countyscore

Bladen County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#67 in North Carolina
39.3
County Score
Cost of Living 74.3Weather & Climate 57.6Schools 43

County Report Card

About Bladen County, North Carolina

Affordability Amidst Economic Headwinds

Bladen County earns a composite score of 39.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile where significant housing affordability balances against limited economic opportunity.

Below the North Carolina Average

The county's overall score sits roughly 5 points behind the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This gap highlights the challenges facing rural communities in the state compared to faster-growing hubs.

Exceptional Housing Value

Bladen excels in affordability with a cost score of 70.8, driven by a median gross rent of just $752. Homebuyers also find value here, with median home prices sitting at an accessible $125,800.

Economic and Health Hurdles

The county faces significant challenges in income and health, scoring 6.7 and 21.1 respectively. A median household income of $44,528 and low environmental risk scores suggest a need for infrastructure and economic investment.

The Verdict for Budget Seekers

Bladen is a strong fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low living costs over local job market strength. It offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with some of the lowest property entry points in the state.

2040608010042.374.323.821.143415.440.857.6Tax42.3Cost74.3Safety23.8Health21.1Schools43Income4Risk15.4Water40.8Weather57.639.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Bladen County DNA

Foverall

How Bladen County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bladen County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (4/100), though Cost of Living (74.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.3-9.700000000000003
Cost
74.3+26.299999999999997
Safety
23.8-31.2
Health
21.1-28.9
Schools
43-11
Income
4-47
Risk
15.4-31.6
Water
40.8-17.200000000000003
Weather
57.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bladen County?

Many homeowners in Bladen County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,422/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Bladen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bladen County

via TaxByCounty

Bladen's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.904%, Bladen County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,137 annually, compared to a national median of $2,690—meaning Bladen homeowners pay less than half the typical American property tax bill.

Higher than most North Carolina counties

Bladen's 0.904% rate exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by about 29%, putting it in the higher tier of the state's 100 counties. While most Tar Heel homeowners benefit from lower tax rates, Bladen residents shoulder a steeper burden relative to their state peers.

Bladen sits mid-range in the region

Bladen's 0.904% rate falls between Brunswick County (0.569%) to the east and Burke County (0.699%) to the northwest. Among southeastern North Carolina counties, Bladen's tax burden is moderate but noticeably higher than coastal peers like Carteret (0.450%).

Median home taxes near $1,100 annually

With a median home value of $125,800 and an effective rate of 0.904%, Bladen homeowners typically pay around $1,137 in annual property tax. For those with a mortgage, the bill climbs to roughly $1,328 when including other escrow items.

Many Bladen homes may be overassessed

Property assessments are not always accurate, and homeowners who believe their homes are overvalued can appeal their assessments to reduce their tax burden. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, a formal appeal could lower your annual tax bill.

Income & Jobs in Bladen County

via IncomeByCounty

Bladen trails national income average

Bladen County's median household income of $44,528 falls significantly below the national median of $74,755, a gap of $30,227. This places the county in the lower income tier nationally, reflecting economic challenges that require targeted workforce development and investment.

Bottom tier among NC counties

At $44,528, Bladen County ranks among North Carolina's lowest-income counties, trailing the state average of $61,072 by $16,544. This 27% income gap highlights disparities within the state's economic landscape.

Neighbors earn 20–50% more

Burke County ($55,684) and Caldwell County ($55,401) earn roughly 25% more than Bladen's median household income, while more affluent neighbors like Cabarrus County ($86,084) earn nearly double. Regional inequality suggests uneven economic opportunity across adjacent communities.

Housing remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.3%, Bladen County households spend a manageable share of earnings on housing—right at the national affordability threshold. A median home value of $125,800 keeps homeownership accessible, though lower incomes limit overall wealth-building capacity.

Start small, build long-term wealth

Even modest household incomes can grow through consistent saving and investing. Consider employer retirement plans, emergency savings of 3–6 months of expenses, and low-cost index funds to compound wealth over time—every dollar counts toward financial security.

Safety in Bladen County

via CrimeByCounty

Bladen County Shows Strong National Safety Profile

Bladen County maintains an impressive safety score of 97.0, outperforming many jurisdictions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,922.3 per 100K residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Above Average Safety in North Carolina

The county's safety score of 97.0 sits slightly higher than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement efforts keep the total crime rate at 1,922.3 per 100K, which is lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

Comparing Bladen to Regional Neighbors

While Bladen is safer than the state average, it faces a higher crime rate than neighboring Brunswick County, which reports 1,268.2 incidents per 100K. However, Bladen remains significantly more secure than inland counties like Burke.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 1,620.4 per 100K residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 301.9 per 100K, which is lower than both the state average and the national benchmark of 369.8.

Simple Steps Enhance Home Security

Residents help maintain these safe statistics by practicing basic home security awareness. Installing motion-sensor lighting and secure locks provides an effective first line of defense against property theft.

Weather & Climate in Bladen County

via WeatherByCounty

A Toasty Subtropical Climate

Bladen County’s average annual temperature of 62.1°F sits well above the national median, characterizing its humid subtropical climate. The area experiences significantly more warmth than many interior U.S. regions throughout the year.

Warmer Than the State Average

With a 62.1°F average, the county remains consistently warmer than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It ranks among the toastier counties in the southern coastal plain.

High Humidity and Rainfall

Bladen receives 53.3 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the state average of 51.5 inches. This moisture supports the lush, swampy terrain shared with its southeastern neighbors.

Searing Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 55 days of extreme heat annually where temperatures top 90°F. While July averages a sweltering 80.8°F, winters remain mild with a 45.2°F average; snowfall data is limited but frozen precipitation is rare.

Prioritize Cooling and Moisture Control

High-efficiency air conditioning is essential to manage the 55 annual days of extreme heat. Since winters are mild, residents should focus their home maintenance on humidity control and summer cooling systems.

Soil Quality in Bladen County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Bladen

Bladen County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.90, which is lower than the North Carolina average of 5.14. This level sits significantly below the national median of 6.5, requiring local growers to carefully manage soil chemistry.

Sand-Heavy Textures Define the Landscape

The soil composition is dominated by 64.3% sand, leaving just 20.2% silt and 10.5% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability and fast movement of water, though it can make nutrient retention a challenge for some crops.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Bladen boasts an organic matter content of 6.84%, which is much higher than the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.141 in/in also beats the state average, providing a strong foundation for plant growth.

Fast Drainage for Sandy Grounds

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 64.3% sand concentration typically indicates rapid water movement through the soil profile. This drainage style prevents waterlogging but requires consistent monitoring of moisture levels during dry spells.

Perfect Conditions for Coastal Favorites

In hardiness zone 8b, Bladen's organic-rich soil is ideal for blueberries and heat-tolerant shrubs. With an overall soil score of 37.1—well above the state average of 29.4—your home garden has a great head start.

Lawn Care in Bladen County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Significant Challenges in Bladen County

Maintaining a lawn here is difficult, with a lawn difficulty score of 24.3 out of 100. This is significantly tougher than the state average of 40.8 and the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b must work harder to keep grass thriving in this demanding environment.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall Requirements

The county faces 55 extreme heat days annually, far surpassing the state average of 38. While 53.3 inches of annual precipitation provides ample water, the 5,246 growing degree days suggest grass grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing. Although specific growing season dates are unavailable, the high heat demands a strict summer irrigation schedule.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The soil pH of 4.90 is critically low compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring regular lime applications to neutralize acidity. With a high sand content of 64.3% and only 10.5% clay, the soil loses nutrients quickly. Lawns here need consistent fertilization and organic matter to build a better foundation for roots.

Severe Drought Pressure Across the County

Drought conditions are currently intense, with 99.4% of the county experiencing severe drought or worse. The area has endured 34 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation vital. To protect your lawn, water deeply and early in the morning to minimize evaporation during these dry spells.

Best Grasses for the Bladen Climate

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or St. Augustine are best suited for Zone 8b and the local heat. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 29th and before the first fall frost on November 8th. Starting your lawn in early spring gives the roots time to establish before the 55 days of extreme heat arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bladen County's county score?
Bladen County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Bladen County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Bladen County ranks #67 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 Bladen County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Bladen County is $1,227, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Bladen County a tax score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bladen County?
The median household income in Bladen County, North Carolina is $42,422 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bladen County earns an income score of 4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bladen County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Bladen County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Bladen 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 Bladen County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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