Burke County's composite score of 74.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This performance places Burke well above average for overall livability across the nation.
2 / 5
Top performer in North Carolina
At 74.9, Burke County ranks above North Carolina's state average of 72.7, placing it among the state's higher-performing counties. This score positions Burke as one of the stronger choices for livability within the state.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability pairing
Burke County offers exceptional value with a cost score of 83.0 and tax score of 82.6, translating to median home values of $170,500 and monthly rent of just $805. The combination of low taxes and affordable housing makes Burke one of the region's most budget-friendly options.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
The county's income score of 19.7 reflects a median household income of $55,684, indicating lower earning potential relative to some neighboring counties. Additional assessment data on schools, safety, and health services remains pending.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-first families
Burke County delivers exceptional value for families and retirees who prioritize affordability and low taxes above higher incomes. This is an ideal county for those seeking maximum purchasing power in a smaller-town setting.
Burke County's composite score of 74.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This performance places Burke well above average for overall livability across the nation.
Top performer in North Carolina
At 74.9, Burke County ranks above North Carolina's state average of 72.7, placing it among the state's higher-performing counties. This score positions Burke as one of the stronger choices for livability within the state.
Unbeatable affordability pairing
Burke County offers exceptional value with a cost score of 83.0 and tax score of 82.6, translating to median home values of $170,500 and monthly rent of just $805. The combination of low taxes and affordable housing makes Burke one of the region's most budget-friendly options.
Income growth remains limited
The county's income score of 19.7 reflects a median household income of $55,684, indicating lower earning potential relative to some neighboring counties. Additional assessment data on schools, safety, and health services remains pending.
Perfect for budget-first families
Burke County delivers exceptional value for families and retirees who prioritize affordability and low taxes above higher incomes. This is an ideal county for those seeking maximum purchasing power in a smaller-town setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Burke County's effective tax rate of 0.699% is below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,191 reflects both a reasonable rate and modest home values typical of the foothills region.
Nearly identical to North Carolina average
Burke's 0.699% rate is virtually even with North Carolina's 0.701% state average, making it representative of typical tax burdens across the state. Burke homeowners pay roughly what the typical Tar Heel resident pays.
Mid-range for the mountain region
Burke's 0.699% rate sits between Caldwell County (0.639%) to the north and Buncombe County (0.601%) to the south. Among western North Carolina counties, Burke maintains a fairly standard tax level.
Average annual tax around $1,191
With a median home value of $170,500 and a rate of 0.699%, Burke homeowners typically pay approximately $1,191 in annual property tax. Mortgage escrow payments typically total around $1,326 per year.
Many assessments warrant a second look
Assessments in Burke County may not always reflect current market values, and homeowners have the right to appeal if they believe theirs is incorrect. A quick comparison with recent sales of similar homes can reveal whether an appeal might be worthwhile.
Burke County renters spend just 17.4% of income on rent—comfortably below the national baseline and well under national affordability stress levels. With a median household income of $55,684 and median rent of $805, Burke demonstrates how lower-cost regions can deliver better housing affordability ratios.
Below state average affordability strain
Burke's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $805 sits just below the state average, while local incomes create a favorable affordability balance.
Second-best affordability in region
Burke's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is surpassed only by Caldwell County's 15.9% in this sample, both mountain counties with strong affordability profiles. Burke's median rent of $805 undercuts nearby Buncombe ($1,281) by 37%, making it an appealing alternative for budget-conscious relocators.
Balanced housing costs for modest incomes
Burke renters pay $805 monthly while homeowners spend $722, with a median home value of $170,500. The $55,684 median income means housing consumes less than one-fifth of budgets—one of the healthiest ratios in this county set.
Burke County: affordable mountain living
If affordability is your priority, Burke delivers: median rents under $805 and a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beat most of North Carolina. The trade-off is lower median incomes, so ensure local employment opportunities align with your career needs.
Burke County's median household income of $55,684 lags the national median of $74,755 by $19,071. This gap reflects rural economic constraints and limited high-wage job opportunities in the foothills region.
Lower-middle tier statewide
At $55,684, Burke County falls short of the state average of $61,072 by $5,388—nearly a 9% deficit. The county ranks in the lower-middle range among North Carolina counties, indicating structural economic challenges.
Neighborhood income gaps are stark
Burke County ($55,684) earns more than Bladen ($44,528) but significantly less than Cabarrus ($86,084) and Camden ($87,781). Its foothills location and manufacturing-dependent economy limit income growth compared to more dynamic urban neighbors.
Housing remains affordable anchor
Burke County's low 17.4% rent-to-income ratio and modest $170,500 median home value create favorable affordability conditions. Housing costs consume less of household budgets here than in most other regions, leaving room for savings and investment.
Affordable housing fuels wealth-building
Burke County's low housing costs are a financial advantage—use the savings to build emergency funds, contribute to retirement plans, and invest in skills training for higher-wage work. Homeownership here is achievable, providing a tangible asset for long-term wealth.
Burke County residents live to 74.2 years, falling short of the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years by nearly five years. The 18.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national 17% benchmark, indicating health challenges across the population.
Slightly below North Carolina average
Burke's 74.2-year life expectancy is essentially at the state average of 74.4 years, but the 18.4% poor/fair health rate suggests underlying health vulnerabilities. Burke ranks in the middle tier among North Carolina counties.
Mixed outcomes versus regional peers
Burke's 74.2-year life expectancy exceeds Bladen (70.3 years) and Caldwell (72.4 years) but trails Buncombe (77.4 years) and Cabarrus (77.2 years). With 63 primary care providers per 100,000, Burke offers moderate access compared to neighbors.
Moderate uninsured rate, adequate providers
Burke's 13.5% uninsured rate slightly exceeds North Carolina's 12.5% average, leaving roughly one in seven residents without coverage. The county provides 331 mental health providers per 100,000—more than triple some neighboring counties—supporting behavioral health access.
Close the coverage gap now
With more than one in seven residents uninsured, Burke residents should investigate marketplace plans and state programs to secure coverage. Getting insured helps prevent costly emergencies and improves long-term health outcomes.
Burke County scores 70.17 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category near the national average. This makes Burke one of the safer choices in North Carolina, though residents still face meaningful flood and tornado exposure.
Mid-range risk among state counties
Burke ranks in the lower-to-middle tier of North Carolina counties with a composite score of 70.17, slightly above the state average of 66.72. The county's inland foothills location protects it from coastal hazards while exposing it to mountain-related risks.
Comparable risk to nearby Caldwell
Burke (70.17) and neighboring Caldwell County (67.43) sit in the lower-risk tier, substantially safer than western mountain peer Buncombe (89.34). Both counties benefit from their inland, elevated positions despite sharing tornado and flood vulnerabilities.
Floods and tornadoes require attention
Burke's primary hazards are flood risk (79.33) and tornado risk (75.22), both reflecting the county's Appalachian geography and seasonal storm patterns. Earthquake exposure (72.30) also registers moderately, while wildfire risk (46.98) is notably low.
Standard coverage addresses main threats
Burke residents should prioritize standard homeowners' insurance with wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, plus flood insurance if near waterways. A basement safe room or reinforced interior closet provides affordable refuge during severe weather events.