North Carolina's "blackest" county can be interpreted in two ways: the county with the highest percentage of Black residents, or the county with the largest total Black population.
Bertie County: Highest Percentage of Black Residents
When considering the highest percentage of Black residents, Bertie County holds this distinction in North Carolina. According to 2018 population estimates, Bertie County has the highest proportion of Black residents in the state, with 61% of its population identifying as Black.
Mecklenburg County: Largest Black Population
If "blackest" refers to the sheer number of Black residents, then Mecklenburg County is the answer. As of 2018, Mecklenburg County had the largest Black population of any county in North Carolina, with 344,243 Black residents. This county also saw the largest numeric increase in its Black population since 2017, adding 6,122 individuals.
Key North Carolina Counties by Black Population
To provide a clearer picture, here's a summary of these significant counties based on different metrics:
| Metric | County | Value | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Percentage of Black Residents | Bertie County | 61% | |
| Largest Total Black Population | Mecklenburg County | 344,243 | Also had the largest numeric increase since 2017 |
It is noteworthy that North Carolina has seven counties where the Black population constitutes a majority of the total residents. This demographic distribution highlights the significant presence and historical roots of the Black community across various regions of the state.
