% are under 18 and 29.6% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic Black residents at 54.4%, then non-Hispanic white residents at 39.0%. 1.3% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Northampton County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 52.0±0.4 | 39.1 | +2.4 |
| Under 18 years | 17.7%±0.1 pts | 21.8% | – |
| 65 years and over | 29.6%±0.2 pts | 17.2% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% | 11.3% | +0.1 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 39.0%±0.4 pts | 60.0% | no clear change |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 54.4%±0.7 pts | 20.0% | −1.9 pts |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 3.3% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.2 pts | 0.8% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.3 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 3.5%±0.8 pts | 4.1% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.3 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.3%±0.6 pts | 9.1% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 3.0%±0.7 pts | 13.5% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 7.3%±1.2 pts | 7.4% | – |
| With a disability | 23.1%±2.2 pts | 13.6% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 8.6%±1.4 pts | 9.9% | −5.1 pts |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 85.1%±2.2 pts | 90.1% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 17.9%±1.9 pts | 35.7% | +4.1 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 6.9%±1.5 pts | 13.5% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 1.2%±0.5 pts | 3.0% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Northampton County earn?
Half of Northampton County's 7,857 households earn less than $50,086 a year (±$3,007), against $72,388 in North Carolina. In 2015-2019 the median was $45,715 in 2024 dollars, so it rose by $4,371 after inflation. 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Northampton County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $50,086±$3,007 | $72,388 | +$4,371 |
| Mean household income | $70,328±$4,036 | $101,208 | – |
| Per capita income | $32,746±$1,731 | $41,385 | +$5,668 |
| People below the poverty line | 21.1%±3.0 pts | 13.0% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 34.9%±7.0 pts | 17.7% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 26.4%±3.2 pts | 12.8% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 74.3%±2.7 pts | 90.1% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Northampton County?
Owners occupy 74.6% of Northampton County's occupied homes and renters 25.4%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $114,500 by its owner (±$10,415). The median renter pays $758 a month including utilities, and 39.1% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Northampton County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $114,500±$10,415 | $288,900 | no clear change |
| Median gross rent | $758±$63 | $1,228 | −$124 |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 39.1%±7.5 pts | 39.6% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,235±$56 | $1,631 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 74.6%±2.5 pts | 66.6% | +6.2 pts |
| Housing units | 10,641±32 | 4,895,668 | −1,025 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 1.4%±0.9 pts | 1.3% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 1.0%±0.8 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 63.9%±3.0 pts | 65.3% | – |
| Mobile homes | 29.6%±2.9 pts | 11.0% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 1.4%±0.6 pts | 3.0% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 6.1%±1.1 pts | 4.9% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Northampton County building?
Builders took permits for 15 new housing units across Northampton County in 2025 (15 single-family), 0.9 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Northampton County get to work?
82.6% of Northampton County's workers drive alone and 5.9% work from home. The average trip to work takes 29.9 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 8.1%.
| Measure | Northampton County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 52.3%±2.2 pts | 62.8% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 8.1%±2.5 pts | 4.7% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 82.6%±3.2 pts | 71.5% | – |
| Carpooled | 8.9%±2.2 pts | 8.5% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±0.6 pts | 0.7% | – |
| Walked | 0.3%±0.3 pts | 1.6% | – |
| Worked from home | 5.9%±1.8 pts | 16.3% | +2.5 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 29.9 min±2.3 | 25.1 min | +3.9 min |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Northampton County's census tracts?
Northampton County is divided into 10 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $40,964 (Tract 9203.01) to $90,183 (Tract 9204.02).
| Tract 9201.0137131920101 | 1,500±215 | $43,639 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 9201.0237131920102 | 1,130±249 | $54,750 |
| Tract 9201.0337131920103 | 1,636±315 | $73,750 |
| Tract 9202.0137131920201 | 1,080±215 | $43,916 |
| Tract 9202.0237131920202 | 1,965±350 | $51,000 |
| Tract 9203.0137131920301 | 1,359±262 | $40,964 |
| Tract 9203.0237131920302 | 1,620±231 | $50,574 |
| Tract 9203.0337131920303 | 1,509±340 | $45,592 |
| Tract 9204.0137131920401 | 3,239±374 | $41,969 |
| Tract 9204.0237131920402 | 1,893±354 | $90,183 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Northampton County compare with North Carolina's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 86th of 100 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 99th of 100 |
| Residents per square mile | 92nd of 100 |
| Median household income | 85th of 100 |
| Median home value | 96th of 100 |
| Median gross rent | 87th of 100 |
| Poverty rate | 14th of 100 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 75th of 100 |
| Median age | 7th of 100 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Northampton County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.