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Alleghany County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#9 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
59
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 73.9Cost of Living 67.3

County Report Card

About Alleghany County, North Carolina

Alleghany Ranks High Nationally

With a composite score of 59.0, Alleghany County performs impressively against the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the more livable rural counties in the United States.

Leading the Way in North Carolina

Alleghany's score of 59.0 is significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This high ranking highlights the county's success in providing a stable environment compared to its state peers.

Pristine Water and Low Taxes

The county boasts an elite water score of 86.0 and a strong tax score of 73.9. Education is another bright spot, with a school score of 65.5 that outpaces most surrounding areas.

Limited Local Income Potential

The county’s main challenge is its income score of 6.4, driven by a median household income of $44,272. This indicates that while the cost of living is manageable, local high-wage opportunities are scarce.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Alleghany is a top-tier destination for those with external income sources, such as retirees or remote professionals. It offers exceptional environmental quality and low taxes for those who don't rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax73.9Cost67.3Safety56.9Health38.7Schools65.5Income6.4Risk65.4Water86Weather63.3
🏛73.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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65.7
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Wilkes County
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Surry County
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Deep Dives

Alleghany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Alleghany County

via CrimeByCounty

Outstanding Safety in Alleghany County

Alleghany County earns a high safety score of 98.4, with a crime rate of just 991.9 per 100K. This is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

One of North Carolina's Safer Areas

The county's safety score of 98.4 easily beats the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 991.9 is less than half of the state average of 2050.0 per 100K.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

Alleghany's crime rate of 991.9 is lower than Ashe County at 1225.7 and Alexander County at 1312.1. It stands out as a particularly quiet pocket in the region.

Violent Crime is Exceptionally Rare

The violent crime rate is just 54.6 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 937.3 per 100K.

Keeping Your Home Secure and Safe

Even with low crime rates, basic precautions like locking doors and windows are recommended. Simple security measures help ensure Alleghany remains a low-crime community for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Alleghany County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Mountain Schools in Alleghany

Alleghany County operates just four public schools serving 1,421 students within a single district. The landscape features three elementary schools and one high school, prioritizing a high-touch educational environment.

Standout Graduation Rates and High Investment

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 88.0%. This success is backed by per-pupil spending of $8,025, which is over $1,000 higher than the state average.

Dedicated Single-District Service

Alleghany County Schools manages the entire educational mission with no charter schools operating in the region. This allows the district to focus resources entirely on its core student population of 1,421.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

All schools in the county are classified as rural, providing a consistent and quiet atmosphere for learning. Average school size is just 355 students, with Piney Creek Elementary offering an exceptionally small environment of 185 students.

Invest in Your Family's Future in Alleghany

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Alleghany County is a top choice for education-minded buyers. Explore mountain homes near Sparta to join this high-performing school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Alleghany County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler mountain air

Alleghany County's average temperature of 52.6°F is lower than the national median, reflecting its high-elevation landscape. It receives a robust 57.1 inches of precipitation, making it much wetter than the typical U.S. county.

A cool North Carolina outlier

Alleghany is significantly cooler than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. Its 18.6 inches of annual snowfall dwarfs the state norm, marking it as one of the state's true mountain environments.

Slightly warmer than its neighbors

Though cold, Alleghany is actually 1.8 degrees warmer on average than nearby Ashe County. It experiences 12 days of extreme heat compared to Ashe's single annual 90°F day.

Long winters and mild summers

Winter dominates the calendar with an average temperature of 34.9°F and 18.6 inches of snow. Summers remain exceptionally pleasant, with July temperatures averaging just 72.7°F.

Prioritize heating and winter prep

High-performance home heating and snow removal equipment are essential for the nearly 19 inches of snow. Conversely, many residents can skip central air conditioning as temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alleghany County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Inceptisols and Acidic Profiles

Alleghany County features Inceptisols with an average pH of 5.02, making it significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. These relatively young soils are still developing and reflect the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge. The soil is even more acidic than the North Carolina state average of 5.14.

Fine Sandy Loam Texture

The soil is classified as a fine sandy loam, composed of 45.6% sand, 36.1% silt, and 14.2% clay. This mix provides excellent workability and is prized for its balanced physical properties. It allows for quick drainage while maintaining enough silt to prevent instant drying.

Rich Organic Matter for Higher Altitudes

Organic matter is impressive at 3.84%, nearly doubling the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.141 in/in also exceeds the state average of 0.134. These metrics point to a highly fertile foundation that naturally supports robust plant growth.

Excessive Drainage and Sloped Terrain

The dominant drainage class is 'somewhat excessively drained,' belonging to hydrologic group B. This means water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of root rot but increasing the need for irrigation during dry spells. It is an ideal setup for crops that dislike 'wet feet' but require careful erosion management on slopes.

Cool Weather Success in Zone 7a

The cooler Zone 7a climate and well-drained loams are perfect for Fraser firs and specialty mountain produce. Christmas tree farming is a natural fit for this soil-climate combination. Start your mountain garden today and take advantage of that rich organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alleghany County

via LawnByCounty

Mountain Lawns in Alleghany

Alleghany County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.5, making it significantly easier to maintain than the typical North Carolina yard. As a Zone 7a region, it experiences cooler temperatures and shorter growing windows than much of the state. These conditions are generally favorable for cool-season grasses that struggle elsewhere.

Abundant Water and Cool Summers

Lawns enjoy 57.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average and the ideal lawn range. With only 12 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces much less sun-scorch risk than the state average of 38 days. The lower 3,003 growing degree days mean your mowing frequency will be lower than in the Piedmont.

Sandy Loam and Low pH

The soil is classified as a fine sandy loam that is somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through it quickly. However, the pH level of 5.02 is quite low, requiring lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range needed for healthy grass. With 45.6% sand and 14.2% clay, you'll need to focus on building organic matter to hold nutrients.

Resilient Against Extreme Drought

Only 6.7% of Alleghany County faces severe drought, making it much more resilient than neighboring regions. While the county saw 24 weeks of general drought conditions, the high precipitation usually provides a sufficient safety net. Routine mulching of grass clippings can further protect the soil from the occasional dry stretch.

Best Grasses for Higher Elevations

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are perfect for the Zone 7a climate in the Blue Ridge. Plan your planting around the shorter growing season, which begins after the April 22 frost and ends by October 22. These cooler windows provide the perfect environment for root establishment without heat stress.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alleghany County's county score?
Alleghany County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 59 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 Alleghany County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Alleghany County ranks #9 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 Alleghany County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Alleghany County is $1,202, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Alleghany County a tax score of 73.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alleghany County?
The median household income in Alleghany County, North Carolina is $44,272 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alleghany County earns an income score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alleghany County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Alleghany County scores 59/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Alleghany 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 Alleghany County with other counties side by side.

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