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Carteret County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#50 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.1
County Score
Property Tax 91.2Weather & Climate 68.5Income & Jobs 67.4

County Report Card

About Carteret County, North Carolina

Coastal Life with Low Taxes

Carteret County earns a 44.1, sitting below the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a high-income coastal economy that deals with significant environmental risks.

Parity with the North Carolina Average

At 44.1, Carteret is nearly identical to the state average of 44.7. It serves as a middle-ground for the state: better off than rural areas but more expensive than inland counties.

Superior Tax Benefits

The county features an elite tax score of 90.6, thanks to a very low effective tax rate of 0.450%. It also supports a strong income score of 67.2, with household medians at $70,235.

Environmental Risk and Cost

Being on the coast brings a low risk score of 6.5 and a cost score of 23.9. With home values at $304,200, the county is becoming less accessible for the average worker.

The Verdict for Coastal Enthusiasts

Carteret is a dream for those who want a low-tax coastal lifestyle and have the income to sustain it. Residents must accept higher environmental risks in exchange for beautiful scenery and strong financial scores.

2040608010091.223.725.855.133.167.46.555.168.5Tax91.2Cost23.7Safety25.8Health55.1Schools33.1Income67.4Risk6.5Water55.1Weather68.544.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Carteret County DNA

Foverall

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

Carteret County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (91.2/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (6.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.2+39.2
Cost
23.7-24.3
Safety
25.8-29.2
Health
55.1
Schools
33.1-20.9
Income
67.4+16.400000000000006
Risk
6.5-40.5
Water
55.1
Weather
68.5+12.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Carteret County

Whether buying or refinancing in Carteret County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$333,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,108/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$333,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,322/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Pamlico County
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55.8
Craven County
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38
Onslow County
North Carolina
39.3
Jones County
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Beaufort County
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Hyde County
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Lenoir County
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Deep Dives

Carteret County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Carteret County

via CrimeByCounty

Carteret County Maintains Strong Safety Standards

Carteret County enjoys a safety score of 97.1, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,820.0 per 100K is comfortably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding North Carolina Safety Averages

With a safety score of 97.1, Carteret outperforms the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,820.0 per 100K is also lower than the state’s typical 2,050.0 per 100K.

Comparing Coastal Safety Profiles

Carteret is safer than neighbor Bladen County, which has a crime rate of 1,922.3 per 100K. However, it experiences more crime than Brunswick County, the region's safety leader at 1,268.2 per 100K.

Lower Violent Crime than National Peers

The local violent crime rate is 237.0 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime follows this trend at 1,583.0 per 100K, below the national 2,015.7.

Proactive Protection for Coastal Homes

Maintaining Carteret's safety involves basic home security habits and community vigilance. Smart home technology, such as integrated alarms, provides peace of mind for both permanent and seasonal residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carteret County

via WeatherByCounty

Exceptional Coastal Warmth

Carteret County is one of the warmest spots in the country, with an annual average temperature of 64.4°F. This coastal climate is heavily influenced by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

North Carolina's Warmest Coastal Tier

The county is significantly warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. Its maritime location keeps winter temperatures much higher than the state's interior.

High Precipitation and Ocean Moderation

Carteret is one of the wettest counties in the region, receiving 58.8 inches of rain annually. Ocean breezes limit extreme heat, resulting in only 18 days above 90°F despite the high average temperature.

Humid Summers and Soft Winters

Winters are among the warmest in the state at 48.7°F, with snowfall being a rare 0.5-inch event. July averages 81.1°F, but extreme heat is far less frequent than in the inland Piedmont.

Invest in High-Quality Rain Gear

Heavy rainfall and high humidity require residents to invest in dehumidification and moisture-resistant building materials. Snow gear is rarely needed, but high-quality rain gear is a daily essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carteret County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of the Coast

Carteret County soil shows a pH of 5.12, matching the state average but trailing the national median of 6.5. This acidic level reflects the maritime environment and the specific minerals found along the coast.

Predominantly Sandy Composition

The soil is 76.1% sand, leaving only 12.9% silt and a very low 6.8% clay. This creates a very loose, beach-like texture where water moves through the ground rapidly.

Surprisingly High Organic Matter

Despite its sandiness, Carteret contains 10.25% organic matter, double the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.126 in/in, which is slightly below the state average but supported by that high organic content.

Rapid Drainage for Maritime Plants

No specific drainage classes are listed, but the 76.1% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. This prevents standing water but means gardeners must use mulch to keep the soil from drying out in the coastal sun.

Zone 8b Garden Opportunities

Carteret's mild winters in zone 8b are perfect for figs, rosemary, and salt-tolerant shrubs. Take advantage of your high organic matter to build a garden that thrives in this unique, sandy environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carteret County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Challenges for Carteret Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 34.3, Carteret County is more challenging than the state average of 40.8. This Zone 8b coastal environment requires specialized care to manage its unique climate and soil. Success depends on choosing the right grass for the sandy, wet conditions.

High Rainfall and Long Growing Seasons

Carteret receives a high 58.8 inches of annual rain, which can lead to soggy conditions in low-lying areas. Despite the southern location, the county only sees 18 extreme heat days, thanks to cooling coastal breezes. The long growing season is reflected in the high 5,746 growing degree days recorded here.

Extremely Sandy Coastal Soil Profile

The soil is 76.1% sand, the highest in this group, which leads to rapid drainage and potential nutrient leaching. With a pH of 5.12, the soil is also quite acidic and requires regular amendments to support healthy turf. Adding organic matter is crucial here to help the soil hold onto the 58 inches of rain it receives.

Moderate Drought Pressure Near the Coast

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, but it has zero severe drought coverage at this time. Over the past year, residents have managed 20 weeks of drought, which is lower than many inland counties. Consistent monitoring of sandy soil moisture is still necessary during the drier summer months.

A Long Window for Coastal Planting

St. Augustine and Zoysia are top picks for Carteret's sandy soil and long growing season. You have a very long window to plant, between the early last frost on March 11th and the late first frost on December 1st. This extended season allows for great root development if the grass is well-fed and watered.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carteret County's county score?
Carteret County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Carteret County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Carteret County ranks #50 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 Carteret County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Carteret County is $1,423, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Carteret County a tax score of 91.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carteret County?
The median household income in Carteret County, North Carolina is $72,322 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carteret County earns an income score of 67.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carteret County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Carteret County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Carteret 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 Carteret County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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