CountyScore

Alleghany County

North Carolina · NC

#18 in North Carolina
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Alleghany County, North Carolina

Alleghany ranks in top 25 percent

Alleghany County scores 75.2, placing it at the 75th percentile nationally and well ahead of the national median of 50.0. The county delivers strong livability compared to most U.S. counties despite modest income levels.

Surpasses North Carolina average

Alleghany's 75.2 exceeds the state average of 72.7, ranking it above the midpoint statewide. The county punches above its weight in overall livability despite being one of North Carolina's smallest by population.

Tax efficiency and housing affordability

Alleghany boasts a tax score of 85.3 with an effective rate of just 0.604%—one of the state's lowest. Housing is deeply affordable, with median home values at $199,000 and rent at $755 per month, stretching household budgets further.

Income levels significantly lag peers

An income score of just 12.3 reflects Alleghany's median household earnings of $44,272—the state's lowest among these eight counties. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable.

Perfect for poverty-conscious newcomers

Alleghany suits retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers unconcerned with local employment, and anyone seeking maximum housing affordability. The trade-off: very limited job market and modest amenities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.3Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth60.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.3Risk65.4WaterComing Soon
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Alleghany County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
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Median income: $50,886
Conway County
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70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
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70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
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70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
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70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Alleghany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alleghany County

via TaxByCounty

Alleghany ranks among America's lowest-tax counties

Alleghany County's effective tax rate of 0.604% places it in the nation's bottom 10% for property taxes, far below the national median of roughly 0.9%. Homeowners pay just $1,202 annually on the median home—less than half the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest tax rate in North Carolina

Alleghany County ranks near the bottom of North Carolina's tax burden with an effective rate of 0.604%, trailing only a handful of counties statewide. The median tax bill of $1,202 is 16% below the state average of $1,433.

Most affordable in the High Country

Alleghany's 0.604% rate is the lowest among nearby Ashe, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties, making it the most tax-friendly jurisdiction in the northwestern highlands. This advantage attracts retirees and remote workers seeking low costs of living.

Small mountain homes, smaller tax bills

The median home in Alleghany County ($199,000) results in an annual property tax of approximately $1,202 without mortgage deduction. Including mortgage interest, homeowners typically pay around $1,276 per year.

Even here, appeals can pay off

Low county rates don't guarantee accurate individual assessments—some properties are still overvalued relative to local market comparables. Alleghany homeowners who believe their assessment is high should submit an appeal to the county's tax assessor office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alleghany County

via CostByCounty

Alleghany's affordability crisis hits hardest

Alleghany County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% exceeds the national average by 1.9 percentage points, but the real strain lies beneath: median household income is just $44,272, nearly $30,500 below the national median. This lowest-income profile in our county group means Alleghany residents face disproportionate housing burden despite moderate rents.

Alleghany struggles among state peers

At 20.5%, Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio ranks in the bottom tier of North Carolina counties, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by a concerning margin. The county's median income of $44,272 is among the lowest statewide, amplifying the affordability challenge.

Alleghany and Anson: the affordability struggle

Alleghany's $755 monthly rent is slightly lower than Anson County ($849), but both counties share the region's lowest household incomes—$44,272 and $44,245 respectively. Neither county exceeds a 23% rent-to-income ratio, yet both place enormous strain on residents relative to neighboring counties with higher earnings.

Over a fifth of income goes to rent

Alleghany renters spend $755/month on a $44,272 annual income, consuming 20.5% of their earnings before utilities, food, or other costs. Homeowners face similar pressure at $759/month, leaving little margin for savings or emergencies in households with limited income cushion.

Alleghany requires strategic financial planning

If relocating to Alleghany, understand that low rents ($755) are offset by the lowest median income in this county group, making it essential to secure stable, higher-wage employment first. Compare this profile against Alexander or Ashe counties where incomes are stronger relative to housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alleghany County

via IncomeByCounty

Alleghany's income lags national standard

Alleghany County's median household income of $44,272 falls $30,483 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. This significant gap reflects a struggling rural economy with limited job diversification.

Among North Carolina's lowest-income counties

Alleghany's $44,272 median household income ranks well below the state average of $61,072, trailing by 27.5% and placing it among the state's most economically challenged counties. Population decline and job losses have compounded the pressure on household earnings.

Struggling alongside other rural peers

Alleghany's $44,272 median income closely mirrors Anson County ($44,245) and underperforms wealthier neighbors like Alamance County ($64,445) and Alexander County ($65,268). The deep rural divide across the region is stark and persistent.

Rising rent strain at 20.5%

Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% signals growing housing pressure, with typical families dedicating over one-fifth of income to rent alone. The median home value of $199,000 remains unaffordable for many households earning below the county median.

Prioritize emergency funds and job training

With limited financial cushion, Alleghany households should focus on building 3–6 months of emergency savings before investing elsewhere. Investing in job training, trade certifications, and upskilling offers the highest return—potentially unlocking better-paying opportunities within or beyond the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Alleghany County

via HealthByCounty

Alleghany leads in longevity statewide

Alleghany County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 77.3 years, nearly a full year above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Despite this longevity advantage, 21.1% of residents report poor or fair health, suggesting underlying health challenges that warrant attention.

North Carolina's longevity leader

Alleghany County's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in North Carolina, exceeding the state average of 74.4 years by nearly three years. This exceptional longevity places the county in a select group of top-performing counties statewide.

Outstanding primary care resources

Alleghany County outpaces neighboring Ashe and Avery counties in life expectancy and boasts 100 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—triple the state average. The county's 229 mental health providers per 100,000 provide abundant behavioral health support, among the best in the region.

High uninsured rate despite resources

Alleghany County's 17.3% uninsured rate is the highest in this peer group, significantly above the state average of 12.5%. Even with robust provider access, lack of insurance creates barriers for residents seeking preventive and routine care.

Insurance unlocks quality care

Nearly one in six Alleghany County residents are uninsured, missing out on preventive services and discounted care. Visit healthcare.gov, call 211, or contact Alleghany Hospital to learn about Medicaid and marketplace options in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alleghany County

via RiskByCounty

Alleghany County ranks among America's safest

Alleghany County's composite risk score of 34.67 places it squarely in the "Very Low" category, substantially below the U.S. average. This mountain county benefits from lower exposure to severe weather hazards that plague many regions nationally.

Lowest-risk county in North Carolina

At 34.67, Alleghany County scores less than half the state average of 66.72, making it North Carolina's safest jurisdiction from natural disaster risk. This advantage reflects the county's geography and lower tornado and hurricane exposure.

Safer than surrounding mountain counties

Alleghany County's 34.67 score edges out Ashe County (66.76) and significantly underperforms Avery County (47.49) in the mountain region. The county's elevated wildfire risk at 45.77 represents its primary natural hazard concern relative to peers.

Wildfire is your principal natural hazard

Alleghany County's wildfire risk reaches 45.77, elevating it above flood (41.06) and earthquake (43.77) risks in the county's hazard profile. As a mountain county with extensive forestland, wildfire season requires your sustained attention.

Low risk allows strategic insurance choices

Alleghany County residents benefit from lower premiums reflecting your area's reduced natural disaster exposure. Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection, especially if your property borders forested land, and maintain defensible space by clearing vegetation near structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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