Hyde County
County
Hyde County Courthouse in Swan Quarter
Hyde County Courthouse in Swan Quarter
Official seal of Hyde County
Seal
Official logo of Hyde County
Logo
Map of North Carolina highlighting Hyde County
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting North Carolina
North Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°25′N 76°09′W / 35.41°N 76.15°W / 35.41; -76.15
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1712
Named forEdward Hyde
SeatSwan Quarter
Largest communityOcracoke
Area
 • Total1,424 sq mi (3,690 km2)
 • Land613 sq mi (1,590 km2)
 • Water811 sq mi (2,100 km2)  57%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total4,589
 • Estimate 
(2022)
4,576
 • Density7.5/sq mi (2.9/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.hydecountync.gov

Hyde County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,589,[1] making it the second-least populous county in North Carolina.[2] Its county seat is Swan Quarter.[3] The county was created in 1705 as Wickham Precinct. It was renamed Hyde Precinct in 1712 and gained county status in 1739.[4][5]

History

The county was formed December 3, 1705, as Wickham Precinct, one of three precincts within Bath County. The name Wickham was derived from the manor of Temple Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, England, the family home of John Archdale, governor of North and South Carolina from 1695 to 1696. In 1712, it was renamed Hyde Precinct for Edward Hyde,[6] Governor of North Carolina from 1711 to 1712. In 1739, Bath County was abolished, and Hyde Precinct became Hyde County.

Various boundary changes have since taken place. In 1745 Lake Mattamuskeet and its adjoining territory were transferred from Currituck County to Hyde County. In 1819 the portion of Hyde County west of the Pungo River was annexed by Beaufort County. Four years later, the area of Currituck County south of New Inlet was transferred to Hyde County. This is now included Hatteras Island. In 1845 Ocracoke Island was transferred from Carteret County to Hyde County. In 1870 Hyde County was reduced to its present dimensions, when its northeastern part was combined with parts of Currituck County and Tyrrell County to form Dare County. Since its creation, the boundaries of Hyde County have changed more than those of any other county in North Carolina.

Geography

Map
Interactive map of Hyde County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,424 square miles (3,690 km2), of which 613 square miles (1,590 km2) is land and 811 square miles (2,100 km2) (57%) is water.[7] It is the second-largest county in North Carolina by total area. Hyde County's in-land is part of the Inner Banks. Ocracoke Island is part of the Outer Banks.

Hyde County is one of the more rural counties in North Carolina, owing this to its low population, absence of four-lane highways, and the absence of stoplights in the county.

National protected areas

State and locale protected areas

Major water bodies

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Major infrastructure

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17904,204—
18004,82914.9%
18106,02924.8%
18204,967−17.6%
18306,18424.5%
18406,4584.4%
18507,63618.2%
18607,7321.3%
18706,445−16.6%
18807,76520.5%
18908,90314.7%
19009,2784.2%
19108,840−4.7%
19208,386−5.1%
19308,5502.0%
19407,860−8.1%
19506,479−17.6%
19605,765−11.0%
19705,571−3.4%
19805,8735.4%
19905,411−7.9%
20005,8267.7%
20105,810−0.3%
20204,589−21.0%
2022 (est.)4,576[9]−0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2013[14]
2020[15]

2020 census

Hyde County racial composition[16]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 2,928 63.8%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 1,152 25.1%
Native American 7 0.15%
Asian 7 0.15%
Pacific Islander 2 0.04%
Other/Mixed 146 3.18%
Hispanic or Latino 347 7.56%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,589 people, 1,947 households, and 1,378 families residing in the county.

2000 census

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 5,826 people, 2,185 households, and 1,433 families residing in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile (3.9 people/km2). There were 3,302 housing units at an average density of 5 units per square mile (1.9 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 62.65% White, 35.07% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. 2.25% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,185 households, out of which 26.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.70% were married couples living together, 13.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% were non-families. 30.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.40% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 30.70% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 112.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,444, and the median income for a family was $35,558. Males had a median income of $25,216 versus $20,482 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,164. About 10.30% of families and 15.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 23.00% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Hyde County is a member of the Albemarle Commission regional council of governments.

Hyde County is served by six volunteer fire departments: Engelhard, Fairfield, Ocracoke, Scranton, Ponzer, and Swan Quarter.

Politics

Hyde County is located within North Carolina's 3rd congressional district. In the 2008 Presidential election, the county was narrowly divided, much like the rest of the state of North Carolina, with Barack Obama winning 1,241 votes, John McCain winning 1,212 votes, and other candidates winning 16 votes.[18] The mainland area of the county tends to be dominated by Republicans, while Ocracoke tends to be dominated by Democrats.[19]

United States presidential election results for Hyde County, North Carolina[20]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 1,418 56.90% 1,046 41.97% 28 1.12%
2016 1,288 55.90% 965 41.88% 51 2.21%
2012 1,193 50.06% 1,163 48.80% 27 1.13%
2008 1,212 49.09% 1,241 50.26% 16 0.65%
2004 1,235 53.86% 1,048 45.70% 10 0.44%
2000 1,132 50.60% 1,088 48.64% 17 0.76%
1996 782 38.30% 1,109 54.31% 151 7.39%
1992 740 32.34% 1,206 52.71% 342 14.95%
1988 940 41.52% 1,316 58.13% 8 0.35%
1984 1,195 54.27% 1,004 45.59% 3 0.14%
1980 807 38.95% 1,221 58.93% 44 2.12%
1976 623 36.28% 1,084 63.13% 10 0.58%
1972 1,112 71.97% 403 26.08% 30 1.94%
1968 401 20.02% 769 38.39% 833 41.59%
1964 514 31.32% 1,127 68.68% 0 0.00%
1960 481 29.55% 1,147 70.45% 0 0.00%
1956 491 32.32% 1,028 67.68% 0 0.00%
1952 406 30.64% 919 69.36% 0 0.00%
1948 214 20.34% 800 76.05% 38 3.61%
1944 323 25.90% 924 74.10% 0 0.00%
1940 309 20.45% 1,202 79.55% 0 0.00%
1936 302 20.70% 1,157 79.30% 0 0.00%
1932 147 12.24% 1,050 87.43% 4 0.33%
1928 682 53.62% 590 46.38% 0 0.00%
1924 305 31.31% 653 67.04% 16 1.64%
1920 530 31.85% 1,134 68.15% 0 0.00%
1916 277 24.64% 840 74.73% 7 0.62%
1912 76 7.51% 636 62.85% 300 29.64%

Earl Pugh is chairman of the Hyde County Commissioners.[21]

Education

Hyde County is home to the smallest public school system in North Carolina. The Hyde County Schools comprises two schools.

The only private school in Hyde County is a small Mennonite school located in the northwest section of the county. This school serves the county's Mennonite population.

Culture

Hyde County is a popular destination for fishing and bear and duck hunting. Ocracoke attracts many tourists.[19]

Media

Hyde County is home to two full power radio stations, WKHC 97.1 FM and WCMS-FM 94.5. These stations are licensed to Hatteras, NC but maintain transmitter facilities outside of Engelhard.

Ocracoke Island is home to WOVV 90.1 FM, a low power non-commercial station.

WHYC 88.5 FM is located on the campus of Mattamuskeet School in Swan Quarter. WHYC is one of only two high school operated stations in North Carolina.

Communities

Map of Hyde County with municipal and township labels

Hyde County has no incorporated municipalities.

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Townships

A sixth township, Mattamuskeet, is now "unorganized territory" occupied by the federally controlled Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

See also

References

  1. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Hyde County, North Carolina". www.census.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  2. ^ "North Carolina Population by County". www.indexmundi.com. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "North Carolina: Individual County Chronologies". North Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  5. ^ "Hyde County". NCpedia. State Library of North Carolina. January 1, 2006. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  6. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 164.
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d "NCWRC Game Lands". www.ncpaws.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  9. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Hyde County, North Carolina". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  10. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  12. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  13. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  14. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Hyde County, North Carolina". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  16. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  17. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  18. ^ "Presidential General Election Results - Hyde County, NC." Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections. Retrieved 2010-04-10.
  19. ^ a b Funk, Tim (November 1, 2020). "4 bellwether counties mirror close NC race for president". The Charlotte Observer. pp. 1A, 14A–15A.
  20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  21. ^ "Hyde County Board of Commissioners". www.hydecountync.gov. Retrieved December 16, 2022.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hyde County, North Carolina.

35°25′N 76°09′W / 35.41°N 76.15°W / 35.41; -76.15

Places adjacent to Hyde County, North Carolina
Municipalities and communities of Hyde County, North Carolina, United States
Outer Banks of North Carolina and Virginia
State of North Carolina
Authority control
Categories