Camden County's composite score of 68.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, signaling above-average livability for residents. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties for quality of life.
2 / 5
Slightly below state performance
At 68.6, Camden County falls marginally below North Carolina's average of 72.7, placing it in the lower-middle ranks of state counties. The county remains competitive with neighboring alternatives across the region.
3 / 5
Second-highest incomes in group
Camden County boasts an income score of 40.7 with median household income of $87,781, nearly rivaling Cabarrus as the highest-earning county in this analysis. The tax score of 85.0 and effective rate of 0.616% provide added financial flexibility.
4 / 5
Housing costs constrain value
The county's cost score of 63.2 reflects challenging affordability, with median home values of $289,800 and monthly rent averaging $1,220. Missing data on schools, safety, and health limits full assessment of county livability.
5 / 5
For affluent professionals seeking peace
Camden County attracts high-income professionals and established families valuing rural tranquility with strong earning power. The county suits those willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange for a quiet, low-tax lifestyle in northeastern North Carolina.
Camden County's composite score of 68.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, signaling above-average livability for residents. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties for quality of life.
Slightly below state performance
At 68.6, Camden County falls marginally below North Carolina's average of 72.7, placing it in the lower-middle ranks of state counties. The county remains competitive with neighboring alternatives across the region.
Second-highest incomes in group
Camden County boasts an income score of 40.7 with median household income of $87,781, nearly rivaling Cabarrus as the highest-earning county in this analysis. The tax score of 85.0 and effective rate of 0.616% provide added financial flexibility.
Housing costs constrain value
The county's cost score of 63.2 reflects challenging affordability, with median home values of $289,800 and monthly rent averaging $1,220. Missing data on schools, safety, and health limits full assessment of county livability.
For affluent professionals seeking peace
Camden County attracts high-income professionals and established families valuing rural tranquility with strong earning power. The county suits those willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange for a quiet, low-tax lifestyle in northeastern North Carolina.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.