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Pitt County Economic Development
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Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location 111 S Washington St, Greenville, NC 27858
Phone 252.902.2079
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Driving Growth, Building Opportunities, Empowering Our Future
Pitt County Economic Development (PCED) is the lead agency driving economic growth in our community. By attracting new industries and supporting the expansion of existing businesses, PCED helps create jobs, diversify the local economy, and grow the county’s tax base. Backed by the Pitt County Board of Commissioners and a strong network of partners, PCED leads strategic programs and initiatives that enhance the business climate and quality of life for all residents. The department also provides valuable resources—including research data, marketing materials, and a free, up-to-date listing of industrial and major office properties—to help businesses identify ideal opportunities for relocation or expansion.
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A Unique and Diverse Region That Blends Vibrant Urban Districts With Rural Small-Town Charm
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Images & Explore Information sourced from Visit Greenville, NC
Greenville
Named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America by Livability.com, Greenville is the cultural and economic center of Eastern North Carolina and the county seat of Pitt County. As the state’s 10th largest city, it has over 90,000 residents. The city features a strong university-medical community, lively arts and dining scenes, and plenty of outdoor activities along the Tar River. With nearly 300 years of history, Greenville has evolved from a rural agricultural town into a dynamic hub of education, healthcare, and industry. Its mild climate, extensive greenways, and proximity to Raleigh, the Outer Banks, and the Crystal Coast make it a top destination for travelers, retirees, and new residents seeking affordability, adventure, and a welcoming community.
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Visit Greenville's Website NowWinterville
Discover Winterville, a town where small-town peace meets modern convenience. Every August, the town hosts the Watermelon Festival, attracting many visitors for fresh watermelon, live music, and community fun. A certified Retire NC community, Winterville offers affordable living with access to excellent healthcare, outdoor adventures, and vibrant dining, including Main & Mill Oyster Bar, local breweries, coffee shops, and Sam Jones Barbecue. Enjoy farm-fresh experiences at Strawberries on 903, Brock’s Berry Farm, and summer Markets on the Square. Embrace the slower pace and all the sweet delights Winterville has to offer!
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Visit Winterville's Website NowAyden
Ayden combines small-town charm, historic neighborhoods, and famous food. Called the 'Crossroads of Barbecue & Collards,' Ayden features renowned barbecue places like Skylight Inn, led by third-generation pitmaster Sam Jones, and Bum’s Restaurant, both known for their history and authentic tastes.. Annual events like the Kings of Q Barbecue Festival in May and the Ayden Collard Festival in September highlight the town’s culinary and cultural heritage. Nearby, Simply Natural Creamery & Jersey Farm invites visitors to enjoy tractor tours, pet baby calves, and savor homemade ice cream crafted from their Jersey cow herd, making Ayden a must-visit destination for food lovers and families alike.
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Visit Ayden's Website NowFarmville
Farmville, located in northeastern Pitt County, mixes a unique Southern feel with small-town charm. Walk along Main Street to see colorful murals, art galleries, glassblowing shows at the ECU GlasStation, and unique items at Dapper Dan’s antiques. Indulge in Farmville’s dining and drink scene with award-winning brews at Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, French-inspired delights at Café Madeleine, expertly roasted coffee at Lanoca Coffee Institute, and legendary cheese biscuits at Little Rocket. Don’t miss the Plank Road Steakhouse, named one of North Carolina’s best small-town steakhouses. With summer farmers markets, the annual Dogwood Festival, and rich history at the May Museum, Farmville is an eclectic gem waiting to be explored.
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Visit Farmville's Website NowGrifton
Located along the historic Contentnea Creek in southern Pitt County, between Greenville and Kinston, Grifton is known for its rich history and love of nature. Every April, the town holds the Shad Festival, celebrating the spring migration of shad fish up the creek to spawn. Visitors can also explore the 400-acre North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at A Time for Science’s Grifton Nature Campus, where they can discover Eastern North Carolina’s natural history, kayak on scenic ponds, and stargaze at the observatory.
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Visit Grifton's Website NowGrimesland
East of the Tar River and across the L. Elmore Hodges Bridge lies the historic town of Grimesland in eastern Pitt County. Named for Civil War Major General Bryan Grimes, the town was established on his family plantation. The Grimesland Plantation, dating back to 1790 and expanded through the 1840s, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and beautifully restored in in the early 2000's for private use. Today, Grimesland offers charming residential areas, a lovely park, family farms, cozy cafes, and local businesses, blending rich history with warm hospitality.
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Visit Grimesland's Website NowFountain
The small town of Fountain, in the northwestern part of Pitt County, is a hidden treasure for fans of vintage items and music. At the R.A. Fountain General Store on Main Street, you can enjoy live shows by local and national bluegrass, Americana, and jazz musicians, as well as poetry nights. Relax on comfortable seats while drinking fresh lemonade or enjoying homemade ice cream.. Nearby, Pitt County’s only winery, Seven Pines Winery & Vineyard, offers its delightful wines at local restaurants and markets, adding a touch of local flavor to the area.
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Visit Fountain's Website NowBethel
Bethel, a small town on the northern edge of Pitt County near US Highway 64, provides a quiet rural lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of nearby Greenville and surrounding towns. Visitors can enjoy fresh local produce and goods at Carolina Country Fresh Farm & Market and taste authentic Italian food at the popular La Casetta, making Bethel a charming small-town destination.
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Visit Bethel's Website NowSimpson
Simpson, a charming village nestled in Pitt County, offers a serene rural atmosphere just a short drive from Greenville and other nearby towns. With its welcoming community and scenic surroundings, Simpson provides the perfect blend of small-town living and convenient access to modern amenities, making it a hidden gem in Eastern North Carolina.
Visit Bethel's Website NowFalkland
Falkland, a historic area in Pitt County, offers a glimpse into North Carolina's rich past with its charming small-town ambiance. Situated near Greenville, Falkland provides a peaceful rural lifestyle while remaining conveniently close to the cultural and economic opportunities of the surrounding region. With its friendly community and scenic surroundings, Falkland is a delightful destination for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Discover a Powerful Tool for Business and Community Insights
This comprehensive tool is designed to help you explore everything Pitt County has to offer for business and economic development. Whether you're searching for the perfect business property, analyzing community data, or comparing communities to find the best fit, this resource has you covered.
With detailed property listings, robust demographic insights and community comparison features, this tool empowers businesses and investors to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Start your search today and discover why Pitt County is the ideal place to grow, innovate, and succeed!
Community Snapshot
Population
Total Population: 171,196
Median Age: 33
Gender Distribution:
- Male: 47.2%
- Female: 52.8%
Education
46.1% of residents hold a college degree, with the majority of the population having completed high school or higher education.
- High School: 22.7%
- Some College: 20.4%
- Associate's Degree: 13.6%
- Bachelor's Degree: 21.5%
- Graduate Degree: 13.7%
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 87,390
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Workforce Distribution: 34% Blue Collar, 65% White Collar
Top Occupations:
- Office & Administrative Support: 14.7%
- Sales: 11.2%
- Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners: 8.9%
- Executive Management & Administration: 8.2%
- Education, Training & Library: 6.4%
Largest Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance (20,077 employees)
- Educational Services (10,563 employees)
- Retail Trade (9,858 employees)
- Pharmaceuticals Cluster (LQ = 13.22)
- Employs 2,396 workers with an average wage of $70,354.
Blue-Chip Employers & Industry Leaders
Pitt County is home to several regionally and globally recognized companies and institutions that provide economic stability, market leadership, and long-term growth:
- ECU Health: Eastern North Carolina’s premier healthcare provider, with a flagship regional medical center and major partnerships through the Brody School of Medicine.
- East Carolina University: A Carnegie-classified research university that fuels workforce development, innovation, and economic impact across the region.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: A global life sciences leader operating a major pharmaceutical manufacturing and development hub in Greenville.
- Catalent: A top-tier pharmaceutical CDMO specializing in drug development, formulation, and testing at its expansive Greenville facility.
- Hyster-Yale Group: A globally recognized manufacturer of forklifts and material handling equipment, with deep local manufacturing roots.
- Grady-White Boats: A nationally renowned manufacturer of premium recreational boats, known for craftsmanship and innovation.
Income & Spending
Cost of Living: 12% below the national average
Median Household Income: $59,946
Median Yearly Expenditures: $51,725
Average Household Spending:
- Shelter: $11,034
- Transportation: $9,400
- Food & Beverages: $7,680
- Health Care: $4,404
- Utilities: $3,913
Housing
Homeownership Rate: 53%
Median Home Value: $178,700
Rental Rate: 48.8%
Transportation
Average Commute Time: 23 minutes
Airports within 50 miles: 25
Distance to Nearest Interstate: 14 miles
Freight Rail Service: Available
Taxes
- State Corporate Income Tax: 2.25%
- State Capital Gains Tax: 4.25%
- State Personal Income Tax: 4.25%
- State Sales Tax: 4.75%
GDP
Pitt County’s nominal GDP grew 3.1% in the most recent reporting year, following an 8.2% increase in 2022. The county’s total GDP is $10.09 billion
Purpose and Incentives
PCED leads efforts to recruit new industries and support the growth of existing businesses through expansion and retention strategies. The department works with partners to negotiate competitive incentives for projects that bring in new investment and create jobs above the average county wage. Since 1987, Pitt County has awarded more than $22.5 million in economic development incentives.
Incentive offerings may include:
- Water, sewer, and natural gas extensions
- Road, rail, and site infrastructure improvements
- Performance-based grants
- Customized workforce training support
From 1987 to 2025, Pitt County announced nearly 16,000 jobs and over $2.9 billion in private investment from new and expanding industries.
PCED also owns roughly 140 acres of industrial property and develops shell buildings to attract new businesses. Over the last two years alone, Pitt County has invested more than $7 million to offer modern, ready-to-build industrial sites that enhance its business recruitment efforts.
Investing in Community Innovation
In addition to large-scale recruitment efforts, Pitt County Economic Development supports local entrepreneurship and operates a business incubator and accelerator—the Technology Enterprise Center (TEC). Pitt County acquired the former textile facility in 1995 and has since invested approximately $4 million in its purchase and renovation.
Today, TEC offers about 8,000 square feet of leasable space, with half currently occupied by eight tenants. The facility also houses the North Carolina Pharmaceutical Services Network training center.
Working Together for Growth
PCED’s mission is driven by collaboration. The department works alongside a broad range of local, regional, and state partners including:
- The North Carolina Department of Commerce
- The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
- The North Carolina Biotechnology Center
- Local municipalities and utilities
- Public-private partnerships
- East Carolina University and Pitt Community College
Through these partnerships, PCED is building a stronger, more resilient economy for Pitt County.
Your Guide to Economic Development Resources and Information
Through collaboration with key economic partners, tailored solutions are developed to support business success. These alliances strengthen workforce development, enhance infrastructure, and solidify Pitt County’s position as a leading destination for economic growth and investment in Eastern North Carolina.
Review the Economic Development Strategic Plan Now
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
The EDPNC improves the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians by recruiting new businesses, supporting existing employers, assisting with international trade, counseling small businesses and startups, and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination.
Learn More About EDPNC Now
ECU Office of Research, Economic Development, and Engagement (REDE)
The ECU Office of Research, Economic Development, and Engagement advances impactful research across the university, fosters economic growth throughout the region, and engages global partners to support its mission.
Learn More About REDE Now
Greenville ENC Alliance
The Greenville Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Alliance is a public-private partnership offering a comprehensive approach to business recruitment, retention, and expansion in Greenville and Pitt County.
Learn More About Greenville ENC Alliance Now
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization fostering growth, prosperity, and economic development by providing resources, support, and opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to the community’s well-being.
Learn More About the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Now
NC East Alliance
NC East Alliance is a regional economic development organization representing 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. It leads advocacy efforts by bringing together stakeholders to address key challenges and create collaborative solutions.
Learn More About NC East Alliance Now
NC Department of Commerce
The North Carolina Department of Commerce works with local, regional, national, and international partners to promote economic, community, and workforce development across the state, improving the economic well-being and quality of life for all residents.
Learn More About the NC Department of Commerce Now
Pitt Community College Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Pitt Community College Continuing Education offers courses to help students advance their careers, launch new careers, or gain new skills.
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Visit Greenville, NC
Discover things to do, see, and experience in Greenville, the vibrant county seat of Pitt County.
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