countyscore

Caldwell County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#42 in North Carolina
45.8
County Score
Cost of Living 76.9Property Tax 72.6Weather & 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.

2040608010072.676.914.732.23724.332.657.765.8Tax72.6Cost76.9Safety14.7Health32.2Schools37Income24.3Risk32.6Water57.7Weather65.845.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Caldwell County DNA

Foverall

How Caldwell County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Caldwell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (76.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (14.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.6+20.599999999999994
Cost
76.9+28.900000000000006
Safety
14.7-40.3
Health
32.2-17.799999999999997
Schools
37-17
Income
24.3-26.7
Risk
32.6-14.399999999999999
Water
57.7
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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Many homeowners in Caldwell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,425/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caldwell County's county score?
Caldwell County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.8 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 #42 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 $1,150, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Caldwell County a tax score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caldwell County?
The median household income in Caldwell County, North Carolina is $56,425 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caldwell County earns an income score of 24.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caldwell County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Caldwell County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.