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Anson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#83 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.8
County Score
Cost of Living 66.3Weather & Climate 58.4Disaster Risk 50

County Report Card

About Anson County, North Carolina

Anson Faces Significant Livability Gaps

Anson County's composite score of 34.8 falls well below the national median of 50.0. This reflects systemic challenges across multiple categories that impact daily life for residents.

Below the North Carolina Average

Scoring nearly 10 points below the state average of 44.7, Anson struggles to keep pace with North Carolina's growth. It faces steeper hurdles in health and safety than many other counties in the state.

Low Housing Costs and Climate Stability

The county's greatest strength is affordability, with a cost score of 66.3 and a median home value of just $119,300. It also maintains a risk score of 50.0, suggesting relative stability against natural disasters.

Struggles in Income and Safety

Anson faces critical challenges with an income score of 6.3 and a safety score of 8.3. Health outcomes also lag behind, with a dimension score of 19.5 that indicates a need for better wellness infrastructure.

A Value Play for Determined Homebuyers

Anson suits individuals focused on finding the lowest possible entry price for homeownership. It is best for those who can commute to larger employment hubs while benefiting from the very low local cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax42.8Cost66.3Safety8.3Health19.5Schools35Income6.3Risk50Water41.5Weather58.4
🏛42.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.4
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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Stanly County
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Montgomery County
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Deep Dives

Anson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anson County

via TaxByCounty

Anson has North Carolina's highest tax burden

Anson County's effective tax rate of 0.933% is the highest in North Carolina and well above the national median of roughly 0.9%. Despite having the state's lowest median home value at $119,300, the county's elevated rate means homeowners pay a median of $1,113 annually.

Highest effective rate in the state

Anson County ranks first among all 100 North Carolina counties in effective property tax rate at 0.933%, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.701%. This 33% premium reflects the county's heavy reliance on property tax revenue.

Substantially higher than Piedmont peers

Anson's 0.933% rate far exceeds neighboring Union, Stanly, and Richmond counties, all of which fall between 0.65% and 0.75%. The gap reflects Anson's unique fiscal challenges and revenue needs as a rural Piedmont county.

High rate on modest homes

Even though Anson homes are the least expensive in the state (median $119,300), the county's elevated tax rate of 0.933% results in a median annual bill of $1,113. With mortgage deduction applied, the typical homeowner pays approximately $1,219 per year.

Challenge assessments in a tight market

In a county with rising tax rates and declining property values, overassessment is especially common and worth contesting. Homeowners should compare their assessment to recent arm's-length sales of similar properties and file an appeal if warranted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anson County

via CostByCounty

Anson's affordability crisis: income fails to keep pace

Anson County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% is the worst in our group, 4.4 percentage points above the national average—and driven by the state's lowest median household income of $44,245. Renters here dedicate nearly a quarter of their earnings to housing, far exceeding the sustainable threshold.

Anson ranks among North Carolina's hardest hit

With a 23.0% rent-to-income ratio, Anson County faces the steepest housing burden in this analysis, significantly worse than the state average of 18.6%. The combination of the lowest median income ($44,245) and above-average rent ($849) creates acute affordability stress.

Anson's housing costs exceed its income capacity

Anson's $849 monthly rent is the highest among low-income counties in this region, while the median household income of $44,245 is the lowest—a disadvantageous pairing. Even homeownership at $617/month doesn't fully relieve the burden when annual income is this constrained.

Nearly a quarter of income consumed by rent

Anson renters spend $849/month on a $44,245 annual income, leaving roughly $3,049 annually after rent—before taxes, utilities, food, or transportation. This rent-to-income ratio of 23% marks the critical threshold where housing affordability becomes a genuine hardship for working families.

Anson demands strong income foundation

Relocating to Anson County requires securing employment significantly above the median—the 23% rent-to-income ratio suggests that anyone earning closer to county median will struggle. If considering Anson, evaluate neighboring Alexander or Ashe counties where income-to-housing ratios are far more favorable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anson ranks among America's poorest

Anson County's median household income of $44,245 falls $30,510 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 15% of all U.S. counties. The county faces compounding economic challenges including job scarcity and wage stagnation.

Lowest incomes in North Carolina

Anson's $44,245 median household income ranks among the state's poorest, sitting 27.6% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072. Decades of manufacturing decline and limited economic diversification have left households with few income pathways.

Trapped in a cycle with struggling peers

Anson's $44,245 median income matches Alleghany County ($44,272) almost exactly, suggesting a regional economic crisis affecting multiple rural counties. Wealthier neighbors like Alamance ($64,445) demonstrate what diversified economies can achieve.

Housing consumes nearly one-quarter of income

Anson's rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% is among the nation's highest, meaning typical families dedicate nearly one-quarter of earnings to housing alone. With a median home value of only $119,300, even homeownership requires careful financial management.

Focus on stability and skill-building first

Given tight household budgets, Anson residents should prioritize stable employment and emergency savings (3–6 months) before other investments. Pursuing affordable education or certification programs in high-demand fields offers the most direct path to higher incomes and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anson County

via CrimeByCounty

Anson County Faces Higher Crime Volumes

Anson County reports a total crime rate of 2945.9 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.3 out of 100.

Safety Score Below the State Level

With a safety score of 95.3, Anson falls below the North Carolina average of 96.8. The county's crime rate of 2945.9 is higher than the state average of 2050.0.

Comparing Anson to Other Rural Counties

Anson's crime rate of 2945.9 is nearly double that of Bertie County, which sits at 1515.3. It also experiences higher activity than Beaufort County's rate of 785.0 per 100K.

Higher Rates for Property and Violence

Violent crime stands at 644.1 per 100K, nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2301.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Prioritizing Your Home Security

Given the elevated property crime rates, professional security monitoring is a wise choice for Anson residents. Ensuring your property is well-lit and locked helps reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anson County

via HealthByCounty

Anson faces serious health crisis

Anson County residents have a life expectancy of just 70.4 years—nearly six years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 23.4% poor or fair health rate is among the worst in North Carolina, signaling urgent health equity concerns.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Anson County's 70.4-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in North Carolina, trailing the state average of 74.4 years by four full years. This gap represents one of the state's most significant health disparities and demands targeted intervention.

Stark contrast to healthier counties

Anson County's 70.4-year life expectancy trails nearly every neighboring county significantly; Stanly and Union counties both show longer lifespans. The county's 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents are adequate on paper but may not reach all community members effectively.

Access and health behaviors matter

Anson County's 12.5% uninsured rate matches the state average, yet health outcomes remain starkly worse, suggesting barriers beyond insurance—including poverty, limited mental health resources (87 per 100,000), and chronic disease burden. Residents face compounding challenges in translating insurance access into actual health gains.

Health starts with coverage

Anson County faces North Carolina's most urgent health crisis, with life expectancy far below state averages. Ensure you and your family are insured: visit healthcare.gov, call 211, or reach out to Anson County Health Department to explore Medicaid and marketplace options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Anson County's Community-Focused Infrastructure

Anson County supports 2,964 students across nine public schools, including six elementary and two high schools. The entire county is served by a single unified school district.

Competitive Spending and Graduation Trends

The graduation rate of 86.0% is nearly in line with the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is a priority here, with $7,133 spent per student, exceeding the North Carolina average of $6,969.

Streamlined District Leadership

Anson County Schools is the sole provider of public education, with no charter schools currently operating in the county. This district-led approach ensures consistent standards across all nine campuses.

Rural Roots and Intimate Campus Sizes

Seven of the nine schools are located in rural settings, maintaining the county's small-town character. While the average size is 329 students, Anson Middle is the largest hub with 701 enrolled students.

Settle Near Anson's Local Schools

A home in Anson County offers the benefits of a single-district system with high per-pupil investment. Research properties in Wadesboro to stay close to the county's primary educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anson County

via RiskByCounty

Anson County carries moderate national risk

Anson County's composite risk score of 50.00 sits meaningfully below the U.S. median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite exposure to multiple hazard types. This south-central county faces notably elevated hurricane and tornado risks compared to its overall profile.

Below-average risk statewide, but notable threats

Anson County's 50.00 score falls below North Carolina's 66.72 state average, placing it in the safer tier of the state's counties. However, hurricane risk at 82.85 and tornado risk at 71.95 create seasonal vulnerability despite the county's favorable overall ranking.

Comparable to Richmond and Scotland neighbors

Anson County's 50.00 composite risk closely mirrors nearby south-central counties with similar geographic exposure. Wildfire risk at 58.46 runs higher than some neighbors, reflecting the Piedmont's seasonal fire danger.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate your hazards

Hurricane risk peaks at 82.85 in Anson County, followed closely by tornado risk at 71.95, making Atlantic storm season and spring weather your most critical periods. Wildfire risk of 58.46 adds a third seasonal threat during dry periods.

Prepare for wind and rotating storms

Anson County's elevated hurricane and tornado exposure demands wind-resistant installation and secure roof anchoring. Maintain a basement shelter or interior room for tornado season, and ensure your homeowners insurance explicitly covers wind damage from both hurricanes and rotating storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Anson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm southern sun

Anson County averages a warm 61.7°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median. This climate is defined by long, hot summers and high annual precipitation of 47.8 inches.

Above the state average

Anson's 61.7°F average is notably warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. It experiences nearly 60 days of extreme heat, far outpacing the state's typical weather profile.

Hotter than the central Piedmont

Anson is warmer and drier than Alamance County, recording 9 more days of extreme heat per year. While neighbors to the north see less heat, Anson embraces a true Deep South temperature profile.

Frequent heat and mild winters

Summer is intense here, with 59 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 80.5°F. Winters are brief and mild, seeing only 3.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for extreme summer heat

Reliable air conditioning is a necessity to handle the two months' worth of days above 90°F. Ensure outdoor spaces have ample shade and hydration options for the peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Anson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in the South

Anson County soils average a pH of 5.28, which is lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly higher than the state average of 5.14, making it typical for the region. No specific taxonomic order data is currently available for the county.

Sand-Heavy Soil Composition

The soil is 53.1% sand, 29.9% silt, and 16.2% clay. This creates a porous structure that is generally easy to plow and manage. The clay content is just high enough to help bind nutrients, preventing them from washing away too rapidly.

Low Organic Matter Challenges

At 1.32%, the organic matter is below the national average of 2.0% and well below the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.131 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state average of 0.134. Growers should focus on adding compost or cover crops to improve soil health over time.

Water Management in the Piedmont

Data regarding specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently limited for Anson. Given the sand-dominant composition, the soil likely drains at a moderate to fast rate. Farmers and builders should verify local conditions, as clay pockets can still cause localized drainage issues.

Warm Weather Growing in Zone 8a

Anson’s Zone 8a climate allows for a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and cotton. The sandy soils warm up quickly in the spring, giving gardeners an early start. Get your seeds in the ground and take advantage of the long Carolina summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Anson

Anson County has a lawn difficulty score of 33.4, indicating it is much harder to maintain a lawn here than the North Carolina average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this area faces intense heat and persistent dry cycles. Success requires a proactive approach to soil health and water management.

Intense Heat and High GDD

Lawns in Anson must survive 59 extreme heat days annually, which is over 50% higher than the state average. The 5,140 growing degree days signal an aggressive growing season that requires frequent maintenance and high water demand. While 47.8 inches of rain falls annually, the high heat often evaporates moisture before it reaches roots.

Acidic Soil and Sandy Texture

Anson's soil pH sits at 5.28, which is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by common turfgrasses. The soil is 53.1% sand and 16.2% clay, creating a texture that may struggle to hold onto fertilizers. Adding lime and organic compost is vital for creating a foundation where grass can actually thrive.

Widespread Severe Drought Impacts

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, having endured 32 weeks of drought over the past year. In these conditions, dormant-seeding and water-saving technologies like smart controllers are highly recommended. Grasses should be left longer during the summer to protect the soil surface from the relentless sun.

Heat-Tolerant Turf is Essential

Focus on heat-tolerant, warm-season grasses like Centipedegrass or Bermuda to handle the 59 days of 90°F+ temperatures. Seeding should occur between the last spring frost on March 24 and the first fall frost on November 9. These varieties are best equipped to survive the local climate and recover from the frequent dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anson County's county score?
Anson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 34.8 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 Anson County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Anson County ranks #83 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 Anson County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Anson County is $1,113, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Anson County a tax score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anson County?
The median household income in Anson County, North Carolina is $44,245 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anson County earns an income score of 6.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Anson County scores 34.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Anson 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 Anson 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.