Pamlico County, North Carolina | ||
---|---|---|
|
||
Location in the U.S. state of North Carolina |
||
North Carolina's location in the U.S. |
||
Founded | 1872 | |
Named for | Pamlico Indians | |
Seat | Bayboro | |
Largest town | Bayboro | |
Area | ||
• Total | 567 sq mi (1,469 km2) | |
• Land | 337 sq mi (873 km2) | |
• Water | 230 sq mi (596 km2), 41% | |
Population | ||
• (2010) | 13,143 | |
• Density | 39/sq mi (15/km²) | |
Congressional district | 3rd | |
Time zone | Eastern: UTC-5/-4 | |
Website | www |
Pamlico /ˈpæmlɪkoʊ/ County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 13,144. Its county seat is Bayboro.
Pamlico County is part of the New Bern, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area.
The county was formed in 1872 from parts of Beaufort and Craven counties. It was named for Pamlico Sound, which adjoins it. Vernacular usage in the area, especially in Craven County, refers to Pamlico County as being "down in the county." Prior to 1872, it was a part of Craven County and has a very low elevation. Most of the county, according to FRIS, North Carolina Flood Risk Information System, much of the county is subject to flooding in storm surges. After it was separated from Craven, the old nickname survives. Pamlico County remains rural in character and flavor, although the last decade has brought a good deal of residential development, largely the result of northern retirees and investors attracted to the many miles of waterfront property.
The county is anchored on the east by the Town of Oriental, a popular waystation for boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway, and by unincorporated Lowland. New Bern across the county line in Craven County to the west, is the primary trade area for Pamlico County. The unincorporated community of Olympia is in the western county.