State and local protected sites

• Historic Edenton
• James Iredell House

Major water bodies

• Albemarle Sound
• Chowan River

Adjacent counties

• Gates County – north
• Perquimans County – east
• Washington County – south
• Bertie County – west
• Hertford County – northwest

Major highways

• 
  Future I-87
• US 17
• 
  US 17 Bus.
• NC 32
• NC 37
• NC 94

Major infrastructure

• Northeastern Reginal Airport

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 13,708 people, 6,133 households, and 3,986 families residing in the county.

2010 census

At the 2010 census^[17] there were 14,793 people, 5,580 households, and 4,006 families residing in the county. The population density was 84 people per square mile (32 people/km²). There were 6,443 housing units at an average density of 37 units per square mile (14 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 62.0% White, 34.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. 3.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,580 households, out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.00% were married couples living together, 15.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 24.10% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 88.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,928, and the median income for a family was $36,986. Males had a median income of $29,719 versus $19,826 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,027. About 13.70% of families and 17.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.50% of those under age 18 and 16.70% of those age 65 or over.

Town

• Edenton (county seat and largest community)

Townships

• Township 1, Edenton
• Township 2, Middle
• Township 3, Upper
• Township 4, Yeopim

Census-designated places

• Arrowhead Beach
• Cape Colony
• Chowan Beach

Other unincorporated places

• Rockyhock
• Selwin
• Sign Pine
• Tyner