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Bertie County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#60 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 62.1Water Quality 61Cost of Living 57.9

County Report Card

About Bertie County, North Carolina

Bertie Lags Behind National Standards

Bertie County's composite score of 40.7 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers some benefits, it faces significant headwinds in economic and health categories.

Tracking Below State Averages

Bertie’s score of 40.7 is lower than the North Carolina average of 44.7. The county represents a more challenging rural environment compared to the state's faster-growing regions.

Clean Water and Affordable Living

Bertie performs well in water quality with a score of 61.0. The cost of living is also a draw, evidenced by a score of 57.9 and a remarkably low median home value of $95,800.

Persistent Economic and Health Gaps

The income score is a very low 8.2, reflecting a median household income of $45,931. Health outcomes also represent a major challenge, with a dimension score of 21.3.

Suited for Low-Cost Rural Living

Bertie is best for individuals who seek a quiet, rural lifestyle with very low entry costs for housing. It is a viable option for those who prioritize clean water and affordability over local job growth and healthcare access.

2040608010053.657.934.821.336.78.233.66162.1Tax53.6Cost57.9Safety34.8Health21.3Schools36.7Income8.2Risk33.6Water61Weather62.140.7/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Bertie County DNA

Foverall

How Bertie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bertie County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (8.2/100), though Cost of Living (57.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.6
Cost
57.9+9.899999999999999
Safety
34.8-20.200000000000003
Health
21.3-28.7
Schools
36.7-17.299999999999997
Income
8.2-42.8
Risk
33.6-13.399999999999999
Water
61
Weather
62.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$95,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$824/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$95,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,931/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.4

per 100K

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

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Nearby counties

Martin County
North Carolina
34.3
Chowan County
North Carolina
48.1
Hertford County
North Carolina
39.1
Washington County
North Carolina
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Gates County
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Edgecombe County
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Perquimans County
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Halifax County
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Deep Dives

Bertie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bertie County

via TaxByCounty

Bertie County taxes above national average

Bertie County's effective tax rate of 0.797% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.9% and the state average of 0.701%. However, because median homes are valued at just $95,800—the state's second-lowest—the median annual tax is only $764, well below national norms.

Above-average rate on low-value property

Bertie County ranks in the upper third of North Carolina counties by tax rate at 0.797%, exceeding the state average of 0.701%. Yet the median home value of $95,800 is among the lowest in the state, keeping the median tax bill to $764—below the state median of $1,433.

Highest rate in the northeastern region

Bertie's 0.797% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Edgecombe, Martin, and Halifax counties, all of which fall between 0.65% and 0.74%. This difference reflects Bertie's fiscal structure and its smaller property tax base.

Rural property, modest but steep rate

The median home in Bertie County is valued at just $95,800, but the elevated 0.797% tax rate produces an annual bill of approximately $764 without mortgage deduction. With mortgage interest included, homeowners typically pay around $983 per year.

High rates make accuracy checks essential

When tax rates are above average, even modest overassessments can compound into significant overbilling over time. Bertie homeowners should carefully review their assessment, compare recent property sales, and challenge any valuation that exceeds local market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bertie County

via CostByCounty

Bertie struggles with affordability despite low rents

Bertie County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% significantly exceeds the national average of 18.6%, driven by the second-lowest median household income in this group at $45,931. Despite moderate rent at $824/month, limited earnings create substantial housing burden for local residents.

Bertie ranks among North Carolina's affordability challenges

At 21.5%, Bertie's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.6% by nearly 3 percentage points, placing it among the state's more strained counties. With median household income of just $45,931, Bertie residents face disproportionate housing cost burden.

Bertie's low home values mask income constraints

Bertie's $824 monthly rent is moderate, but its median home value of just $95,800—the lowest in this group—reflects limited local economic opportunity. While homeownership is theoretically affordable at $766/month, the underlying income challenge remains: $45,931 annual earnings against 21.5% housing cost burden.

Over a fifth of Bertie income goes to housing

Renters spend $824/month on a $45,931 annual income, allocating 21.5% to housing and leaving roughly $3,026 annually after rent for all other expenses. Homeowners at $766/month face similar strain, with limited surplus for savings or emergencies given the overall income floor.

Bertie demands stable, above-average income

Relocating to Bertie County requires securing employment well above the county median—a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates most residents are stretched thin. If considering Bertie, evaluate neighboring Beaufort County (better income-to-housing ratio at 17.8%) or coastal alternatives with stronger economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bertie County

via IncomeByCounty

Bertie ranks among America's poorest

Bertie County's median household income of $45,931 falls $28,824 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 20% of all U.S. counties. The county faces persistent poverty and limited economic opportunity.

Lowest incomes in North Carolina

Bertie's $45,931 median household income ranks among the state's poorest, sitting 24.8% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072. Decades of agricultural decline and rural depopulation have left households with fewer income sources.

Struggling alongside Anson and Alleghany

Bertie's $45,931 median income closely mirrors Anson County ($44,245) and Alleghany County ($44,272), revealing a consistent poverty belt across rural North Carolina. Only Beaufort County ($57,997) in the broader region shows stronger earnings.

Housing strain intensifies at 21.5%

Bertie's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% places housing costs near the affordability danger zone, with typical families dedicating more than one-fifth of income to rent. The median home value of only $95,800 offers the region's most accessible homeownership entry point.

Prioritize emergency savings and job training

With tight household budgets and housing costs climbing toward 30%, Bertie residents should focus first on building 3–6 months of emergency savings. Investing in affordable job training, trade certifications, or remote work skills offers the highest return and best path to improved financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bertie County

via CrimeByCounty

Bertie County Below National Crime Rates

Bertie County maintains a safety score of 97.6, with a total crime rate of 1515.3 per 100K. This figure is well below the national average rate of 2,385.5.

Solid Safety Rank in North Carolina

Bertie's safety score of 97.6 is higher than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Its crime rate of 1515.3 also remains below the state average of 2050.0.

How Bertie Compares to Its Neighbors

The crime rate of 1515.3 in Bertie is higher than Beaufort County's 785.0. However, it is significantly safer than Alamance County, which reports 2856.0 per 100K.

Violent Crime Trends in Bertie

Violent crime sits at 409.7 per 100K, slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is reported at 1105.6 per 100K, making it the primary local concern.

Protecting Your Bertie County Property

With violent crime slightly elevated, security cameras and good exterior lighting are recommended. These tools help deter property crime and increase overall safety for residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bertie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small, Community-Driven Schools in Bertie

Bertie County supports 1,831 students across seven public schools within a single district. The network is composed of four elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Prioritizing Investment in Rural Students

The county's 84.0% graduation rate is currently below the state average, but funding remains a priority. At $7,542 per pupil, Bertie County spends significantly more than the North Carolina average of $6,969.

Unified Leadership for Bertie Students

Bertie County Schools is the sole educational provider, ensuring all resources are focused through one district. There are no charter schools in the area, allowing for a highly specialized local public system.

Purely Rural, Intimate Learning Spaces

All seven schools are located in rural areas, maintaining a small-town atmosphere with an average of 262 students per school. Bertie High and Bertie Middle are the largest hubs, each with over 400 students.

Small-Town Living Near Bertie Schools

Bertie County is ideal for families seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil investment in a rural setting. Explore homes near Windsor to be part of this dedicated local school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bertie County

via RiskByCounty

Bertie County carries near-average national risk

Bertie County's composite risk score of 66.38 sits just slightly below the U.S. average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's significant hurricane exposure (93.33) distinguishes it despite moderate overall risk.

Essentially matches North Carolina's state average

At 66.38, Bertie County mirrors North Carolina's 66.72 state average almost exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county's hurricane risk at 93.33 represents its most distinctive hazard vulnerability.

Safer than coastal Beaufort, similar to inland peers

Bertie County's 66.38 score significantly trails the riskier Beaufort County (88.17) immediately to the east. The county sits in an interesting vulnerability band—more exposed to hurricanes than inland counties, but less threatened than directly coastal jurisdictions.

Hurricane risk towers above all other hazards

Hurricane risk reaches 93.33 in Bertie County, making it your dominant natural hazard concern by far. Tornado risk at 62.05 and flood risk at 46.37 rank substantially lower, but tropical storm season demands your full preparation efforts.

Hurricane preparation is your primary priority

With hurricane risk at 93.33, Bertie County residents should invest in storm-resistant upgrades like reinforced roofing and impact-resistant windows. Maintain homeowners insurance with current replacement-cost coverage, prepare a hurricane kit each spring, and review your evacuation plan annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bertie County

via WaterByCounty

Bertie County Earns Average C Compliance Grade

Bertie County recorded just one health violation over the last five years, resulting in a C grade. Its violation rate of 5.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of 31.7. Despite the single violation, the county's overall compliance record remains better than many other parts of the state.

Watershed Assessments Show No Impairment

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 0.0% of the assessed water bodies in Bertie County were found to be impaired. While only one water body has been formally evaluated under Clean Water Act §303(d) standards, it met all health requirements. This suggests that the county's assessed surface waters are currently in good condition.

Thousands of Measurements Track Chemical Safety

Monitoring efforts at 12 sites in Bertie County have generated 10,497 measurements over the past five years. Data collection is largely focused on physical characteristics, organic compounds, and pesticides. This robust data set provides a detailed look at potential chemical influences in the local environment.

Cashie River Flow Reaches Critical Low

The USGS gauge on the Cashie River near Windsor reports a current flow of just 1 cfs. This is only 1% of the long-term mean of 105 cfs, indicating near-stagnant conditions. Such low flow levels can significantly impact the river's ability to dilute pollutants and support aquatic life.

Monitor Water Quality During Stagnant Flows

With the Cashie River flowing at just 1% of its typical volume, residents should be wary of changes in water quality due to stagnation. The county's C grade and focus on pesticide monitoring suggest that household filtration could be beneficial. Always report unusual odors or colors in tap water to local authorities during these extreme low-flow events.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bertie County

via WeatherByCounty

Sultry southern lowlands

Bertie County maintains a warm 61.1°F annual average, comfortably exceeding the national median. This region is characterized by significant humidity and a lack of freezing winter extremes.

Hotter summers than average

Bertie is warmer than the state average of 59.3°F and features 53 days of extreme heat. It receives 49.5 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than the North Carolina average.

Similar to the coastal plains

Bertie is slightly cooler than its southern neighbor Beaufort County by 1.2 degrees. However, it faces 14 more days of extreme heat per year than Beaufort, suggesting more intense summer spikes.

Intense heat and negligible snow

Summers are long and hot, with 53 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winter is exceptionally mild, averaging just 0.6 inches of snow and a January temperature of 42.1°F.

Stay cool and hydrated

With 53 days of extreme heat, efficient home cooling is the top priority for residents. Winter gear can be minimal, as snowfall is almost non-existent at just over half an inch annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bertie County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of the Inner Banks

Bertie County soils are acidic with an average pH of 4.89, which is well below the national median of 6.5. This is also more acidic than the state average of 5.14. Like much of the coastal plain, these soils are shaped by their proximity to the Albemarle Sound.

Sand-Dominant Riverine Soils

The soil is 61.7% sand, 23.4% silt, and 12.3% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and makes the soil warm up quickly in the spring sun. It is a light, easy-to-work texture that is favored for specific row crops like peanuts.

Solid Organic Foundation

At 3.10%, the organic matter is healthy, exceeding the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.139 in/in, which is slightly above the North Carolina average of 0.134. This means the soil has a good balance of fertility and moisture retention for a sandy region.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

Drainage class and hydrologic group data are not yet mapped for Bertie County. The high sand percentage usually implies quick water movement, but the low-lying elevation can lead to drainage challenges. Growers should be mindful of local elevation and the potential for water to sit during wet seasons.

Peanuts and More in Zone 8a

Bertie’s Zone 8a climate and sandy soils are legendary for peanut production and cotton. These conditions also support thriving vegetable gardens with crops like sweet potatoes and melons. Take advantage of the easy-to-till soil and start your planting season early.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bertie County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battle for Bertie Lawns

Bertie County's lawn difficulty score of 28.6 highlights a challenging environment for homeowners, falling well below the North Carolina average. This Zone 8a county requires intensive management to overcome poor soil quality and intense summer heat. Without regular intervention, traditional lawns are likely to struggle and thin out.

Extreme Heat and Fast Growth

Bertie experiences 53 extreme heat days, far exceeding the state average and putting immense stress on cool-season grasses. The 4,996 growing degree days suggest a long, productive season that requires frequent mowing and fertilization. While 49.5 inches of rain is nearly ideal, the heat intensity often necessitates supplemental irrigation.

Sandy Foundations Need Work

With a high sand content of 61.7% and a low pH of 4.89, Bertie's soil is a difficult host for turf. Sand-heavy soils drain fast but don't retain the nutrients provided by fertilizers, and the acidity can lock those nutrients away. To succeed, you must aggressively raise the pH with lime and add compost to improve moisture retention.

Severe Drought Dominates the Landscape

Bertie County is currently 96% covered by severe drought conditions after 36 weeks of dry weather this past year. For sandy soils, this lack of rain is devastating, as the ground holds very little reserve moisture. Homeowners should prioritize water conservation and avoid any heavy pruning or high-stress maintenance during these peaks.

Choosing Rugged Grass Varieties

Bermudagrass is the top recommendation for Bertie County because it can handle both the 53 heat days and the sandy soil. Aim to plant after the last frost on March 29 and before the first fall frost on November 7. Given the soil's acidity, ensure you test and treat your soil well before laying any new sod or seed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bertie County's county score?
Bertie County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Bertie County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Bertie County ranks #60 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 Bertie County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Bertie County is $764, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Bertie County a tax score of 53.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bertie County?
The median household income in Bertie County, North Carolina is $45,931 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bertie County earns an income score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bertie County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Bertie County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Bertie 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 Bertie 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.