Tyrrell County land and farms are a great low-cost investment for business, development and recreational pursuits. Located on the Coastal Plain on US Highway 64, it is bordered by Washington, Hyde and Dare counties. The 594-square-mile county includes 205 square miles of water including the 15,941-acre Lake Phelps, Scuppernong and Alligator rivers and the Albemarle Sound. With a population of just 4,100, it is the state’s least populous county making Tyrrell County land sparsely inhabited. There are no privately held large employers. Farming activities take up 53,000 acres, and total agricultural sales are 96% in crops. The 110,000-acre Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has its headquarters and gift shop in Columbia, which also is the county seat. Residents and visitors enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and bird watching. Hunters pursue black bears, turkeys and deer as well as waterfowl. Fishermen catch flounder, speckled trout and crappie and other popular species. Pocosin Arts in Columbia is one of the premier arts organizations in the state. The Scuppernong River Festival in Columbia is a fall event that draws visitors from many areas and often doubles the population of the county. Public education is offered by Tyrrell County Schools. Higher learning is offered in nearby counties through College of the Albemarle and Beaufort Community College.
