Alexander County's composite score of 77.9 places it well above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 78th percentile. This North Carolina county outranks most American communities in overall livability.
2 / 5
Clear leader among North Carolina
At 77.9, Alexander exceeds the state average of 72.7 by 5.2 points, ranking among the state's most livable counties. The county stands out for balanced strength across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Champion of affordability and taxes
Alexander shines with North Carolina's lowest median rent at $745 per month (cost score 85.9) and a rock-bottom effective tax rate of 0.631% (tax score 84.5). Median home values at $190,000 make homeownership accessible without sacrificing quality.
4 / 5
Modest income levels weigh down score
The income score of 26.0 reflects median household earnings of just $65,268, trailing the state's higher-income counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental scores remain unreported, limiting insight into broader quality-of-life factors.
5 / 5
Ideal for thrifty, independent workers
Alexander County is perfect for remote workers, retirees, and freelancers who don't rely on local employers and prioritize keeping housing costs minimal. Strong tax efficiency and rock-bottom rents create exceptional financial flexibility.
Alexander County's composite score of 77.9 places it well above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 78th percentile. This North Carolina county outranks most American communities in overall livability.
Clear leader among North Carolina
At 77.9, Alexander exceeds the state average of 72.7 by 5.2 points, ranking among the state's most livable counties. The county stands out for balanced strength across measured dimensions.
Champion of affordability and taxes
Alexander shines with North Carolina's lowest median rent at $745 per month (cost score 85.9) and a rock-bottom effective tax rate of 0.631% (tax score 84.5). Median home values at $190,000 make homeownership accessible without sacrificing quality.
Modest income levels weigh down score
The income score of 26.0 reflects median household earnings of just $65,268, trailing the state's higher-income counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental scores remain unreported, limiting insight into broader quality-of-life factors.
Ideal for thrifty, independent workers
Alexander County is perfect for remote workers, retirees, and freelancers who don't rely on local employers and prioritize keeping housing costs minimal. Strong tax efficiency and rock-bottom rents create exceptional financial flexibility.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Alexander County's effective tax rate of 0.631% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the national median of roughly 0.9%. At just $1,199 in annual property taxes on the median home, residents here pay less than half the national median of $2,690.
Lowest rates in North Carolina
Alexander County ranks among the lowest-tax counties in North Carolina, with an effective rate of 0.631% compared to the state average of 0.701%. The county's median property tax of $1,199 is significantly below the state average of $1,433.
Lower than surrounding foothills counties
Alexander County's 0.631% rate is notably lower than nearby Catawba County and comparable to the very lowest in the region. This tax-friendly positioning makes Alexander appealing to property buyers in the Charlotte-to-Greensboro corridor.
Below-average home, below-average tax
The median home in Alexander County is valued at $190,000, resulting in an estimated annual tax bill of $1,199 without mortgage deduction. With mortgage interest factored in, the typical homeowner pays approximately $1,269 per year.
Review your assessment for accuracy
Even in a low-tax county, assessments can lag behind actual market values or incorrectly overestimate property worth. Homeowners uncertain whether their valuation reflects recent comparable sales should request a reassessment review with the county assessor.
Alexander punches above its weight on affordability
Alexander County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% is a full 4.9 percentage points below the national average of 18.6%, making it one of North Carolina's most affordable rental markets. With median rent at just $745/month and household income at $65,268, local renters enjoy substantial breathing room in their budgets.
Alexander leads North Carolina on affordability
At 13.7%, Alexander's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in the state, well below North Carolina's 18.6% average and substantially cheaper than the state's median rent of $938. This county consistently outperforms regional peers on housing cost burden.
Alexander's rents are remarkably low
Alexander's $745 monthly rent is the cheapest among surrounding counties—$262 less than Alamance ($1,007) and $29 below Ashe County ($774). Homeownership is similarly affordable, with median home values of just $190,000 and monthly owner costs at $605.
Alexander renters keep more of their paychecks
At just $745/month, renters here allocate only 13.7% of income to housing—leaving them with roughly $853 monthly after rent costs from a median $65,268 household income. Owner-occupants fare even better, paying $605/month on $65,268 income, freeing up substantially more for savings and essentials.
Alexander is a rare affordability gem
If you're relocating to North Carolina on a moderate budget, Alexander County delivers the state's best rent-to-income ratio and home values under $200,000. Compare this against pricier neighbors like Alamance to see how much you could save while maintaining regional access and community.
Alexander County's median household income of $65,268 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,487, positioning it slightly below the U.S. middle. The county still performs better than roughly 40% of American counties in household earnings.
Top earners among North Carolina counties
Alexander's $65,268 median household income ranks it above the state average of $61,072 by 6.9%, placing it in North Carolina's upper-income tier. This reflects a stable manufacturing and small-business base supporting solid family wages.
Outearning nearby rural counties
Alexander's $65,268 median income edges out Alamance County ($64,445) and significantly exceeds Alleghany County ($44,272) and Anson County ($44,245). The county's compact, cohesive economy appears to generate steadier income growth than more isolated neighbors.
Best-in-region affordability at 13.7%
Alexander's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% is the lowest among its neighbors, signaling exceptional housing affordability and maximum budget flexibility. With a median home value of $190,000, homebuyers enjoy one of the most accessible entry points in the region.
Superior affordability fuels wealth-building
Alexander County residents paying only 13.7% of income toward rent have substantial room to fund emergency savings, invest in homes, and grow wealth-building assets. Even modest monthly contributions to a 401(k) or IRA can yield powerful returns over decades.
Alexander County residents have a life expectancy of 74.1 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. The county's 17.3% poor or fair health rate is somewhat better than the national average, indicating room for improvement in life expectancy gains.
Below state average for longevity
Alexander County's 74.1-year life expectancy falls short of North Carolina's 74.4-year state average, placing it in the lower tier of county health rankings. This small gap suggests the county faces similar health challenges as the broader state.
Neighbors show mixed outcomes
Alexander County's health metrics trail nearby Alamance County (75.4 years) and Catawba County, though its 17.3% poor/fair health rate is among the better rates in the region. The county's primary care provider density of 19 per 100,000 is notably low compared to neighboring areas.
Limited primary care access
Alexander County's 11.9% uninsured rate is below the state average, yet the county has only 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest in the region. Mental health providers at 91 per 100,000 offer moderate access, but gaps in primary care create potential delays in preventive services.
Get insured, get healthy
Nearly 12% of Alexander County residents lack insurance coverage. Explore options at healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to find affordable plans and ensure access to that scarce primary care.
Alexander County shows below-average national risk
Alexander County's composite risk score of 45.80 falls meaningfully below the U.S. average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This places Alexander among safer counties nationally, though no location is entirely free from natural disaster exposure.
Well below North Carolina average risk
At 45.80, Alexander County scores significantly lower than North Carolina's 66.72 state average, positioning it among the safer counties in the state. This advantage stems from lower exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
Safer than nearby Catawba and Iredell
Alexander County's 45.80 composite risk is notably lower than many surrounding Piedmont counties. Neighboring Catawba County faces substantially higher tornado and flood risks, making Alexander a relatively sheltered location in the region.
Flood and hurricane risks your top concerns
While Alexander's overall risk is low, flood risk reaches 60.34 and hurricane risk climbs to 67.83, representing your most significant natural hazard exposures. Tornado risk remains moderate at 53.28, making spring and early summer storm seasons your most vulnerable periods.
Smart insurance protects your advantage
Alexander County's low-risk status shouldn't create complacency—flood insurance remains essential for any property in a mapped flood zone. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and hail damage, but verify your policy explicitly includes these coverages.