Edgecombe County
NC · Pop. 48,777 · Suburban County
Edgecombe County, North Carolina covers 505 square miles with a population of 48,777 and a density of 96.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes. A median home price of $117,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.1% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 30.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.9 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Vidant Edgecombe Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 217-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $117,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 21.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Edgecombe County, NC is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 59/100
- Median home price
- $117k
- Property tax
- 1.1%
- Growing season
- 217 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.9"
- Broadband
- 84.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, 2.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Edgecombe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Edgecombe County?
- Edgecombe County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 30.5°F. The established crops are cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $117,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.1%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Vidant Edgecombe Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore North Carolina Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in North Carolina
All North Carolina countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Edgecombe County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.