Greenville is a city located in Pitt County in the eastern part of the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population of Greenville was 92,156 making it the 10th largest city in North Carolina.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Greenville had a population of 92,156 people. The racial makeup of the city was 55.1% White, 35.6% African American, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 1.8% two or more races. The median age was 24.3 years old.
Greenville is home to East Carolina University, a public research university with an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students. The university has a significant impact on the city’s demographics and economy.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the major industries and employers in Greenville include:
- Health care – Vidant Medical Center is the city’s largest employer with over 8,000 employees. Other major health care providers include ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital.
- Education – East Carolina University and Pitt Community College.
- Manufacturing – Grady-White Boats, ASMO, and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling are major manufacturers located in Greenville.
- Retail – Greenville has a vibrant retail sector driven by major shopping centers and malls such as Greenville Mall and University Commons.
- Professional services – Major companies with regional headquarters or operations centers in Greenville include General Dynamics, Suddenlink Communications, and Grant Thornton LLP.
- Local government – Pitt County and City of Greenville provide significant employment.
In recent years, Greenville has seen job growth in sectors such as health care services, construction, transportation, as well as food services and drinking establishments. The city’s growing population and thriving local economy help attract major retailers and restaurants to the area.
For more details on employment and major companies in Greenville, visit the City Economic Development site.
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the top attractions and activities in Greenville include:
- Uptown Greenville – The revitalized downtown area features shops, restaurants, breweries, a farmer’s market and more along the Tar River.
- ECU Athletics – Home games for the Pirates football, basketball and baseball teams draw big crowds.
- Greenville Museum of Art – Showcases American art with a collection of paintings, sculptures and more.
- Dickinson Avenue – A popular local street lined with boutiques, gift shops and cafes.
- Greenville Town Common – A large park with a playground, gardens and walking trails along the Tar River.
- Winterville Recreation Park – Features a water park, athletic fields, golf course and picnic areas.
- Greenville-Pitt County Airport – Hosts an annual air show with aerobatic performances.
The city also has several performing arts venues, museums,cinemas, and other attractions. Greenville’s location near the coast provides easy access to Atlantic beaches. The city is known as a regional hub for arts, culture, shopping and entertainment in eastern North Carolina.
For more on things to do, see the Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau site.
Sports
Greenville is home to various sports teams and venues:
- The ECU Pirates compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the American Athletic Conference across multiple sports including football, basketball, baseball, etc.
- The Greenville Convention Center is home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits ice hockey team playing in the ECHL.
- J.H. Rose High School has successful football, basketball, baseball and other sports programs.
- Little League baseball and youth soccer leagues across the city provide recreational sports opportunities.
College gamedays and community passion for local high school teams make Greenville an exciting place for sports. Follow the city’s teams and get schedules on the City of Greenville Facebook page.