countyscore

Alexander County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#10 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 79.2Weather & Climate 72

County Report Card

About Alexander County, North Carolina

Alexander Surpasses National Livability Benchmarks

Alexander County earns a composite score of 56.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a higher quality of life than the average U.S. county.

A Top Performer in North Carolina

Outperforming the state average of 44.7 by nearly 12 points, Alexander stands as a regional leader in livability. It offers a balanced profile that exceeds many of its neighbors in the Piedmont region.

High Water Quality and Affordability

The county excels with a water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 79.2. Residents benefit from exceptionally low housing costs, with a median gross rent of just $745 per month.

Opportunities in Schools and Safety

While strong overall, the county's school score of 35.8 and safety score of 41.9 leave room for growth. These dimensions represent the primary areas where the county lags behind its other high-performing metrics.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Families

Alexander is a premier choice for families seeking deep housing value and high environmental quality. It provides a stable, affordable lifestyle for those who prioritize low monthly expenses and clean resources.

2040608010070.779.241.944.635.855.454.28672Tax70.7Cost79.2Safety41.9Health44.6Schools35.8Income55.4Risk54.2Water86Weather7256.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Alexander County DNA

Foverall

How Alexander County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Alexander County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (79.2/100) but notably weak in Schools (35.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.7+18.700000000000003
Cost
79.2+31.200000000000003
Safety
41.9-13.100000000000001
Health
44.6
Schools
35.8-18.200000000000003
Income
55.4
Risk
54.2
Water
86+28
Weather
72+16
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$190,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$745/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,268/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Catawba County
North Carolina
49.3
Caldwell County
North Carolina
45.5
Iredell County
North Carolina
42.4
Wilkes County
North Carolina
48.9
Lincoln County
North Carolina
45.6
Burke County
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41.4
Watauga County
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53.9
Yadkin County
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50.3

Deep Dives

Alexander County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alexander County

via TaxByCounty

Alexander County rates among lowest nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alexander County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alexander County

via IncomeByCounty

Alexander's income ranks near national middle

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alexander County

via CrimeByCounty

Alexander County Stays Below National Norms

Alexander County boasts a safety score of 97.9, reflecting a total crime rate of 1312.1 per 100K. This rate is nearly half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Performing Better Than the State Average

The county's 97.9 safety score outperforms the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1312.1 is significantly lower than the state's average of 2050.0 per 100K.

A Safer Alternative to Regional Neighbors

Alexander's crime rate of 1312.1 is much lower than Alamance County's 2856.0. However, it remains slightly higher than neighboring Alleghany County, which sees only 991.9 crimes per 100K.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime is relatively rare here at 224.6 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 1087.5 incidents. Over 80% of reported crimes in the county involve property rather than violent acts.

Simple Steps for Home Protection

While Alexander is safer than many areas, property theft remains the primary concern for residents. Motion-activated lighting and deadbolts provide essential peace of mind for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Alexander County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Alexander County

Alexander County maintains 12 public schools for its 4,525 students, all managed within a single district. The system focuses on early education with seven elementary schools supported by three middle and two high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet Solid Funding

The county hits the national graduation rate benchmark of 87.0%, while its per-pupil spending of $6,992 exceeds the North Carolina average. This investment is reflected in a school score of 51.9, which is competitive with the state median.

Centralized Support through Alexander County Schools

Alexander County Schools serves as the sole district for the area, overseeing all 12 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring a unified focus on the traditional public school system.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

Ten of the county's 12 schools are located in rural areas, fostering a tight-knit community feel. While the average school size is 377 students, Alexander Central High provides a larger environment with 1,312 students.

Join the Alexander County School Community

Families seeking a focused, rural school district will find plenty to love in Alexander County. Look for homes near Bethlehem or Hiddenite to experience the best of this community-driven educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alexander County

via RiskByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Alexander County

via WaterByCounty

Alexander County Achieves Perfect Water Compliance Grade

Alexander County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 31.7 violations per 100,000 people. Residents benefit from some of the most consistent drinking water compliance in the region.

Local Water Bodies Awaiting Federal Assessment

The water bodies in Alexander County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. Because these streams have not been formally evaluated for Clean Water Act standards, no impairment data is currently available. This lack of data highlights a gap in federal watershed health reporting for the area.

Targeted Monitoring at Seven Key Sites

The EPA Water Quality Portal tracks seven monitoring sites in Alexander County, which have produced 666 measurements in the last five years. Data collection primarily focuses on physical attributes, nutrients, and biological indicators. While the site count is low, these readings provide a baseline for local ecological health.

Catawba River Experiencing Extreme Low Flow

The USGS gauge on the Catawba River near Millersville reports a current discharge of 127 cfs, which is just 5% of the long-term mean. Typically, this section of the river flows at 2,826 cfs. This extreme deviation from the mean suggests significant drought conditions or upstream management changes.

Monitor Water Supplies During Extreme Scarcity

With the Catawba River flowing at only 5% of its typical volume, source water availability may become a concern for local systems. Although drinking water compliance is currently excellent, residents should practice conservation to protect limited resources. Stay informed on local drought advisories as these low flow levels persist.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alexander County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate foothills climate

Alexander County averages 58.3°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. The region enjoys a classic four-season climate with a generous 52.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the state average

With an average of 58.3°F, Alexander is a full degree cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. However, it is wetter than the state norm, receiving about 1.1 inches more annual rainfall.

Moderated by the mountains

The county is significantly warmer than high-altitude Alleghany County to its north, which sits at a brisk 52.6°F. It bridges the gap between the hot Piedmont and the cooler Blue Ridge peaks.

Comfortable summers, light snow

Summer highs are manageable with only 29 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters bring more variety than the eastern plains, averaging 3.8 inches of snow and a January low of 39.0°F.

Plan for frequent rainfall

Invest in quality rain gear and well-drained landscaping to handle the 52.6 inches of annual precipitation. While 3.8 inches of snow is light, having a basic shovel and ice melt is prudent for the occasional winter flurry.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alexander County

via SoilByCounty

Tough Acidic Soils in the Foothills

Alexander County soils average a pH of 5.33, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but slightly more neutral than the state average of 5.14. This acidic baseline is a key characteristic for local land management. Data for specific soil taxonomic orders remains limited for this region.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile

The soil composition is 58.8% sand, 21.8% silt, and 18.1% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is easy to till and work with machinery. The significant clay fraction provides a buffer that helps retain nutrients that might otherwise wash away.

Steady Organic Content and Moisture

Organic matter stands at 2.10%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but is less than half the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.124 in/in, slightly trailing the state average of 0.134. These levels suggest a soil that requires consistent organic inputs to maintain high productivity.

Observing Water Movement Patterns

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Alexander County. The high sand content usually indicates rapid drainage, but the clay content can slow things down in certain pockets. Local gardeners should test their specific plot for drainage before starting major infrastructure projects.

Foothills Farming in Zone 8a

This USDA Hardiness Zone 8a region is perfect for growing peaches and apples, which the county is famous for. The sandy texture provides the good drainage these fruit trees require. Now is the perfect time to prep your orchard or vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alexander County

via LawnByCounty

Alexander County: Above Average Conditions

Alexander County scores a 48.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more favorable spots for turf in North Carolina. This score sits well above the state average of 40.8 and near the national median of 50.0. The local environment in Zone 8a supports steady growth without the extreme difficulty seen in coastal counties.

Plentiful Rain and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 52.6 inches slightly exceeds the ideal lawn range, providing ample natural hydration. With only 29 extreme heat days, lawns here face less thermal stress than the state average of 38 days. The 4,221 growing degree days support a robust, manageable growing season.

High Sand Content Requires Feeding

Alexander County soil features a high sand content of 58.8%, which promotes drainage but can lead to nutrient leaching. The soil pH of 5.33 is below the ideal 6.0 threshold, suggesting a need for regular soil testing and amendments. While drainage class data is limited, the 18.1% clay content helps provide some structural stability for roots.

Managing Severe Drought Periods

Despite high annual rainfall, 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought after 22 weeks of dry conditions this year. To protect your investment, raise your mower blade to allow longer grass to shade the soil and retain moisture. Efficient irrigation is critical during these frequent severe dry spells.

Seeding for the Piedmont Climate

Tall fescue is a reliable choice for Alexander County's climate, though warm-season varieties also perform well in Zone 8a. Target your primary lawn work between the last spring frost on April 2 and the first fall frost on November 4. Starting your lawn during these windows gives seedlings the best chance to survive the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alexander County's county score?
Alexander County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alexander County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Alexander County ranks #10 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alexander County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Alexander County is $1,199, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Alexander County a tax score of 70.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alexander County?
The median household income in Alexander County, North Carolina is $65,268 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alexander County earns an income score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alexander County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Alexander County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Alexander County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alexander County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.