Northampton County lands and farms are great buys for investors, developers, farmers and outdoorsmen. Low wages and close proximity to I-95 and US Highway 158 make it attractive for access and shipping. Located on the cusp of the Piedmond and Coastal Plain, land in Northampton County is on the border of Virginia and is adjacent to Hertfort, Bertie, Halifax and Warren counties in North Carolina. The 551-square-mile county is home to 19,483 residents living in the sparsely populated rural area. Much of the local economy is based on agricultural sales and manufacturing. Farmland covers 170,170 acres, and agricultural sales are almost equally split between crops and livestock and poultry. About 65% of farmland is devoted to crops, and 32% remains in woodlands. Important agricultural products include peanuts, soybeans, corn, cotton, broilers and hogs. Manufactured goods such as chemicals, foodstuffs, farm machinery, lumber and apparel also are produced in the county. Top employers include Lowes Home Centers Inc., Mcherrin Agricultural & Chem Co., Smithfield Foods Inc., Sylvia Allen and Envive Management Co. Fishermen and hunters take advantage of the wildlife along the Roanoke River, Roanoke Rapids, Taylors Mill Pond and Gumberry and Panther swamps. A shooting range and golf course round out the outdoor offerings. Northampton County Schools provides public K-12 education.
