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Caldwell County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#44 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45.5
County Score
Cost of Living 77.1Property Tax 69.8Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About Caldwell County, North Carolina

Accessible Living in the Mountains

Caldwell County earns a 45.5 composite score, nearing the national median of 50.0. It leverages its position as an affordable alternative to more expensive mountain counties.

Beating the State Average

Caldwell outperforms the North Carolina average of 44.7. Its blend of low taxes and high affordability makes it a standout performer among the state's more rural jurisdictions.

Affordability and Tax Savings

The county scores high in cost at 77.1, with median rents of $735 and home values at $174,000. A tax score of 69.8 further enhances the bottom line for local residents.

Safety and Income Growth

Challenges remain in safety (14.7) and health (32.2). The income score of 26.0 reflects a median household income of $55,401, which is lower than the state's urban centers.

The Verdict for Value Seekers

Caldwell is a top pick for those who want mountain access without the Asheville price tag. It is especially attractive to retirees and young families looking for a low-tax, high-value starter home.

Score breakdown

Tax69.8Cost77.1Safety14.7Health32.2Schools37Income26Risk32.6Water57.7Weather65.8
🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.7
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

Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Caldwell County

via TaxByCounty

Caldwell's rate sits well below national median

Caldwell County's effective tax rate of 0.639% is comfortably below the national median of 1.09%, ranking it in the lower-tax tier of U.S. counties. The modest median property tax of $1,112 makes Caldwell an affordable option for property owners.

Below average for North Carolina

At 0.639%, Caldwell's rate is about 9% lower than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, giving residents a tax advantage over most of the state. Caldwell ranks in the lower-tax half of all North Carolina counties.

Lower than nearby mountain counties

Caldwell's 0.639% rate is notably lower than Burke County (0.699%) to the south and Buncombe County (0.601%) to the southwest. The county offers one of the more affordable tax environments in the western foothills region.

Low taxes on modest home values

With a median home value of $174,000 and a rate of 0.639%, Caldwell homeowners typically pay around $1,112 in annual property tax. For those with mortgages, escrow payments generally total roughly $1,268 per year.

Even low assessments may benefit from appeals

Though Caldwell has lower property values overall, individual assessments can still be inaccurate and worth challenging. Homeowners who believe their assessed value exceeds what similar homes recently sold for should consider filing an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caldwell County

via CostByCounty

Caldwell offers exceptional national value

Caldwell County renters spend just 15.9% of their income on rent—among the lowest ratios nationally and well below the U.S. average. With median rent of $735 and median household income of $55,401, Caldwell delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing housing quality.

North Carolina's affordability champion

Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in North Carolina, beating the state average of 18.6% by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $735 is the lowest in this sample, paired with favorable income-to-cost ratios.

Unmatched affordability among peers

Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio surpasses all seven comparison counties, including nearby Burke County (17.4%) and Buncombe County (21.8%). The $735 median rent is the county's competitive edge, attracting cost-conscious households across the region.

Lowest-cost housing of all counties

Caldwell renters pay just $735 monthly while homeowners spend $661, with a median home value of $174,000—the second-lowest in this group. Housing costs consume under 16% of the $55,401 median income, among the healthiest ratios available.

Caldwell: unbeatable mountain affordability

Relocate to Caldwell for some of North Carolina's lowest absolute housing costs: $735 rent, $174,000 median home values, and a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio. The trade-off is lower median incomes, but for retirees, remote workers, and budget-first families, Caldwell is hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caldwell County

via IncomeByCounty

Caldwell trails national income median

Caldwell County's median household income of $55,401 falls $19,354 below the national median of $74,755. The 26% shortfall reflects the county's rural, manufacturing-dependent economy and limited high-wage employment.

Lower-middle income for North Carolina

At $55,401, Caldwell County ranks below the state average of $61,072 by $5,671—a 9% deficit. The county's reliance on traditional industries and aging workforce contribute to below-average statewide earnings.

Similar to Burke, far behind leaders

Caldwell County ($55,401) earns nearly equally with Burke ($55,684) but trails Cabarrus ($86,084) by $30,683—a 56% gap. Its foothills location and industrial challenges parallel Burke's economic constraints.

Best affordability ratio in region

Caldwell County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 15.9%, and a median home value of just $174,000. Housing is highly affordable, enabling households to save and invest despite moderate incomes.

Use low costs to build savings

Caldwell County's exceptional housing affordability—the county's strongest financial advantage—creates space to accumulate emergency savings and retirement funds. Prioritize skill development and education to increase earning potential while leveraging low living costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Caldwell County

via CrimeByCounty

Caldwell Aligns Closely with National Rates

Caldwell County reports a total crime rate of 2,408.5 per 100K, which sits very close to the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.2 based on data from five reporting agencies.

Crime Rates Slightly Above State Average

The county's total crime rate of 2,408.5 per 100K is higher than the North Carolina state average of 2,050.0. However, its safety score of 96.2 remains competitive with the state average of 96.8.

Safer than Neighbors to the West

Caldwell County is notably safer than its neighbor Burke County, where the crime rate reaches 4,059.3 per 100K. It also shows a lower crime rate than Buncombe County’s 2,894.4 per 100K.

Low Violent Crime but Active Property Crime

Violent crime in Caldwell is low at 142.5 per 100K, which is less than half the national average. Conversely, property crime is more prevalent at 2,266.0 per 100K, exceeding the national rate of 2,015.7.

Focusing Security on Property Protection

Since property crime is the primary local concern, residents should focus on securing sheds, garages, and vehicles. Motion sensors and deadbolts are simple yet effective ways to deter theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Caldwell County

via HealthByCounty

Caldwell faces significant health gaps

Caldwell County residents live to 72.4 years—six-and-a-half years shorter than the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate nearly matches the highest in this group, signaling serious population health challenges.

Among North Carolina's lowest performers

At 72.4 years, Caldwell's life expectancy falls 2.0 years below the state average of 74.4 years, ranking it near the bottom tier of NC counties. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate compounds these concerns.

Struggling against regional peers

Caldwell's 72.4-year life expectancy trails all comparison counties except Bladen (70.3 years), underperforming neighboring Buncombe (77.4 years) by five years. With only 50 primary care providers per 100,000, Caldwell also lags peer counties in physician access.

Uninsured and underserved

Caldwell's 13.1% uninsured rate meets North Carolina's state average, yet the county offers only 111 mental health providers per 100,000—among the lowest in this group. The combination of uninsured residents and limited behavioral health capacity strains the county's health system.

Start your coverage journey today

Caldwell residents without insurance should act now to explore marketplace options and state programs that could secure coverage. Taking this step reduces financial risk and connects you to preventive care that improves health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Caldwell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Established Education in the Foothills

Caldwell County manages 25 public schools, including 15 elementary and 6 high schools, for a total of 10,946 students. These schools are primarily organized under 2 districts, providing stable coverage for the region. The infrastructure includes two alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.

Academic Success Meets State Benchmarks

Caldwell County's graduation rate of 89.0% sits above both the state average of 88.0% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,674, which closely aligns with the North Carolina average of $6,969. The resulting composite school score of 52.3 matches the state average, indicating consistent quality.

Caldwell County Schools Leads the Way

Caldwell County Schools is the central district, overseeing 24 schools and 10,758 students. Oak Hill Charter School provides a smaller alternative with 188 students, representing the county's only charter option. This focused district structure ensures a unified educational strategy across the county.

A Balanced Mix of Rural and Suburban Schools

The county features an even split between rural and suburban settings, with 10 schools in each, plus 5 in city locales. South Caldwell High is the largest campus with 1,317 students, while the average school size is 438 students. This variety allows families to choose between larger comprehensive high schools and smaller neighborhood elementary campuses.

Finding Your Place in Caldwell's School Zones

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Caldwell County offers a reliable environment for families. Homes near South Caldwell High or high-performing elementary schools like Hudson remain popular choices for local buyers. Consider the diverse locale options, from rural to suburban, when selecting your next home in this area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caldwell County

via RiskByCounty

Caldwell risk roughly matches national average

Caldwell County scores 67.43 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category near the national average. This makes Caldwell one of North Carolina's safer regions, though residents should not overlook flood and tornado exposure.

Below-average risk among state counties

Caldwell ranks in the lower-risk tier of North Carolina counties with a composite score of 67.43, barely above the state average of 66.72. The county's inland mountain position shields residents from coastal hazards while exposing them to localized flooding.

Safest risk profile in western region

Caldwell (67.43) and Burke (70.17) form the lower-risk pair in western North Carolina, substantially safer than Buncombe (89.34) to their east. Both counties benefit from inland elevation despite sharing moderate flood and tornado risks.

Floods and earthquakes top hazard list

Caldwell's primary risks are flood (79.01) and earthquake (77.64), reflecting mountain terrain and Appalachian seismic activity, while tornado risk (62.09) remains moderate. Wildfire exposure (51.97) is notably low compared to other county risks.

Standard insurance handles most scenarios

Caldwell residents should maintain homeowners' insurance with wind coverage for tornadoes and flood insurance near waterways or in designated flood zones. An emergency kit with water, first aid, and medications provides low-cost protection for most natural disasters.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Caldwell County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Foothills Climate

Caldwell County features an annual average temperature of 57.9°F, placing it in a temperate transition zone. This is slightly cooler than the broader North Carolina average of 59.3°F.

Cooler Than the Broad State Average

The county ranks among the cooler half of the state due to its location in the foothills. It avoids the heavy coastal humidity while remaining warmer than the high-altitude Appalachian counties.

Consistent Rainfall and Regional Stability

Its 49.5 inches of annual rain is just below the state average of 51.5 inches. The county experiences 36 days of extreme heat, which is typical for the western Piedmont and foothills.

Warm Summers and Brisk Winters

Winters are mild but cool, with an average temperature of 40.1°F and 2.2 inches of snowfall. July brings warmth with an average of 77.1°F, though nights often cool down significantly.

Versatile Wardrobes for Changing Weather

Residents should plan for 36 days of extreme heat by ensuring their cooling systems are serviced by May. Winter preparations are modest, as the 2.2 inches of snow usually melts quickly.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Caldwell County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Acidic Piedmont Soil

Caldwell County features a pH of 5.10, which is virtually identical to the state average of 5.14. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the North Carolina foothills.

Medium Texture for Versatile Use

The soil contains 52.6% sand, 23.3% silt, and 15.2% clay. This balanced, medium texture is relatively easy to work with a garden tiller while providing enough clay to retain essential minerals.

Robust Organic Nutrients

Caldwell's organic matter is impressive at 8.70%, far exceeding the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.132 in/in, the soil sits right at the state benchmark for moisture retention.

Effective Natural Drainage

While specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not listed, the sand-to-clay ratio indicates a well-functioning drainage system. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged during heavy rains while keeping enough moisture for plant health.

Garden-Ready in Zone 8a

Caldwell's 37.8 soil score and 8a hardiness zone make it a top choice for growing leafy greens and azaleas. Your garden will benefit greatly from the high organic content found throughout the county.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caldwell County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Growing Conditions in Caldwell

The lawn difficulty score in Caldwell County is 46.7, which is better than the state average of 40.8. While it is still more challenging than the national median, the local environment in Zone 8a is relatively favorable for dedicated gardeners. Moderate conditions offer a good starting point for a healthy lawn.

Consistent Precipitation and Average Heat

Caldwell sees 36 extreme heat days, which is almost exactly the state average of 38. Annual precipitation of 49.5 inches falls within the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy turf. With 4,160 growing degree days, the pace of growth is steady without being overwhelming.

Amending Acidic and Balanced Soils

The soil pH of 5.10 is acidic and will likely require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range favored by most grasses. The soil composition is 52.6% sand and 15.2% clay, offering a decent balance of drainage and structure. Regular soil testing will help you fine-tune your fertilization and amendment strategy.

Total County Impact of Severe Drought

Every acre of Caldwell County is currently experiencing severe drought, following 22 weeks of dry conditions this past year. During such periods, it is best to let the lawn grow longer to protect the soil surface from the sun. Conserve water by ensuring your irrigation system has no leaks and targets only the grass.

Planting Windows for Caldwell Success

Tall Fescue is a popular and effective choice for this region, particularly when seeded in the fall. Your growing window spans from the last spring frost on April 7th to the first fall frost on October 31st. Fall planting allows the grass to establish its roots before the summer heat returns next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caldwell County's county score?
Caldwell County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Caldwell County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Caldwell County ranks #44 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 Caldwell County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Caldwell County is $1,112, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Caldwell County a tax score of 69.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caldwell County?
The median household income in Caldwell County, North Carolina is $55,401 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caldwell County earns an income score of 26/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caldwell County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Caldwell County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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.