Bladen County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#68 in North Carolina
39.2
County Score
Cost of Living 70.8Weather & Climate 57.6Property Tax 44.9

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.

Score breakdown

Tax44.9Cost70.8Safety23.8Health21.1Schools43Income6.7Risk15.4Water40.8Weather57.6
🏛44.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼6.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡23.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
21.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓43
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
15.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧40.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤57.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨37.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱24.3
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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Deep Dives

Bladen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Bladen County

via CostByCounty

Bladen's rent burden tops national average

Bladen County renters spend 20.3% of their income on rent, outpacing the national norm by over 2 percentage points. With a median household income of $44,528—about 40% below the U.S. average of $74,755—housing costs squeeze household budgets more tightly here than across the country.

Above average strain in North Carolina

Bladen's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% ranks above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing the county in the less affordable tier. The median rent of $752 falls well below the state average of $938, but local incomes are also substantially lower, creating an affordability mismatch.

More affordable than eastern peers

Bladen's $752 monthly rent is significantly cheaper than neighboring Brunswick County ($1,267) and Pender County areas, but the county's lower median income means renters still feel the strain more acutely. Burke County to the west offers comparable affordability with a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio.

Renters and owners both strained

Bladen renters pay $752 monthly while homeowners carry mortgage costs of $719—nearly identical burdens. Together with a median income of $44,528, housing consumes over one-fifth of household income for most residents.

Consider Bladen for rural affordability

If you're seeking lower absolute housing costs in rural North Carolina, Bladen delivers: expect median rent around $752 and home values near $126,000. However, weigh that against limited local income opportunities and ensure your job prospects can sustain your household budget.

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.

Health in Bladen County

via HealthByCounty

Bladen lags behind on life expectancy

Bladen County residents live to 70.3 years on average—more than four years shorter than the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to 17% nationally, signaling deeper health challenges across the population.

One of North Carolina's lowest performers

At 70.3 years, Bladen's life expectancy falls 4.1 years below the state average of 74.4 years, placing it among the bottom tier of NC counties. The 20.9% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state profile significantly.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

Bladen's 70.3-year life expectancy contrasts sharply with neighboring Brunswick County (77.1 years) and Carteret County (75.6 years). With only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Bladen has roughly half the access of neighboring counties like Burke (63 per 100K).

Uninsured and underserved

Bladen's 14.0% uninsured rate exceeds North Carolina's 12.5% average, leaving more than one in seven residents without coverage. The county also faces a critical shortage of mental health providers at just 102 per 100,000—far below many surrounding areas.

Get covered and take control

If you're uninsured or underinsured, now is the time to explore your options through the federal marketplace and state programs. Connecting with healthcare coverage can transform your ability to prevent disease and manage existing conditions.

Schools in Bladen County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Bladen's Youth

Bladen County maintains an educational infrastructure of 15 public schools, including 7 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 4,711 students across 3 distinct school districts. The system provides localized access to education in a predominantly rural landscape.

Graduation Rates Surpass State and National Averages

The county achieves an 89.2% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment reaches $7,074 per pupil, which slightly exceeds the state average of $6,969. These efforts result in a composite school score of 53.3, positioning the county above the state median.

Bladen County Schools and Emerging Charter Options

Bladen County Schools is the primary provider, managing 13 schools for 3,983 students. Charter schools represent 13.3% of the county's total inventory, with Emereau: Bladen serving 580 students. Paul R Brown Leadership Academy adds specialized choice with 148 students.

Small-Scale Learning in a Rural Setting

With an average size of 314 students, schools here offer an intimate learning environment across 13 rural and 2 town locales. West Bladen High is the largest campus with 701 students, while the smallest districts manage single-school campuses. Attending school in Bladen means learning in a close-knit, community-focused environment.

Plan Your Move to Bladen's School Districts

Prospective homeowners find value in a county where graduation rates consistently exceed state norms. Exploring homes near top-rated campuses like West Bladen High or Emereau: Bladen provides families with stable educational foundations. Consider school quality as a key driver when evaluating your next property investment in this region.

Disaster Risk in Bladen County

via RiskByCounty

Bladen's moderate risk picture nationally

Bladen County scores 84.57 on the composite risk scale, landing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and wildfires, that outpace typical U.S. county risk profiles.

Third-riskiest county in North Carolina

Bladen ranks among the state's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 84.57, compared to the state average of 66.72. The county's risk exceeds most of its peers in North Carolina, driven largely by elevated hurricane and wildfire exposure.

Higher risk than western county neighbors

Bladen's 84.57 composite score significantly exceeds nearby Burke County (70.17) and Caldwell County (67.43), placing it in a riskier category than its inland neighbors. However, it ranks below coastal Brunswick County (95.77), which faces even greater compound hazard exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate here

Bladen residents face extreme hurricane risk at 96.41—among the highest in the state—combined with substantial wildfire exposure of 84.64. Tornado risk (78.15) and flood risk (65.74) also warrant attention, creating a multi-layered natural disaster landscape.

Prepare for wind and fire threats

Given Bladen's hurricane and wildfire vulnerabilities, wind and property coverage should be priorities in your homeowners' insurance. Review flood insurance options as well, particularly if you're in a flood-prone area, and secure important documents in a protected location.

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 39.2 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 #68 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 $1,137, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Bladen County a tax score of 44.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bladen County?
The median household income in Bladen County, North Carolina is $44,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bladen County earns an income score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bladen County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Bladen County scores 39.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 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.