Economic Development

Fast Facts about Ayden
Destination Ayden
 
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Fast Facts about Ayden
 

Ayden is located in central Eastern North Carolina, 30 minutes from I-95, 90 minutes from the Research Triangle, and a day’s drive to two-thirds of the nation’s population.

The local market measures roughly 146,400 consumers in Pitt County, with a tremendous growth rate of 24% during the last decade.  Over 210,000 people live in a 25-mile radius around Ayden; this includes Pitt County, Lenoir County, Beaufort County, and Craven County residences.  Ayden is the third largest Town in Pitt County, with a population of 4,861 citizens. 

Ayden’s history roots back to 1891, when the town was incorporated.  During the last century Ayden mainly lived from farming.  After the decline of this income source, Ayden actively engaged in recruiting other industries.  Consequently, the Town now is home to some of the major industrial employers in Pitt County, like Weyerhaeuser, Inc., Minges Bottling Group, CMI Plastics, Inc. and Carolina Catfish, Inc.   In order to meet light industry needs, the Worthington Industrial Park has been developed and is now the location of Phoenix Fabrications.  The manufacturing industry is the second largest (after public schools) employer in Ayden.

Neither Ayden, nor Pitt County levies an income tax.  North Carolina levies a moderate 4.5% retail sales tax.  Pitt County also levies a 2.5% retail sales tax, of which half the revenues are allocated for public schools.  Ayden’s property tax is just .50 cent, effective in July 1, 2008. 

Ayden’s utilities, water, wastewater, natural gas, and electricity facilities are owned and operated by the Town.   The utility rates in Ayden are very competitive, and our power supply is very dependable.  A proof of the quality of Ayden’s Electric Department is assuring, can be found during the time after Hurricane Floyd in 1999.   People In Pitt County lost much more than their power, yet in Ayden, lengthy power outages were not one of the problems citizens had to deal with during the flood.

 
Destination Ayden – Small Town Atmosphere… Big City Convenience
 

Ayden is strategically located in central eastern North Carolina.  Its proximity to Greenville and the location in Pitt County situates Ayden in a very strong, attractive local market. 

Highways

The region’s highway system offers quick and easy access to the entire region and beyond.  NC 11, a four-lane highway, connects Ayden with Kinston, Winterville, and Greenville.  A newly proposed South-West By-Pass will put Ayden right on the spot to be.  The South-West By-Pass will be a limited access four-lane Highway connecting Ayden non-stop with Wilson and continuing to Raleigh. Regional business travelers are able to reach destinations in Washington, Wilson, Rocky Mount, New Bern, and Goldsboro in less than one hour.

Airports

Ayden also is located close to the North Carolina TransPark facilities in Kinston, equipped with the longest commercial runway in North Carolina and a free trade zone.
An alternative Airport is located in Greenville, only 15 minutes away.  US Airways offers daily passenger connections from Greenville to Charlotte. 

Railroad

Alternative Transportation is also available in immediacy to Ayden.  Two railway tracks run through Pitt County: Norfolk Southern (north-south) and CSX rail (east-west) lines, both come together in Greenville. 

Ports

Ayden is also less than two hours driving distance from two major ports that are situated in the middle of North and South Atlantic shipping lanes.   The Moorhead City and Wilmington ports both service on all major international trade lines.

 
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Demographics                     

 

Sex and Age                                                         

 

Male……………….2,038                                      

Female……………2,584                                      

Under 5 years…..    282
5 to 14  years…..    698
15 to 24 years…..   667
25 to 44 years…..   1,192
45 to 59 years…..   854
60 to 74 years…..   639
75 to 84 years…..   716
85 years and over…104

Market Size

5,008 – Town Population

152,068 – County Population