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Brunswick County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#41 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.9
County Score
Property Tax 78.1Income & Jobs 75.6Water Quality 71.3

County Report Card

About Brunswick County, North Carolina

Strong Coastal Performance

Brunswick County scores a 45.9, approaching the national median of 50.0. It balances high household incomes with low tax burdens, creating a competitive profile for coastal living.

Leading the State Average

With a 45.9 composite score, Brunswick outperforms the North Carolina average of 44.7. It stands out as one of the state's more prosperous coastal regions, buoyed by strong migration and wealth.

Low Taxes and High Incomes

The county boasts an impressive tax score of 78.1, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.569%. Residents also enjoy a high income score of 75.6, with median household earnings reaching $74,034.

Coastal Risks and Rising Costs

Environmental risk is a major concern, reflected in a score of 4.2 due to its coastal location. Additionally, housing affordability is tightening, with a cost score of 17.8 and median home values at $314,700.

The Verdict for Wealthy Families

Brunswick is ideal for established families or retirees who value low taxes and proximity to the ocean. The trade-off is higher environmental vulnerability and a more expensive real estate market.

Score breakdown

Tax78.1Cost17.8Safety43.7Health66.5Schools26.2Income75.6Risk4.2Water71.3Weather61.6
🏛78.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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🏠17.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
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🎓26.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
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⚡4.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.3
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Brunswick County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brunswick County

via TaxByCounty

Brunswick has one of nation's lowest rates

Brunswick County's effective tax rate of 0.569% ranks among the lowest in the country, placing it well below the national median of 1.09%. Though the median property tax of $1,789 seems substantial, it reflects higher home values in this coastal community rather than a high tax burden.

Well below North Carolina average

At 0.569%, Brunswick's rate is 19% lower than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state. Brunswick residents enjoy one of the lowest effective tax rates among all 100 North Carolina counties.

Lowest rate in the southeastern region

Brunswick's 0.569% rate is significantly lower than neighboring Bladen County (0.904%) and Carteret County (0.450%), making it the most tax-efficient coastal option. The county's low rate combined with higher coastal home values creates an attractive tax environment for retirees and waterfront buyers.

Coastal homes pay $1,789 median tax

With a median home value of $314,700 and a rate of 0.569%, Brunswick homeowners typically pay $1,789 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages generally see escrow payments around $1,828 annually.

Even low-tax counties have appeal opportunities

Property assessments can still be inaccurate in low-tax counties, and challenging an inflated assessment could yield real savings. If your recent appraisal suggests your home is worth less than its current assessed value, an appeal is worth exploring.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brunswick County

via CostByCounty

Brunswick rent burden nearly matches nation

Brunswick County renters spend 20.5% of income on rent, just slightly above the national baseline and nearly identical to the U.S. average. With a median household income of $74,034—nearly aligned with the national median of $74,755—Brunswick offers relative parity with national affordability patterns.

Slightly tighter than North Carolina norm

At 20.5%, Brunswick's rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6% by nearly 2 percentage points. The county's median rent of $1,267 is 35% higher than the state average, reflecting the area's coastal appeal and rising housing demand.

Priciest among eastern county peers

Brunswick's $1,267 monthly rent ranks among the highest in the eastern region, notably exceeding nearby Bladen County ($752) and Carteret County ($1,062). The premium reflects Brunswick's beach market appeal and relative regional prosperity.

Owners pay premium, renters feel squeeze

Brunswick homeowners spend $1,111 monthly while renters pay $1,267—both substantial relative to the $74,034 median income. Housing costs consume over one-fifth of typical household budgets here.

Brunswick offers coastal access at a price

Relocating to Brunswick brings beachside living with median home values of $314,700 and higher incomes than inland counties. Be prepared: rents averaging $1,267 and tight affordability ratios mean this county demands stronger household finances than rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brunswick County

via IncomeByCounty

Brunswick matches national income levels

Brunswick County's median household income of $74,034 nearly equals the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle-income range. This alignment with national averages reflects a diverse, economically stable community.

Above-average earner in North Carolina

At $74,034, Brunswick County exceeds the state average of $61,072 by $12,962—a 21% premium. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, benefiting from retirees and service-industry employment.

Competitive with coastal peers

Brunswick matches Carteret County ($70,235) and edges past Buncombe County ($70,578), but lags Cabarrus County ($86,084) and Camden County ($87,781). Its income profile reflects strong regional economic positioning along the southeastern coast.

Homes costly relative to income

A median home value of $314,700 is substantial compared to the $74,034 median income—requiring significant down payments and monthly mortgages. The 20.5% rent-to-income ratio signals adequate housing affordability for renters, though homeownership demands financial discipline.

Leverage stable income for investments

Brunswick County's middle-income stability creates opportunity to diversify beyond homeownership. Explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and automatic investment plans to build wealth systematically alongside rising home values.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brunswick County

via CrimeByCounty

Brunswick Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

With a high safety score of 98.0, Brunswick County is one of the more secure regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,268.2 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in North Carolina

Brunswick significantly exceeds the state average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,268.2 per 100K is much lower than the North Carolina average of 2,050.0, highlighting a very safe environment.

Setting the Regional Standard for Safety

Brunswick reports a crime rate of 1,268.2 per 100K, making it considerably safer than its neighbor Bladen County at 1,922.3. It also maintains a lower crime footprint than coastal peer Carteret County.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The county enjoys a low violent crime rate of 178.9 per 100K, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notably low at 1,089.3 per 100K, reflecting high overall community security.

Preserving Peace of Mind at Home

Even in high-safety areas like Brunswick, home security systems provide valuable protection. Visible cameras and alarm systems deter the property crimes that do occasionally occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brunswick County

via HealthByCounty

Brunswick outperforms national health trends

Brunswick County residents live to 77.1 years—well above the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years, though slightly below it when comparing apples to apples. Only 14.8% report poor or fair health, beating the 17% national average and suggesting strong overall health outcomes.

A health leader within North Carolina

Brunswick's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks 2.7 years above the state average of 74.4 years, placing it among North Carolina's healthiest counties. The 14.8% poor/fair health rate also sits comfortably below the state profile.

Among the region's healthiest communities

Brunswick's life expectancy of 77.1 years ties or exceeds most neighboring counties, including Bladen (70.3 years) and Carteret (75.6 years). With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Brunswick has nearly double Bladen's access.

Low uninsured, good access

Brunswick's 10.3% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county also offers 126 mental health providers per 100,000—above most peer counties—supporting residents' behavioral health needs.

Maintain coverage and stay healthy

With strong health outcomes already in place, Brunswick residents should prioritize keeping their coverage current and using preventive services. Regular check-ups and screenings help sustain the county's impressive health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brunswick County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Coastal Infrastructure for 14,000 Students

Brunswick County supports 14,558 students through a network of 22 public schools divided among 3 districts. The infrastructure includes 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools to serve a growing population. One alternative school also operates within the county to meet diverse student needs.

Balancing Growth with Academic Investment

The county reports an 84.0% graduation rate, which currently trails the state average of 88.0%. Spending stands at $6,769 per pupil, slightly below the North Carolina average of $6,969. With a composite school score of 49.9, the district is working to align its performance with national and state benchmarks.

Brunswick County Schools Leads the Coast

Brunswick County Schools is the dominant district, educating 12,944 students across 20 different schools. Two charter schools, including Classical Charter Schools of Leland with 1,000 students, make up roughly 9% of the county's total school count. These options provide families with both traditional and specialized educational pathways.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Campus Life

School life varies between 17 rural campuses and 5 suburban locations, with an average school size of 662 students. High schools like West Brunswick and North Brunswick are the largest, each hosting over 1,400 students. This mix offers families a choice between larger high-energy campuses and more traditional rural school settings.

Find Your Home Near Brunswick's Coastal Schools

As Brunswick County continues to grow, homebuyer interest remains high in areas served by established high schools like West Brunswick. High-capacity charter options in Leland also make the northern part of the county attractive for young families. Investigate local school zones to find the perfect balance of coastal lifestyle and educational access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brunswick County

via RiskByCounty

Brunswick faces highest national risk

Brunswick County's composite risk score of 95.77 places it in the relatively high category—significantly above the national average. With nearly every hazard type scoring above 82, Brunswick ranks among the most naturally hazardous counties in the United States.

North Carolina's riskiest county

Brunswick leads all North Carolina counties with a composite score of 95.77, towering above the state average of 66.72. This ranking reflects the county's coastal geography and exposure to compound hazards including hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires.

Significantly riskier than nearby peers

Brunswick's 95.77 score dwarfs neighbors Bladen County (84.57) and Carteret County (93.48), making it the clear outlier in the region. No adjacent county comes close to its hazard density, driven by its coastal position and oceanfront vulnerability.

Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires compound

Brunswick residents face a 99.08 hurricane risk—virtually certain exposure—paired with 89.40 flood risk and 93.35 wildfire risk. This combination makes Brunswick one of the nation's most complex disaster scenarios, requiring multi-hazard preparedness.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Homeowners must prioritize flood, wind, and comprehensive property insurance given Brunswick's compound risks. Consider elevation or reinforcement of your home's structural integrity, and maintain an updated evacuation plan with critical documents stored off-site.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brunswick County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Warmth Above the National Median

Brunswick County averages 63.7°F annually, placing it among the warmer coastal regions in the United States. This humid subtropical climate stays significantly milder than the national median.

One of the State's Warmest Spots

The county is one of the warmest in North Carolina, exceeding the state average of 59.3°F by more than four degrees. Its coastal position provides a significant buffer against the cooler inland trends.

Atlantic Breezes Moderate the Peak Heat

While nearby inland counties face more extreme heat, Brunswick only sees 34 days above 90°F thanks to maritime breezes. Its annual precipitation of 56.1 inches makes it wetter than the state average of 51.5 inches.

Maritime Mildness and Minimal Snow

Winter is exceptionally mild here, with an average temperature of 48.0°F and only 0.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summer brings consistent warmth, averaging 79.2°F from June through August.

Plan for Rain and Humidity

Residents should prioritize hurricane-ready home features and robust gutter systems to handle 56.1 inches of annual rain. Outdoor planning can happen year-round given the very rare snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brunswick County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Coastal Brunswick

Brunswick County offers a pH of 6.19, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.14. This makes the soil significantly less acidic than most of its neighbors in North Carolina.

A Dominance of Coastal Sand

The soil is comprised of 69.2% sand, 19.8% silt, and only 9.4% clay. This creates a porous structure that is very easy to dig and till, though it drains extremely quickly.

High Organic Matter, Low Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 4.86%, nearly matching the state average of 5.12% and far exceeding the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.068 in/in, meaning you will need to water more frequently than the average NC gardener.

Rapid Drainage Requirements

Though specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, the high 69.2% sand content implies a fast-draining landscape. This is excellent for preventing root rot but means the soil does not hold onto moisture or nutrients for long.

Grow Palms and Citrus in 8b

The mild climate of zone 8b combined with a high soil score of 48.9 makes Brunswick a gardener's paradise. Start a garden today with sweet potatoes or salt-tolerant ornamentals that thrive in this coastal mix.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brunswick County

via LawnByCounty

Brunswick County Lawns Meet State Averages

The lawn difficulty score here is 41.3, placing it right in line with the North Carolina average of 40.8. While more challenging than the national average of 50.0, the coastal environment of Hardiness Zone 8b is manageable for most residents. Local conditions provide a fair balance for maintaining healthy turf.

Coastal Humidity and Robust Growth

Brunswick County receives a generous 56.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal range for many grass types. With 5,566 growing degree days, the growing season is long and productive. The 34 annual extreme heat days are slightly lower than the state average, offering a small reprieve from the typical North Carolina swelter.

Healthy Soil pH with Sandy Texture

The local soil pH of 6.19 is excellent and falls perfectly within the ideal range for lawn health. However, the soil is 69.2% sand, meaning it drains very quickly and may struggle to hold onto moisture. Frequent, light watering may be necessary to keep grass hydrated in this porous coastal soil.

Navigating Severe Coastal Drought Conditions

Nearly 89% of the county currently faces severe drought, with 29 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the past year. Even with high annual rainfall, these dry periods can stress sandy soils rapidly. Use mulch in garden beds and avoid over-mowing during drought to keep the soil shaded and cool.

Starting Your Coastal Lawn Successfully

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in the coastal warmth and sandy soil of Brunswick County. Aim to begin planting between the last frost on March 24th and the first frost on November 17th. This long window provides plenty of time for warm-season grasses to establish themselves.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brunswick County's county score?
Brunswick County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Brunswick County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Brunswick County ranks #41 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 Brunswick County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Brunswick County is $1,789, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Brunswick County a tax score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brunswick County?
The median household income in Brunswick County, North Carolina is $74,034 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brunswick County earns an income score of 75.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brunswick County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Brunswick County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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.