Caswell County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#8 in North Carolina
59.6
County Score
Safety 88.9Disaster Risk 77.7Cost of Living 76.5

County Report Card

About Caswell County, North Carolina

Well Above the National Average

Caswell County earns a composite score of 59.6, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a high tier of overall livability compared to other rural areas across the country.

A North Carolina Performance Leader

The county's 59.6 score towers over the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This gap highlights Caswell as a regional standout for quality-of-life metrics within the state.

Elite Safety and Low Costs

A stellar safety score of 88.9 defines the county, complemented by a strong cost score of 76.5. Residents benefit from an incredibly affordable median gross rent of just $699 per month.

Opportunities in Infrastructure and Schools

The water score of 6.2 and school score of 28.4 indicate clear areas for community investment. Additionally, the health score of 35.1 suggests a need for expanded medical access and wellness resources.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Caswell County suits families seeking exceptional safety and low housing costs in a quiet setting. With a median home value of $151,200, it offers a high degree of financial predictability for homeowners.

Score breakdown

Tax65.8Cost76.5Safety88.9Health35.1Schools28.4Income37.2Risk77.7Water6.2Weather65.3
🏛65.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠76.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼37.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡88.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
35.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓28.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
77.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧6.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨26.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱46.7
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

Caswell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caswell County

via TaxByCounty

Caswell taxes rank low nationally

At 0.677%, Caswell's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than most Americans. The county's median property tax of $1,023 runs less than half the national median of $2,690, placing it in roughly the bottom 30th percentile nationally.

Below average, but not the lowest

Caswell's 0.677% rate trails North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, ranking it in the lower-tax half of the state's 100 counties. The median tax bill of $1,023 also falls below the state median of $1,433, offering modest relief compared to peers statewide.

Caswell compares favorably regionally

Among its Piedmont neighbors, Caswell edges out Catawba County (0.605%) but sits above Cherokee County (0.501%) and Clay County (0.451%). The variation across the region shows how much tax burden depends on location—your county choice can save or cost you hundreds annually.

Median home costs $1,023 yearly

A typical Caswell home valued at $151,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,023. For homeowners with mortgages, the effective bill climbs slightly to $1,041 due to additional county fees.

Challenge your assessment today

Many Caswell homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated property valuations, especially if market conditions have shifted since the last reassessment. Filing an appeal is free and straightforward—contact your county assessor's office to request a review of your home's assessed value.

Cost of Living in Caswell County

via CostByCounty

Caswell's rent burden beats the nation

At 14.1%, Caswell County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The median rent of $699/month is affordable even compared to the national median household income of $74,755, giving renters meaningful financial breathing room.

Best-in-class affordability statewide

Caswell ranks as one of North Carolina's most affordable counties for renters, with a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 18.6%. This advantage reflects both modest local rents and a stable median household income of $59,407 that stretches further here than in pricier parts of the state.

Affordability advantage in Piedmont region

Caswell's $699 monthly rent undercuts neighboring Catawba County ($891) and Chatham County ($1,066) by $192 to $367, making it a standout value in North Carolina's Piedmont region. Even against Chowan County's $766, Caswell rents remain competitive for families seeking cost-conscious communities.

Housing takes modest slice of budget

Caswell renters allocate just 14.1% of income to rent, while homeowners dedicate 14.4% to monthly ownership costs—both well-managed portions of the $59,407 median household income. This balance leaves households room for savings, healthcare, and other necessities without housing stress.

Small-town stability and affordability await

If affordable rent and low cost-of-living are your priorities, Caswell County delivers—median rent of $699 and one of the state's best rent-to-income ratios make it ideal for budget-conscious movers. Compare Caswell's $151,200 median home value against state options to find your financial sweet spot in rural North Carolina.

Income & Jobs in Caswell County

via IncomeByCounty

Caswell trails national income benchmarks

Caswell County's median household income of $59,407 falls $15,348 below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower income tier nationally. This 20% gap reflects broader economic disparities between rural North Carolina and affluent metro areas across the country.

Slightly below state average income

At $59,407, Caswell's median household income sits below North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by approximately $1,665. The county ranks in the lower third of the state's 100 counties for household earnings.

Income advantage over western counties

Caswell residents earn more than Cherokee County ($51,496) and Columbus County ($48,184), but considerably less than Chatham County's affluent $88,534 median. The county's position reflects its rural eastern North Carolina location alongside stronger agricultural and regional employment opportunities.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Caswell's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% is one of the state's most favorable, indicating housing costs consume less than one-seventh of typical household income. The median home value of $151,200 aligns reasonably with local earning power, making homeownership relatively achievable for working families.

Start building wealth where you are

With median income of $59,407, Caswell households should prioritize establishing emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans to capture any matches available. Even modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts compound significantly over time, helping bridge the income gap with wealthier regions.

Safety in Caswell County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Caswell

Caswell County boasts an elite safety score of 99.6, placing it among the most secure regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 233.0 per 100K residents is roughly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing North Carolina Safety Norms

With a safety score of 99.6, Caswell sits significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate remains a fraction of the statewide average of 2,050.0 per 100K.

A Quiet Rural Enclave

Caswell reports a crime rate far lower than the state average, though data comes from a single reporting agency and warrants cautious interpretation. This rural profile contrasts sharply with more urbanized neighbors that face higher incident volumes.

Low Risk Across the Board

Violent crime is rare at 44.0 per 100K, while property crime stands at just 189.0. These figures suggest that residents face minimal risk of both physical harm and theft compared to national trends.

Maintain Your Community Peace

While the numbers are very low, simple home security measures help preserve Caswell's safe character. Staying vigilant and keeping property locked remains the best defense against opportunistic crime.

Health in Caswell County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy matches state average

Caswell County residents live an average of 74.4 years, matching North Carolina's state average but trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 21% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 18%, signaling room for improvement in health outcomes.

Middle of the pack in North Carolina

Caswell ranks at the state median for life expectancy, neither leading nor lagging its peers. The county's 21% poor/fair health rate places it in the lower half of North Carolina counties, reflecting health challenges that deserve attention.

Similar health challenges to peers

Caswell's life expectancy of 74.4 years mirrors neighboring Chowan County but trails Chatham County's impressive 79.9 years. Primary care access is notably thin at 22 providers per 100,000 residents—less than a third of Chowan's 73 per 100,000—creating gaps in preventive care.

Access barriers in rural healthcare

Caswell's uninsured rate of 12.5% matches the state average, but with only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, many residents struggle to find nearby doctors. The shortage of providers—even compared to neighboring counties—means longer waits and travel for basic care.

Insurance coverage is your first step

If you're among Caswell's uninsured, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility. Coverage opens doors to preventive care and treatment that can add years to your life.

Schools in Caswell County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education Network

Caswell County manages a streamlined education system of 6 public schools serving 2,250 total students. This infrastructure consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all organized under a single district.

Matching National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, perfectly matching the national average. While the school score of 50.6 sits just below the state average of 52.4, the county maintains these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,381.

Caswell County Schools Leads the Way

Caswell County Schools is the sole provider for the region, managing all 2,250 students across its 6 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, making the local district the central pillar of public education.

Traditional Rural School Settings

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering a consistent environment for the average school size of 375 students. Bartlett Yancey High is the largest campus with 679 students, while South Elementary provides a smaller setting with 252 students.

Build a Life in Caswell

Families looking for a community-centered rural school experience should explore the housing options in Caswell County. With reliable graduation rates and small school sizes, this area offers a stable environment for growing families.

Disaster Risk in Caswell County

via RiskByCounty

Caswell ranks far below national risk

Caswell County's composite risk score of 22.36 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Among North Carolina's safest counties

At 22.36, Caswell's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in North Carolina, where the state average stands at 66.72. The county sits well below the typical risk profile for its state.

Safer than surrounding counties

Caswell's score of 22.36 makes it one of the safest counties in its region, compared to nearby Chatham County (67.18) and Chowan County (34.29). Neighbors to the west and south face notably higher composite risks.

Hurricane exposure tops Caswell's risks

Despite low overall risk, Caswell faces elevated hurricane risk at 73.63, driven by Atlantic storm surge and wind patterns. Tornado risk stands at 39.50 and flood risk at 37.72, creating a secondary concern for residents.

Focus hurricane coverage for peace of mind

While Caswell remains a relatively safe county, the 73.63 hurricane risk score warrants comprehensive homeowners insurance with wind and water damage coverage. Review your policy annually to ensure you're protected against Atlantic hurricane seasons.

Weather & Climate in Caswell County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-Atlantic Patterns

Caswell County’s 58.9°F average annual temperature is nearly identical to the North Carolina state average. It represents a classic humid subtropical climate typical of the inland Mid-Atlantic.

Mirroring the State Average Temperature

The county sits right in the middle of the state's temperature rankings at 58.9°F. It lacks both the extreme cold of the mountains and the sustained maritime heat of the southern coast.

Drier Conditions Than the Coastal Plain

Caswell is slightly drier than the state average, receiving 48.1 inches of precipitation annually. It experiences 44 days of extreme heat, placing it on par with other northern Piedmont counties.

Snowy Winters and Hot Summer Days

The county sees a true four-season cycle, including 8.8 inches of annual snowfall. Summer heat is significant, with 44 days over 90°F and a July average of 78.9°F.

Dual Preparation for Heat and Snow

Homeowners should be prepared for both winter storms and summer heatwaves. With 8.8 inches of snow and 44 days of extreme heat, both heating and cooling systems must be in top condition.

Soil Quality in Caswell County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Weathered Ultisols in Caswell

The county's dominant soils are Ultisols, which are highly weathered and naturally acidic. At 5.46, the average pH is higher than the state average of 5.14 but remains well below the national median of 6.5.

A Versatile Clay Loam Mix

This soil consists of 53.8% sand, 29.7% silt, and 15% clay. This clay loam texture provides a stable balance that is easier to work than pure clay while retaining more nutrients than sandy soils.

Strong Water Capacity Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter is quite low at 1.18%, falling far behind the North Carolina average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.158 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.134 in/in, ensuring plants stay hydrated.

Well Drained for Farming and Building

The soil is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. This means water infiltrates the ground at a moderate rate, reducing the risk of runoff and saturated roots.

Hardy Crops for Zone 7b

Caswell resides in hardiness zone 7b, where the clay loam supports robust fruit trees and perennials. While you should add lime to raise the pH, the natural water retention makes this a great spot for a home orchard.

Lawn Care in Caswell County

via LawnByCounty

Caswell’s Mid-Range Challenge

Caswell County earns a 46.7 lawn difficulty score, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While Zone 7b conditions are manageable, residents still face more maintenance hurdles than the typical American homeowner.

Managing Heat and Growth

With 44 extreme heat days per year, Caswell exceeds the state average of 38 heat days. The 48.1 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range, though 4,495 growing degree days demand a very active mowing schedule.

Amending Acidic Clay Loam

The local soil is a well-drained clay loam with a 5.46 pH level, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. You will need regular lime applications to unlock essential nutrients for a healthy turf foundation.

Widespread Severe Drought

Severe drought currently blankets 100% of the county following 24 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maintain root resilience during these persistent dry spells.

Maximize the Growing Season

Tall fescue and Zoysia thrive in this transition zone, offering the best balance of heat and cold tolerance. Aim to seed or sod between the last frost on March 31 and the first frost on November 4 for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caswell County's county score?
Caswell County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Caswell County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Caswell County ranks #8 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 Caswell County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Caswell County is $1,023, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Caswell County a tax score of 65.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caswell County?
The median household income in Caswell County, North Carolina is $59,407 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caswell County earns an income score of 37.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caswell County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Caswell County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Caswell 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 Caswell County with other counties side by side.