Carteret County, North Carolina is a coastal county located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered to the north by Onslow County, to the east by Craven County, to the south by Pamlico and Beaufort Counties and to the west by Jones County. The county covers an area of 756 square miles and has a population of 78,000 people according to the 2019 census.
The geography of Carteret County is typical of coastal counties in North Carolina. It consists mostly of low lying marshland with some areas of higher elevation such as Bogue Banks and Core Banks which are barrier islands off the coast. The county also includes several rivers and creeks that flow into Bogue Sound as well as Shackleford Banks, which is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The terrain generally slopes gently from west to east with some areas rising up sharply along the coastline.
The climate in Carteret County is mild year round with temperatures typically ranging from mid 40s in winter months to mid 80s in summer months. Rainfall is abundant throughout most of the year with an average annual precipitation rate around 50 inches per year. In addition, hurricanes often hit this area during hurricane season between June and November so residents should be prepared for any potential storms during this time period.
The population of Carteret County has been steadily increasing since 2000 due largely in part to its proximity to major cities such as Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and Wilmington which are both within a two hour drive away from Morehead City, Carteret’s largest town and county seat. The majority of residents live along or near the coast while smaller communities are scattered throughout inland areas like Newport or Beaufort where many retirees have chosen to settle down permanently due to its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.
All in all, Carteret County offers its residents a unique combination of coastal charm, mild weather conditions, beautiful scenery and easy access to larger cities for those who need them making it an ideal place for both families looking for a permanent home or those seeking a short-term vacation spot.
Economy of Carteret County, North Carolina
Carteret County is an ideal place for many people looking to make a home due to its mild climate, natural beauty, and easy access to larger cities. But what about the economy? The county is home to a wide range of industries that provide jobs and income for local residents.
The county’s main industry is tourism. With its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and ample outdoor activities, the area draws in visitors from across the state and beyond. In addition to providing jobs in hospitality and services related to tourism, this sector also provides tax revenue for the county.
Fishing is another major industry in Carteret County. The coastal waters are home to a variety of species such as shrimp, blue crabs, flounder, sea bass, and more which provide employment opportunities through commercial fishing operations as well as recreational fishing charters.
Agriculture is also present in the county with farms producing corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, hay and other crops. Additionally, farmers have recently begun growing specialty crops such as tomatoes and peppers which bring in additional income for the local economy.
The manufacturing sector has also been growing steadily over recent years with several large companies setting up shop in Carteret County or nearby counties such as Craven or Onslow Counties. These firms employ hundreds of people who produce products ranging from boats and marine accessories to electronics components or automotive parts.
The government sector provides jobs for thousands of people throughout the county due to its numerous military bases located here including Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base which employs over 15 thousand personnel alone. Additionally, there are various state agencies working together with local governments on projects related to public safety or infrastructure improvement that help create employment opportunities for residents throughout Carteret County.
Finally, there are small businesses operating throughout the area providing goods and services such as restaurants or retail stores that contribute greatly towards keeping the local economy afloat by bringing money into circulation within their communities.
Carteret County has a diverse economic base that provides employment opportunities for many people living here while at the same time generating significant tax revenues for both local governments as well as state agencies working together with them on various projects related to public safety or infrastructure improvement helping create even more job opportunities throughout this coastal region of North Carolina.
Libraries in Carteret County, North Carolina
According to babyinger, Carteret County, North Carolina is home to many libraries that offer a variety of services to its residents. The county library system consists of eight public libraries, all of which are located throughout the county. These libraries are the Newport Public Library, Morehead City Public Library, Croatan Public Library, Beaufort Public Library, Bogue Banks Public Library, Western Carteret Public Library, Harkers Island Public Library and the Down East Community Library. All eight of these libraries offer books and magazines for reading and borrowing. They also provide access to computers with internet access for research and educational purposes. Additionally, most of these libraries have meeting rooms available for community events or meetings.
The Newport Public Library is one of the largest in the county with over 40,000 items in its collection. It offers a wide selection of books from fiction to non-fiction as well as audio-visual materials such as DVD’s and CD’s. It also provides access to online databases such as EBSCOhost which allows patrons to search through thousands of magazines and newspapers from around the world. The library also has an extensive programming schedule including story times for children and adult book clubs.
The Morehead City Public Library is another popular library in Carteret County with a collection of over 60,000 items including books, magazines and audio-visual materials such as DVD’s and CD’s. It also offers computer access with internet access for research purposes or educational use. Additionally, it has meeting rooms available for community events or meetings as well as a variety of programs including book clubs, story times and more.
Landmarks in Carteret County, North Carolina
According to directoryaah, Carteret County, North Carolina is home to a wide variety of unique and interesting landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world. One of the most popular landmarks in the county is Fort Macon State Park. This historic fort was built in 1826 and served as a coastal defense during the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore this historical site and learn about its rich cultural history.
Another popular landmark in Carteret County is Cape Lookout National Seashore. This protected area stretches from Ocracoke Inlet to Cape Lookout and consists of 56 miles of pristine coastline. Visitors can explore a variety of wildlife habitats such as maritime forests, dunes, marshes, beaches, and offshore islands while enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Rachel Carson Reserve is another important landmark located near Beaufort. This nature reserve covers over 30 miles of coastline and is home to a diverse array of wildlife including shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, turtles and other marine life. It also serves as an important habitat for threatened species like sea turtles and piping plovers.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Beaufort is another popular landmark in Carteret County that attracts visitors from all over the world. The museum features exhibits on local maritime history including shipwrecks, fishing industry artifacts, boat-building techniques and more. Visitors can also take boat tours to explore nearby waterways or take part in educational programs offered by the museum throughout the year.
The Crystal Coast Aquarium located near Morehead City is also one of Carteret County’s most beloved landmarks. This aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing local marine life including sharks, rays, eels and other fish species native to North Carolina’s coastal waters. Visitors can observe these animals up close or participate in interactive activities like touch tanks or feeding demonstrations throughout the year.