CountyScore

Cabarrus County

North Carolina · NC

#80 in North Carolina
64.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Cabarrus scores 34% above national median

Cabarrus County's composite score of 67.0 clearly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it as an above-average county for livability. The score reflects a county offering respectable quality of life for residents nationwide.

Below average within North Carolina

At 67.0, Cabarrus County falls below North Carolina's state average of 72.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among state counties. Despite this, the county maintains competitive standing with many regional alternatives.

Highest incomes in this group

Cabarrus County leads with an income score of 39.6 and median household income of $86,084, substantially above most peer counties in this analysis. The county also features a tax score of 80.8 with an effective rate of 0.762%, supporting middle-class earning capacity.

Housing affordability stretched

The county's cost score of 63.4 is the lowest among this group, reflecting median home values of $318,600 and monthly rent averaging $1,303. Data on schools, safety, health, and risk factors awaits fuller county assessment.

Suits high-earning professionals

Cabarrus County appeals to professionals and growing families with strong household incomes who value proximity to Charlotte's job market. This county works best for dual-income households ready to pay competitive housing costs for urban-adjacent convenience.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.8Cost63.4SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.6Risk12.9WaterComing Soon
🏛80.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.9
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 Cabarrus County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Saline County
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Median income: $54,945
Leavenworth County
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Median income: $86,906
Jefferson Parish
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Median income: $65,246

Deep Dives

Cabarrus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cabarrus County

via TaxByCounty

Cabarrus ranks above national median

Cabarrus County's effective tax rate of 0.762% exceeds the national median of 1.09% but remains solidly in the middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,429 reflects both a moderately elevated rate and higher suburban home values near Charlotte.

Above average for North Carolina

At 0.762%, Cabarrus's rate runs about 9% higher than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, placing it in the upper half of the state's 100 counties. Cabarrus residents pay a noticeably steeper rate than most other Tar Heels.

Higher than other Charlotte suburbs

Cabarrus's 0.762% rate is higher than neighboring Camden County (0.616%) to the north and significantly above Brunswick County (0.569%) in the southeast. Among the greater Charlotte region, Cabarrus carries one of the higher property tax burdens.

Median home tax exceeds $2,400 annually

With a median home value of $318,600 and a rate of 0.762%, Cabarrus homeowners typically pay around $2,429 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages usually see escrow payments near $2,614 per year.

Higher rates make appeals more valuable

In higher-tax counties, even a small reduction in assessed value creates meaningful annual savings. Cabarrus homeowners should carefully review their assessments, as overvaluations carry a larger financial penalty in this county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cabarrus County

via CostByCounty

Cabarrus combines income strength with affordability

Cabarrus County renters spend 18.2% of their income on rent—below the national average and the state average—while earning a median household income of $86,084, nearly 15% above the national median. This combination of strong incomes and reasonable housing costs makes Cabarrus one of the region's most balanced markets.

Best income-to-affordability ratio statewide

Cabarrus's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among North Carolina's most affordable, beating the state average of 18.6%, while its $86,084 median income is the highest in this sample. The county punches well above its weight for households seeking strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.

Superior affordability with higher incomes

Cabarrus residents earn nearly $12,000 more annually than Buncombe County residents, yet face lower rent burdens—a striking advantage over nearby mountain counties. Cabarrus's $1,303 rent is higher than Burke ($805) and Caldwell ($735), but the income ratio makes it feel lighter.

Renters and owners both well-positioned

Cabarrus renters pay $1,303 monthly while homeowners spend $1,393, with median home values of $318,600. The $86,084 median income means housing consumes just 18% of budgets, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Cabarrus: prosperity meets affordability

Consider Cabarrus if you're seeking suburban North Carolina living with strong incomes and stable housing costs—median rents of $1,303 feel manageable on an $86,084 average household income. The county's balanced market appeals to families and professionals prioritizing financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cabarrus County

via IncomeByCounty

Cabarrus tops national income average

Cabarrus County's median household income of $86,084 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $11,329—a 15% premium. This strong performance reflects diversified manufacturing, logistics, and professional services driving the county's economy.

Among North Carolina's highest earners

At $86,084, Cabarrus County ranks in the top tier statewide, surpassing the state average of $61,072 by $25,012—41% above state median. The county's proximity to Charlotte and established industrial base support robust household earnings.

Leads regional income comparison

Cabarrus County ($86,084) trails only Camden County ($87,781) among the eight counties profiled, outpacing Buncombe ($70,578), Brunswick ($74,034), and all lower-income neighbors. This leadership reflects its status as a regional economic powerhouse.

Strong income supports homeownership

With a 18.2% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $318,600, Cabarrus County households can comfortably afford housing. Higher incomes relative to home prices provide financial flexibility and stability for long-term planning.

Accelerate wealth with higher earnings

Cabarrus County's above-average income creates opportunity to invest aggressively in retirement, real estate, and market-based assets. Consider maxing 401(k) contributions, exploring rental properties, and diversifying into stocks and bonds to compound wealth at scale.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cabarrus County

via HealthByCounty

Cabarrus exceeds national health standards

Cabarrus County residents live to 77.2 years, nearly matching the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years and reflecting strong population health. Only 15.3% report poor or fair health, well below the 17% national average.

Among North Carolina's healthiest

Cabarrus's 77.2-year life expectancy ranks 2.8 years above the state average of 74.4 years, placing it in the top tier of NC counties. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate also beats the state profile.

Strong performance in the region

Cabarrus's 77.2-year life expectancy ties Brunswick (77.1 years) and trails only Buncombe (77.4 years) among this group. With 79 primary care providers per 100,000, Cabarrus offers solid access, exceeding Burke (63 per 100K) and most smaller counties.

Lowest uninsured rate, robust access

Cabarrus's 8.8% uninsured rate is the lowest in this county group—significantly better than North Carolina's 12.5% average, meaning most residents have coverage. The county also provides 346 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring behavioral health support is accessible.

Keep coverage strong and steady

With excellent coverage rates already in place, Cabarrus residents should focus on maintaining their insurance and using preventive services. Regular wellness visits and screenings maximize the value of your coverage and protect your health long-term.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cabarrus County

via RiskByCounty

Cabarrus sits above national risk average

Cabarrus County scores 87.05 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category above the national average. The score is driven primarily by tornado and flood risk, reflecting the county's piedmont location.

Fourth-riskiest county in North Carolina

Cabarrus ranks among the state's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 87.05, compared to the state average of 66.72. Only Brunswick (95.77), Buncombe (89.34), and Bladen (84.57) rank higher in the state.

Riskier than most piedmont peers

Cabarrus (87.05) faces elevated hazards compared to nearby counties in the piedmont region, driven by a 89.09 tornado risk score that exceeds most neighbors. Its composite risk remains moderate, making it a middle ground in the state's risk hierarchy.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Cabarrus residents face 89.09 tornado risk—among the highest in the state—combined with 92.18 flood risk reflecting piedmont waterways and seasonal precipitation. Earthquake (77.61) and hurricane (73.93) risks add supplementary concern.

Tornado and flood protection are critical

Secure comprehensive homeowners' insurance emphasizing wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, and obtain flood insurance if within mapped risk zones or near streams. Identify or construct a safe room in your home and practice severe weather drills seasonally.

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.