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Camden County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#63 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.5Income & Jobs 90.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Camden County, North Carolina

Low Risk and High Income

Camden County scores a 40.4, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it boasts elite scores in safety from natural disasters, it struggles with daily safety and housing affordability.

Struggling Against State Benchmarks

The county's 40.4 score is over 4 points lower than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. High local incomes are not yet translating into a higher overall livability rank due to cost pressures.

Elite Stability and Income

Camden features a remarkable risk score of 97.5 and a water score of 86.0. Wealth is prominent here, with an income score of 90.7 and a median household income of $87,781.

Safety and High Housing Costs

Safety is the county's lowest metric at 1.1, while a cost score of 11.6 reflects expensive housing. Median home values of $289,800 make it harder for new residents to enter the market.

The Verdict for High-Earning Retirees

Camden is best for those who prioritize environmental stability and high earnings over urban safety and low rent. It offers a secure, wealthy enclave for those who can afford the entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax72.6Cost11.6Safety1.1Health62.1Schools30.9Income90.7Risk97.5Water86Weather66.2
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.3
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

Camden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Camden County

via TaxByCounty

Camden's rate ranks in the bottom quarter

Camden County's effective tax rate of 0.616% sits well below the national median of 1.09%, placing it among the lowest-tax counties in America. The median property tax of $1,784 reflects higher home values in this northeastern coastal county rather than an aggressive tax rate.

Well below North Carolina state average

At 0.616%, Camden's rate is about 12% lower than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties statewide. Camden ranks solidly in the lower-tax group of all 100 North Carolina counties.

Lower than inland neighbors

Camden's 0.616% rate is slightly lower than Carteret County (0.450%) to the south and considerably lower than Bladen County (0.904%) inland. The northeastern region offers a competitive mix of low tax rates and coastal access.

Median annual tax around $1,784

With a median home value of $289,800 and a rate of 0.616%, Camden homeowners typically pay approximately $1,784 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages can expect escrow payments in the range of $1,782 per year.

Low-tax counties still offer appeal options

Even in counties with favorable tax rates, individual property assessments may not reflect current market conditions. Camden homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales and appeal if overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Camden County

via CostByCounty

Camden balances high income with affordability

Camden County renters spend 16.7% of their income on rent—well below the national average and a strong affordability indicator. With a median household income of $87,781—nearly 18% above the national median—Camden delivers both prosperity and housing accessibility.

Top-tier affordability with strong earnings

Camden's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's 18.6% state average, while its $87,781 median income is the second-highest among the eight counties. This pairing signals a healthy, balanced housing market with solid household purchasing power.

Best-positioned coastal county

Camden's $87,781 median income exceeds nearby Carteret County ($70,235) and Brunswick County ($74,034), yet its rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is more favorable than both. The $1,220 median rent reflects coastal positioning while remaining accessible to local earners.

High income cushions ownership costs

Camden renters pay $1,220 monthly while homeowners face $1,508—notably high absolute costs, yet absorbed by the $87,781 median income. Housing consumes just 17% of typical household budgets, leaving ample resources for other needs.

Camden: coastal living at fair cost

Consider Camden if you're seeking coastal North Carolina living with strong household incomes and reasonable affordability—median rent of $1,220 on an $87,781 average income is a favorable trade-off. The county attracts affluent professionals and retirees who value beach access and stable finances.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Camden County

via IncomeByCounty

Camden leads national income rankings

Camden County's median household income of $87,781 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $13,026—a 17% premium. This strong performance places the county among the nation's upper-income communities.

Highest earner among profiled counties

At $87,781, Camden County ranks at the very top statewide, exceeding North Carolina's $61,072 state average by $26,709—44% above state median. The county's coastal location and military-adjacent economy drive exceptional household earnings.

Outearns all peers in comparison

Camden County ($87,781) narrowly leads Cabarrus County ($86,084) and substantially outpaces all others in this eight-county group. Its northeastern coastal position and stable institutional presence support the region's highest incomes.

Excellent income-to-housing ratio

Camden County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio is the second-lowest among these counties, while median home values of $289,800 are moderate relative to its $87,781 median income. Housing affordability remains strong despite above-average incomes.

Maximize wealth-building potential

Camden County's high income and favorable housing costs position households to aggressively build wealth. Max retirement contributions, explore investment property ownership, and diversify into stocks and bonds to capitalize on above-average earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Camden County

via CrimeByCounty

Camden Reports Exceptionally High Crime Rates

Camden County has a total crime rate of 6,769.7 per 100K, which is nearly triple the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume of reported incidents results in a safety score of 89.3.

Challenging Safety Figures for the State

Camden’s safety score of 89.3 is significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. The local crime rate of 6,769.7 per 100K is more than triple the state average of 2,050.0.

Drastic Differences from Coastal Neighbors

Camden’s crime rate is significantly higher than that of Carteret County, which reports just 1,820.0 crimes per 100K. Even compared to higher-crime counties like Burke, Camden’s numbers stand out.

Significant Violent and Property Concerns

Violent crime is very high at ,1080.9 per 100K, nearly triple the national average of 369.8. Property crime also reaches critical levels at 5,688.8 per 100K, compared to the national 2,015.7.

Urgent Need for Comprehensive Security

Given the high crime rates, residents should prioritize professional-grade security monitoring. Ensure all entry points are fortified and join local neighborhood watch programs to improve collective safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Camden County

via HealthByCounty

Camden's life expectancy near national pace

Camden County residents live to 75.9 years, running about three years behind the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. The 15.5% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the 17% national average, showing moderately good health overall.

Solid performer within North Carolina

Camden's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 74.4 years by 1.5 years, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of NC counties. The 15.5% poor/fair health rate also aligns well with state trends.

Mid-range outcomes regionally

Camden's 75.9-year life expectancy falls between Carteret (75.6 years) and Caldwell (72.4 years), reflecting moderate health status regionally. However, Camden's 19 primary care providers per 100,000 ranks lowest in the group—well below even Bladen (24 per 100K).

Good uninsured rate, but thin provider network

Camden's 9.4% uninsured rate is better than North Carolina's 12.5% average, meaning most residents have coverage. However, the county struggles with only 54 mental health providers per 100,000—severely limiting behavioral health capacity despite decent primary care insurance rates.

Secure coverage and access

Camden's strong uninsured rates are a community win, but those without coverage should verify their options through the marketplace. Having insurance in hand ensures you can access the limited provider capacity available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Camden County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education in Camden

Camden County operates a focused system of 5 public schools, serving a total enrollment of 1,920 students. This single-district county includes 1 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools. The centralized structure provides a unified academic journey for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Consistent Performance and National Benchmarks

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, which perfectly matches the national average. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,606, supporting an educational environment that produces a 51.1 composite school score. These metrics reflect a stable system that provides consistent outcomes for its rural student population.

Unified Under Camden County Schools

Camden County Schools is the sole provider for the area, managing all 1,920 students across its 5 campuses. Unlike many neighboring counties, Camden has no charter schools, which maintains a high level of consistency in curriculum and resources. This unified approach simplifies the educational experience for local residents.

Small-Town Feel in a Totally Rural Setting

All five schools in Camden are located in rural settings, fostering a true small-town atmosphere. Grandy Primary is the largest school with 607 students, while Camden Early College High offers an intimate environment for just 142 students. With an average school size of 384, every student in Camden is part of a tight-knit community.

Experience the Camden Community Advantage

Families seeking a simple, unified school experience are often drawn to Camden's single-district model. Homes located near Grandy Primary or the central high school campus benefit from the county's cohesive rural character. Consider the advantages of a close-knit school community when researching real estate in this quiet corner of the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Camden County

via RiskByCounty

Camden has exceptionally low risk profile

Camden County scores just 2.54 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category—dramatically below the national average. This makes Camden one of the safest counties in the entire United States from natural disaster exposure.

Safest county in North Carolina

Camden's composite score of 2.54 is by far the lowest in North Carolina, compared to the state average of 66.72. The county's isolated position in the northeastern coastal plain creates a unique low-hazard environment.

Dramatically safer than all peers

Camden (2.54) is incomparably safer than any neighboring county, including Carteret (93.48), which faces significant coastal hazards just miles away. This stark difference reflects Camden's geographic isolation and lack of major population centers.

Hurricane risk is main concern

Even in Camden's remarkably safe profile, hurricane risk (72.42) stands out as the primary hazard, though well below coastal county standards. All other risks—tornado (13.64), earthquake (12.37), wildfire (24.01), and flood (50.20)—rank far below county averages.

Minimal coverage requirements suffice

Camden residents can safely maintain basic homeowners' insurance without specialized flood or wind coverage in most cases. An emergency kit and awareness of hurricane season remain prudent, given Camden's sole meaningful natural disaster vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Camden County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic, Dark Coastal Soils

Camden County has a notably acidic pH of 4.72, falling below the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in coastal areas with high concentrations of organic material.

Silky Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains 49.9% sand and a relatively high 33.6% silt, with 12.2% clay. The high silt content gives the ground a smoother texture that is much easier to work than the heavy clays found further west.

Top-Tier Organic Matter Levels

Camden boasts a massive 14.77% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 5.12%. Coupled with a high available water capacity of 0.175 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse for storing nutrients and moisture.

Managing High Moisture Levels

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the high organic and silt content suggests the soil remains naturally damp. This requires gardeners to ensure proper drainage to take full advantage of the fertile ground.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 8a

With a soil score of 49.8—nearly 20 points above the state average—Camden is ideal for corn, soybeans, and lush vegetables. Start your garden today to experience some of the most productive soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Camden County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Management in Camden

Camden County presents a lawn difficulty score of 33.3, which is significantly lower than the state average of 40.8. Maintaining a lush lawn in Zone 8a here requires more effort and resources than in other parts of North Carolina. Homeowners should prepare for a hands-on approach to lawn care.

Standard Heat with Reliable Rainfall

Annual precipitation of 48.9 inches is nearly ideal for maintaining a healthy lawn without excessive irrigation. The county experiences 37 extreme heat days annually, which is consistent with the state average of 38. While specific growth data is limited for this area, the heat remains a primary factor to manage.

Combatting High Soil Acidity

The soil pH of 4.72 is among the most acidic in the state, making lime applications essential for grass survival. With nearly 50% sand and 12.2% clay, the soil provides moderate drainage but may lack essential nutrients. Focusing on soil health is the first step toward improving your lawn's resilience.

Dry Conditions Without Severe Escalation

While 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, it has avoided the severe drought levels seen elsewhere in the state. The area has seen 30 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a persistent need for supplemental watering. Focus on efficient irrigation to maintain moisture levels during these dry stretches.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Camden

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Centipede are excellent choices to handle the local soil and heat. Since specific frost dates are unavailable for this county, monitor local soil temperatures for the best planting time. Usually, early spring provides the best start for warm-season varieties in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Camden County's county score?
Camden County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Camden County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Camden County ranks #63 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 Camden County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Camden County is $1,784, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Camden County a tax score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Camden County?
The median household income in Camden County, North Carolina is $87,781 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Camden County earns an income score of 90.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Camden County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Camden County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Camden 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 Camden County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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