CountyScore

Brunswick County

North Carolina · NC

#64 in North Carolina
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Brunswick County, North Carolina

Brunswick outperforms national average by 41%

Brunswick County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for livability. This score signals a county offering solid quality of life for residents.

Slightly below state average

At 70.5, Brunswick County sits just under North Carolina's state average of 72.7, ranking in the lower-middle segment of state counties. The county performs competitively with many of its peers across the region.

Lowest taxes in this group

Brunswick County boasts the best tax score among these eight counties at 86.3, with an effective tax rate of just 0.569%. The county also offers a respectable income score of 31.7, reflecting a median household income of $74,034—above Bladen but below Cabarrus.

Housing costs bite harder

Despite strong tax advantages, Brunswick's cost score of 68.3 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home values at $314,700 and rent averaging $1,267 monthly. Data gaps on schools, safety, and health remain as the county awaits fuller assessment.

Ideal for tax-savvy buyers seeking balance

Brunswick County appeals to middle-income professionals and retirees who value low taxes and moderate incomes in a coastal setting. Prospective residents should weigh the higher housing costs against the exceptional tax benefits before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.3Cost68.3SafetyComing SoonHealth72.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.7Risk4.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.2
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 Brunswick County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sebastian County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $56,450
St. Francis County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $41,784
St. Joseph County
Indiana
65.6
Median income: $64,885
Bourbon County
Kansas
65.6
Median income: $67,555
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
65.6
Median income: $66,336

Deep Dives

Brunswick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.