CountyScore

Ashe County

North Carolina · NC

#19 in North Carolina
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ashe County, North Carolina

Ashe achieves top-tier livability

Ashe County scores 77.1, landing in the 77th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among America's most livable communities across measured dimensions.

Outranks state average by 4.4

Ashe's 77.1 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 72.7, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 100 counties. The county consistently delivers above-average livability.

Tax champion with affordable living

Ashe leads with a tax score of 87.9 and the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.512%—saving residents thousands annually. A cost score of 84.2 supports this with median rent at $774 and homes valued at $221,900.

Income growth remains constrained

The income score of 16.6 reflects median household earnings of $50,827, indicating limited local job market opportunities for high earners. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unreported.

Ideal for tax-minimizing mountain dwellers

Ashe County is perfect for retirees and remote workers who value mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and minimal tax burden. The low-income score signals limited career advancement locally, making it best for those with independent income streams.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.9Cost84.2SafetyComing SoonHealth66SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.6Risk33.2WaterComing Soon
🏛87.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.2
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 Ashe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Blaine County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $84,470

Deep Dives

Ashe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ashe County

via TaxByCounty

Ashe County offers lowest-in-state tax rates

Ashe County's effective tax rate of 0.512% ranks in the nation's bottom 5%, far below the national median of roughly 0.9%. On the median home valued at $221,900, residents pay just $1,136 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690.

Fourth-lowest rate in North Carolina

Ashe County ranks among the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in North Carolina with a 0.512% effective rate, well below the state average of 0.701%. The median annual tax of $1,136 is 21% lower than the state median of $1,433.

Best rates in the High Country region

Ashe's 0.512% rate is significantly lower than nearby Watauga, Wilkes, and Alleghany counties, positioning it as the most affordable mountain county in northwestern North Carolina. This tax advantage has attracted growing numbers of retirees and remote workers.

Mountain property, exceptional tax value

A median-valued home in Ashe County ($221,900) generates an estimated annual tax of $1,136 without mortgage deduction. With mortgage interest factored in, the typical homeowner's bill rises to about $1,153 per year.

Verify your assessment despite low rates

Even in one of the nation's lowest-tax counties, individual assessments can be inaccurate or out of sync with recent sales. Ashe homeowners should review comparable property sales and request a reassessment if they believe their valuation is too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ashe County

via CostByCounty

Ashe: affordable rents, moderate income trade-off

Ashe County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% is nearly identical to the national average of 18.6%, despite a median household income of $50,827—about $24,000 below the national norm. The county's success hinges on keeping median rent low at $774/month, just $164 below the state average.

Ashe keeps pace with North Carolina averages

At 18.3%, Ashe's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 18.6%, placing it squarely in the moderate affordability range for North Carolina. The county's median rent of $774 is comfortably below the state median of $938.

Ashe balances rents and mountain home values

Ashe's $774 monthly rent is mid-range among peers, but its median home value of $221,900 matches Alamance despite lower income, suggesting strong mountain real estate appeal. Owner costs at $683/month offer reasonable paths to homeownership compared to neighboring counties.

Ashe renters maintain modest budget flexibility

At $774/month, Ashe renters spend 18.3% of their $50,827 annual income on housing, leaving roughly $4,270 annually for taxes, utilities, food, and savings. Homeowners at $683/month face an even lighter burden, with median home values near $222,000 providing long-term equity.

Ashe offers balanced mountain living

If you're relocating to North Carolina's mountains, Ashe County delivers near-state-average affordability with lower incomes than the national norm—ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking scenic surroundings. Compare against Alexander (cheaper rents) and Avery (similar affordability but higher home values) to determine your best value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ashe County

via IncomeByCounty

Ashe's income lags national median by 32%

Ashe County's median household income of $50,827 trails the national median of $74,755 by $23,928, ranking the county in the bottom 30% nationwide. The gap reflects limited economic opportunities in this rural mountain region.

Below-average but not among the worst

At $50,827, Ashe's median household income falls 16.8% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it in the lower third statewide. The county's scenic mountains attract tourism and retirement migrants, but job quality remains uneven.

Outearning poorest peers but lagging wealthier ones

Ashe's $50,827 median income surpasses Alleghany County ($44,272) and Anson County ($44,245) but trails nearby Avery County ($57,657). The variation suggests economic vitality depends heavily on local employer presence and workforce composition.

Housing affordability holds at 18.3%

Ashe's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% remains below the 30% threshold, though it's rising compared to wealthier peers. The median home value of $221,900 actually exceeds the county median income, creating challenges for first-time buyers.

Leverage low housing ratios for wealth growth

With only 18.3% of income going to rent, Ashe households have breathing room to build savings and invest in assets. Starting a modest automatic savings plan—even $50–100 monthly—can provide a financial cushion and lay the groundwork for homeownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ashe County

via HealthByCounty

Ashe residents live well

Ashe County residents have a life expectancy of 75.7 years, just shy of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 17.8% poor or fair health rate is notably better than the national average, reflecting relatively good overall health status.

Above average for North Carolina

Ashe County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year state average by more than a year, placing it in the upper tier of county health rankings. The county performs well on both longevity and self-reported health measures.

Strong performer in mountain region

Ashe County's 75.7-year life expectancy compares well to neighboring Alleghany (77.3 years) and Avery (75.9 years) counties in the western mountains. The county provides 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 177 mental health providers, offering solid healthcare infrastructure.

Modest uninsured rate, stable access

Ashe County's 13.6% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, yet the county maintains reasonable primary and mental health provider density. Residents enjoy relatively good access to care, though rural geography may still create travel challenges for some.

Close the coverage gap

One in seven Ashe County residents lack health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Check healthcare.gov or call 211 to find Medicaid, marketplace, or employer coverage options available to you today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ashe County

via RiskByCounty

Ashe County approaches national average risk

Ashe County's composite risk score of 66.76 sits slightly above the U.S. baseline, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This northwestern mountain county experiences meaningful exposure to flooding and tornadoes, particularly during spring and fall storm systems.

Nearly matches North Carolina's state average

At 66.76, Ashe County practically mirrors North Carolina's 66.72 state average, placing it directly in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county's flood risk at 76.78 elevates it notably compared to its mountain-region peers.

Riskier than Alleghany, safer than Watauga

Ashe County's 66.76 score significantly exceeds safe Alleghany County's 34.67, while comparing closely to neighboring mountain counties. The county's elevated flood risk distinguishes it from surrounding peaks-and-valleys geography.

Flooding takes the lead, followed by tornadoes

Flood risk reaches 76.78 in Ashe County, making it your most pressing natural hazard concern as streams and rivers swell during heavy rains. Tornado risk of 39.82 runs lower than many North Carolina counties, but spring storms still demand preparation.

Flood insurance is essential for Ashe residents

With flood risk at 76.78, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is critical for any property in mapped flood zones or valleys. Maintain gutters and drainage systems to direct water away from structures, and know your evacuation routes.

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.