CountyScore

Carteret County

North Carolina · NC

#49 in North Carolina
66.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Carteret County, North Carolina

Carteret exceeds national median by 47%

Carteret County's composite score of 73.5 substantially surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it well within the top tier of American counties. This performance indicates strong overall livability for residents compared to national norms.

Slightly above state average

At 73.5, Carteret County edges above North Carolina's state average of 72.7, ranking it just above the midpoint of state counties. The county performs competitively within the state's broader livability landscape.

Lowest taxes in the entire group

Carteret County leads all eight counties with a tax score of 89.6 and an exceptional effective tax rate of just 0.450%—less than half most peers. The county also offers a balanced cost score of 72.5 with median home values of $304,200.

Moderate income potential

The county's income score of 29.2 reflects a median household income of $70,235, modest compared to Cabarrus and Camden but solid for coastal living. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors awaits fuller assessment.

Ideal for tax-conscious coastal seekers

Carteret County appeals to retirees and professionals with moderate incomes who value beach proximity and exceptional tax breaks. This coastal county delivers outstanding tax efficiency paired with reasonable housing costs, making it perfect for those seeking oceanside living without premium pricing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.6Cost72.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk6.5WaterComing Soon
🏛89.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.5
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 Carteret County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gadsden County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $46,047
Nassau County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $88,900
Emanuel County
Georgia
66.9
Median income: $50,053
Warren County
Illinois
66.9
Median income: $64,650
Delaware County
Indiana
66.9
Median income: $56,932

Deep Dives

Carteret County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carteret County

via TaxByCounty

Carteret has the nation's lowest rates

Carteret County's effective tax rate of 0.450% ranks among the absolute lowest in the United States, sitting far below the national median of 1.09%. The median property tax of $1,369 reflects strong coastal home values rather than a high tax burden.

Lowest rate in North Carolina

At 0.450%, Carteret's rate is the lowest or tied for the lowest among all 100 North Carolina counties, running 36% below the state's 0.701% average. Carteret residents enjoy one of the most tax-friendly environments in the entire state.

Most tax-favorable in the coastal region

Carteret's 0.450% rate is notably lower than Camden County (0.616%) to the north and dramatically lower than Bladen County (0.904%) inland. Among southeastern North Carolina counties, Carteret stands out as the clear tax winner.

Coastal homes pay minimal property tax

With a median home value of $304,200 and a rate of just 0.450%, Carteret homeowners typically pay approximately $1,369 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages can expect total escrow payments around $1,417 per year.

Even favorable rates deserve verification

Though Carteret County offers exceptionally low tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate based on comparable recent sales. An appeal could save money even in North Carolina's most tax-friendly county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carteret County

via CostByCounty

Carteret aligns closely with national norms

Carteret County renters spend 18.1% of their income on rent, nearly matching the national average and reflecting a balanced housing market. With a median household income of $70,235 and median rent of $1,062, Carteret sits squarely in the national affordability mainstream.

Slightly better than state average

Carteret's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio edges out North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, positioning it among the more affordable coastal counties. The median rent of $1,062 exceeds the state average but aligns with coastal market realities.

Moderate coastal affordability

Carteret's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio is more favorable than Brunswick ($20.5%) and Buncombe ($21.8%), making it a middle-ground coastal choice. The $1,062 median rent is lower than Brunswick's $1,267 while reflecting comparable beach-town demand.

Homeownership slightly pricier than renting

Carteret renters pay $1,062 monthly while homeowners spend $1,088, with median home values of $304,200. The $70,235 median income means housing consumes just over 18% of household budgets—a manageable level for most families.

Carteret: balanced coastal choice

Relocating to Carteret offers coastal living with modest affordability advantages—median rent of $1,062 and an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio beat nearby Brunswick. It's an accessible beach community for households with incomes near the $70,000 median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carteret County

via IncomeByCounty

Carteret slightly below national median

Carteret County's median household income of $70,235 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,520. Despite this modest gap, the county ranks solidly in the middle-income tier nationally, reflecting stable coastal employment.

Above-average among NC counties

At $70,235, Carteret County exceeds the state average of $61,072 by $9,163—a 15% premium. The county's maritime industries, tourism, and waterfront economy support above-average household earnings statewide.

Middle-tier earner in group

Carteret County ($70,235) closely matches Buncombe ($70,578) and Brunswick ($74,034), outpacing lower-income counties but trailing Cabarrus ($86,084) and Camden ($87,781). Its profile reflects a stable mid-coast economy.

Balanced housing affordability

With an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $304,200, Carteret County households face moderate housing costs relative to income. The affordable rent-to-income ratio supports renters, while homeownership requires commitment to manage higher home prices.

Invest steadily in your future

Carteret County's middle-income stability supports disciplined wealth-building through retirement savings and diversified investments. Take advantage of employer plans, automate monthly contributions to index funds, and consider real estate appreciation as a long-term wealth driver.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Carteret County

via HealthByCounty

Carteret tracks below national norms

Carteret County residents live to 75.6 years, roughly three years below the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate sits comfortably below the 17% national average, reflecting moderately good population health.

Above-average performer in North Carolina

Carteret's 75.6-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 74.4 years by 1.2 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of NC counties. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate also sits below the state profile.

Solid regional health standing

Carteret's 75.6-year life expectancy ties Brunswick (77.1 years) and exceeds Bladen (70.3 years) and Caldwell (72.4 years). With 61 primary care providers per 100,000, Carteret offers reasonable access, though trailing Buncombe (141 per 100K) and Cabarrus (79 per 100K).

Near-average coverage, solid mental health access

Carteret's 12.3% uninsured rate sits just below North Carolina's 12.5% average, meaning most residents maintain coverage. The county provides 203 mental health providers per 100,000—doubling several peer counties and supporting residents' behavioral health needs.

Maintain your coverage stability

Carteret's strong coverage rates reflect community commitment to health, but those still without insurance should explore marketplace options immediately. Full coverage ensures you can access both primary and mental health providers in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carteret County

via RiskByCounty

Carteret faces above-average national risk

Carteret County scores 93.48 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. The coastal location drives extreme hurricane and flood exposure despite more moderate tornado and earthquake risks.

Third-riskiest county in North Carolina

Carteret ranks among the state's highest-risk counties with a composite score of 93.48, trailing only Brunswick (95.77) and Buncombe (89.34). The county's Atlantic coastline and barrier island geography explain its elevated hazard profile.

Coastal risk far exceeds inland neighbors

Carteret (93.48) sits alongside Brunswick (95.77) in North Carolina's riskiest tier, while nearby inland Camden (2.54) experiences virtually no comparable hazards. This demonstrates how coastal location dramatically amplifies natural disaster exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate

Carteret residents face 98.75 hurricane risk—nearly certain exposure—combined with 88.58 wildfire risk and 88.20 flood risk. Tornado and earthquake risks (45.39 and 42.37 respectively) are notably lower than peer coastal counties.

Comprehensive coastal insurance essential

Carteret homeowners must secure wind, flood, and comprehensive property insurance given hurricane and wildfire exposure. Reinforce roof, windows, and structural connections, and maintain an updated evacuation plan with critical documents stored in a waterproof, off-site location.

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.