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Catawba County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#30 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
49.3
County Score
Property Tax 73.7Weather & Climate 72Water Quality 63.8

County Report Card

About Catawba County, North Carolina

Aligning with the National Median

Catawba County posts a composite score of 49.3, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the typical American experience.

Outpacing the State Average

While it sits near the national middle, Catawba exceeds the North Carolina average score of 44.7. This makes it a more attractive option for livability than many neighboring counties.

Low Taxes and Reliable Utilities

The county excels with a tax score of 73.7, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.605%. It also features a strong water score of 63.8 and a respectable safety rating of 53.7.

Environmental Risk and Education Gaps

A low risk score of 19.4 suggests the county faces significant environmental or climate-related vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the school score of 33.0 indicates room for improvement in local educational outcomes.

Perfect for Middle-Class Stability

This county is a great fit for workers seeking a stable economy and low tax burdens. The median household income of $64,544 pairs well with moderate median home values of $218,100.

Score breakdown

Tax73.7Cost43.9Safety53.7Health42.1Schools33Income52.3Risk19.4Water63.8Weather72
🏛73.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.4
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Catawba County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Catawba County

via TaxByCounty

Catawba ranks among lowest nationally

At 0.605%, Catawba has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in America, nearly one-third below the national median of 0.88%. The median tax bill of $1,319 is less than half the national median of $2,690, placing the county in the bottom 25th percentile nationally.

Catawba leads North Carolina low-tax counties

Catawba's 0.605% rate is among the lowest in North Carolina, beating the state average of 0.701% by a meaningful margin. At just $1,319 in median taxes, the county undercuts the state median of $1,433, offering substantial savings compared to typical North Carolina homeowners.

Best rate among Piedmont peers

Catawba's 0.605% rate makes it the lowest-taxed county in its immediate region, beating Caswell (0.677%), Chowan (0.686%), and Cleveland (0.688%). Only Cherokee (0.501%) and Clay (0.451%) offer lower rates statewide, making Catawba a competitive choice for tax-conscious homebuyers.

Median home tax bill runs $1,319

A typical Catawba home valued at $218,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,319. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,382 due to ancillary county assessments.

Even low taxes deserve review

Even in a low-tax county, overassessment happens—your home's assessed value may not reflect recent market shifts or legitimate exemptions you qualify for. Request a free assessment appeal from Catawba County's assessor office to confirm you're paying only what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Catawba County

via CostByCounty

Catawba rent burden trails national average

Catawba County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the nation, where renters typically spend a higher share of earnings on housing. With median rent at $891 and household income at $64,544, Catawba offers a workable balance compared to the national median income of $74,755.

Midfield affordability for North Carolina

Catawba's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio runs below North Carolina's 18.6% state average, placing the county in a favorable position for renters statewide. The $891 median rent reflects modest regional demand while incomes remain strong enough to absorb housing costs without undue strain.

Price premium over rural peers

Catawba's $891 rent runs higher than Caswell County ($699) and Cherokee County ($800), reflecting its stronger economic base and urban-adjacent positioning near Charlotte. Homebuyers will find median values at $218,100, higher than rural neighbors but below state hot spots like Chatham County at $397,800.

Balanced housing and income landscape

Catawba households split housing costs nearly evenly between renters and owners—16.6% to income for rent and 16.2% for mortgages on a $64,544 median income. This balance reflects steady employment in manufacturing and services, allowing residents to manage both rental and ownership pathways.

Solid middle ground for NC relocators

Catawba County offers middle-of-the-road housing costs and strong job markets centered on Hickory, making it appealing for families seeking stability between rural and urban options. Your rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% leaves room to build savings while enjoying a growing regional economy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Catawba County

via IncomeByCounty

Catawba earns above many rural peers

Catawba County's median household income of $64,544 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,211, or about 14%. However, the county outperforms most rural North Carolina counties and competes respectably with mid-tier American metros.

Above average for North Carolina

At $64,544, Catawba's median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $3,472. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper half of the state's 100 counties, reflecting strong manufacturing and industrial employment.

Solid middle ground in regional earnings

Catawba's $64,544 income sits comfortably above Caswell ($59,407) and well above struggling counties like Columbus ($48,184), but significantly below prosperous Chatham County's $88,534. The county's manufacturing heritage supports steadier wages than purely agricultural regions.

Housing costs are tighter than regional peers

Catawba's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is elevated compared to Caswell's 14.1%, meaning housing consumes a larger income share here. At a median home value of $218,100, homeownership requires careful budgeting, but remains within reach for dual-income households.

Leverage employer benefits strategically

Catawba's manufacturing economy often provides workers with pension plans, 401(k)s, and health insurance—benefits worth actively maximizing. Households should scrutinize their benefits packages, contribute to retirement plans, and consider supplemental savings vehicles to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Catawba County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Security in the Foothills

Catawba County earns a high 98.3 safety score, signaling a much safer environment than the national average. The total crime rate of 1,049.0 per 100K is less than half the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

The county's safety score of 98.3 outperforms the North Carolina average of 96.8. Across seven reporting agencies, local law enforcement maintains a crime rate nearly 50% lower than the state average.

A Regional Safety Standout

Catawba maintains a more secure profile than neighbors like Cleveland County, which sees higher crime rates. This stability across multiple agencies suggests a consistently safe environment for the region's residents.

Understanding Local Crime Trends

Property crime accounts for 928.5 per 100K, whereas violent crime remains low at 120.5. These statistics indicate that the vast majority of police activity involves non-violent property disputes and theft.

Secure Your Property Today

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing windows and using motion lighting. Consistent home maintenance and security help uphold the county's impressive safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Catawba County

via HealthByCounty

Below average life expectancy

Catawba County's life expectancy of 73.9 years trails both the U.S. average of 76.4 years and North Carolina's 74.4-year average by nearly half a year. Just 17.9% of residents report poor or fair health, below the national average of 18%, suggesting some health resilience despite lower longevity.

Lower life expectancy than most peers

Catawba ranks in the lower half of North Carolina counties for life expectancy, sitting 0.5 years below the state average. Its 17.9% poor/fair health rate is actually better than most counties, indicating that broader health trends—not just reported health status—are driving lower longevity.

Better provider access, similar outcomes

Catawba's 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed the state average and dramatically outpace neighboring Caswell's 22 per 100,000. Despite this advantage, Catawba's life expectancy lags peers like Chatham (79.9 years), suggesting access alone doesn't explain health disparities.

Strong provider network, lower uninsured rate

Catawba's 11.9% uninsured rate—below the state average of 12.5%—means most residents have a path to care. With 64 primary care providers and 275 mental health providers per 100,000, the county has solid infrastructure for routine check-ups and mental healthcare.

Ensure you're covered and connected

If you're uninsured, Catawba's robust provider network makes this the perfect time to enroll in coverage at HealthCare.gov. With access to care so accessible, insurance means you can start preventive care today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Catawba County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive School Options Across Three Districts

Catawba County supports a large educational infrastructure with 44 total schools and over 22,400 students. The network includes 24 elementary, 8 middle, and 10 high schools, including two specialized education centers.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Average

The county boasts an impressive 89.5% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. This achievement comes even as the per-pupil expenditure of $6,209 remains lower than the state's $6,969 average.

A Multi-District Educational Hub

Catawba County Schools is the largest district with 15,678 students, followed by Hickory City Schools and Newton Conover City Schools. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all 22,411 students within traditional public district boundaries.

Diverse Locales from City to Suburb

Students attend schools in a diverse mix of 16 suburban, 15 rural, and 10 city settings. While Saint Stephens High is the largest with 1,265 students, the average school size across the county remains manageable at 509 students.

Find Your Home in Catawba

With its high graduation rates and variety of school settings, Catawba County is a top destination for home-buying families. Explore neighborhoods near Saint Stephens or Hickory to find a home close to these established academic centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Catawba County

via RiskByCounty

Catawba's risk sits above national average

Catawba County's composite risk score of 80.57 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, but above the national average. The county faces moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards across different seasons.

Higher risk than most North Carolina counties

Catawba's score of 80.57 exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevated profile reflects vulnerabilities across several hazard types.

Stands out in its region

Catawba's 80.57 score surpasses nearby Cleveland County (70.01) and Cherokee County (56.71), making it the riskiest county in its immediate area. Neighbors to the south and west show measurably lower composite risks.

Tornadoes and floods present dual threat

Catawba faces tornado risk of 86.26 and flood risk of 85.08, both well above state averages, making severe weather the county's primary concern. Earthquake risk at 85.88 adds a secondary layer of exposure that residents should monitor.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance coverage

Given tornado and flood risks exceeding 85, homeowners in Catawba should verify comprehensive coverage for wind, hail, and water damage. Consider a separate flood insurance policy to fill gaps in standard homeowners plans.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Catawba County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Piedmont Humid Subtropical Climate

Catawba County's 59.0°F average annual temperature reflects a warm subtropical climate that sits notably higher than the national median. The county receives a healthy 47.0 inches of precipitation annually, keeping the Foothills region lush.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 59.0°F, Catawba is slightly cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. This makes it a temperate middle-ground between the colder mountains to the west and the sweltering coastal plains to the east.

Milder Than Its Southern Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Cleveland County at 59.2°F, Catawba is marginally cooler and drier. While nearby regions face more intense heat, Catawba maintains a slightly more moderate profile.

Warm Summers and Chilly Winters

July brings an average of 77.7°F with 33 days topping 90°F annually. Winters are crisp with a January average of 39.7°F, though official snowfall data for this specific area is currently limited.

Prepare for Humid Heat and Rain

Residents should service HVAC systems for at least a month of extreme heat and humidity. With 47.0 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters is essential for managing heavy Piedmont downpours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Catawba County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Gravelly Loams

Catawba features Ultisols with a dominant gravelly sandy loam texture. The average pH of 5.64 is less acidic than the state average of 5.14, though it still trails the national 6.5 median.

Sandy Texture with Gravelly Structure

The soil is composed of 56% sand, 25.1% silt, and 17.3% clay. This high sand and gravel content creates a coarse texture that prevents compaction and allows for easy tilling.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter is low at 1.17%, which is significantly under the 5.12% state average. The available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is also slightly lower than the state's 0.134 in/in benchmark.

Excellent Drainage in Group B

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This ensures that even during heavy Piedmont rains, the water moves through the gravelly profile quickly to prevent flooding.

Early Spring Planting in Zone 8a

Catawba sits in zone 8a, where sandy soils warm up fast in the spring. These conditions are perfect for root crops like carrots or radishes, especially if you supplement the soil with organic compost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Catawba County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing in Catawba

Catawba County scores an impressive 53.4, making it one of the easier places in the state to maintain a lawn. This score beats both the national average of 50.0 and the North Carolina state average of 40.8.

Favorable Piedmont Weather

The county enjoys 47 inches of rain annually and experiences only 33 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 38. These conditions support a robust growing season without the extreme heat stress found further east.

Sandy Loam Drainage

A gravelly sandy loam texture provides excellent drainage, though the 5.64 pH level remains slightly acidic for most turfgrass. Use soil testing to determine specific lime and phosphorus needs to optimize your yard's health.

Drought Conservation Tactics

Despite its high score, the area spent 24 weeks in drought recently and currently faces 100% severe drought coverage. Using mulch around lawn edges and maintaining a higher mower height helps protect grass crowns from drying out.

Building Zone 8a Success

Zone 8a favors heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Centipedegrass. Plan your primary lawn work around the March 31 last frost date to ensure roots establish before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catawba County's county score?
Catawba County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Catawba County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Catawba County ranks #30 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 Catawba County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Catawba County is $1,319, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Catawba County a tax score of 73.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Catawba County?
The median household income in Catawba County, North Carolina is $64,544 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Catawba County earns an income score of 52.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Catawba County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Catawba County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Catawba 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 Catawba 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.