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Chatham County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#61 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.2Weather & Climate 71.8Health 67.3

County Report Card

About Chatham County, North Carolina

Lower Livability Due to High Costs

Chatham County’s composite score of 40.7 trails the national median of 50.0. This lower overall ranking is driven primarily by extreme affordability and safety hurdles despite high wealth.

Trailing the North Carolina Average

The county falls below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. While it is home to high earners, its overall index suffers compared to better-balanced counties in the region.

Exceptional Income and Health

Chatham boasts an elite income score of 91.2, reflected in a high median household income of $88,534. Residents also benefit from a strong health score of 67.3, indicating excellent access to care.

High Costs and Safety Concerns

A safety score of 1.8 represents a significant local challenge that drags down the overall ranking. Furthermore, the cost score of 21.9 reflects a high median home value of $397,800.

A Haven for High Earners

Chatham County best suits affluent professionals who prioritize health and high-quality amenities over housing affordability. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can afford the entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax66.4Cost21.9Safety1.8Health67.3Schools42Income91.2Risk32.8Water51Weather71.8
🏛66.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.5
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

Chatham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chatham County

via TaxByCounty

Chatham's taxes match national median

At 0.671%, Chatham's effective rate sits just below the national median of 0.88%, making it a typical American county for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $2,671 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, putting Chatham squarely at the 50th percentile nationally.

Slightly below state average

Chatham's 0.671% rate runs marginally below North Carolina's 0.701% average, offering modest relief compared to typical state residents. However, the median tax of $2,671 exceeds the state median of $1,433, reflecting Chatham's higher median home values and wealthier tax base.

Chatham anchors Triangle tax burden

Among Triangle-area peers, Chatham's 0.671% rate matches the broader regional profile of moderate taxation. The county's $2,671 median tax reflects strong home valuations that drive up absolute bills despite competitive effective rates.

Median home costs $2,671 annually

A typical Chatham home valued at $397,800 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,671. With a mortgage, the effective bill climbs to $2,813 due to additional assessments.

Higher values warrant closer review

Chatham's elevated home values make accurate assessments critical—a small percentage overvaluation on a $400,000 home means real money left on the table. File a free appeal with Chatham County's assessor if you believe your property is overassessed relative to comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chatham County

via CostByCounty

Chatham combines affluence with affordability

Chatham County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio outshines the national norm, even as its residents earn $88,534—well above the US median of $74,755. This combination of high income and controlled housing burden makes Chatham one of the nation's most comfortable places for housing affordability.

North Carolina's wealth and housing harmony

Chatham County ranks among North Carolina's best for housing affordability, with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 18.6%. The county's $88,534 median income—highest among the eight counties reviewed—enables residents to weather even premium rents and mortgages with ease.

Premium prices for premium prosperity

Chatham's $1,066 median rent and $397,800 home values are the highest in this peer group, but so is its median income at $88,534, which fully absorbs these costs. The county's proximity to Research Triangle growth districts justifies its price premium and wealth advantage over more rural neighbors.

High income cushions high housing costs

Chatham residents dedicate 14.4% of their $88,534 income to rent and 15.5% to ownership costs—both healthy portions due to exceptional earning power. The county's affluent demographics and strong job markets in technology and research explain both high incomes and housing values.

Premium community for upscale relocators

If you're moving to North Carolina with a high household income and seek strong schools, amenities, and proximity to the Research Triangle, Chatham's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio makes premium living affordable. Compare its $1,066 rent and $397,800 median home value against your income to confirm this affluent community fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chatham County

via IncomeByCounty

Chatham leads North Carolina in income

Chatham County's median household income of $88,534 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $13,779, ranking the county in the upper income tier across America. This 18% advantage reflects Chatham's proximity to Research Triangle Park and its concentration of high-earning tech and biotech professionals.

Clearly North Carolina's richest county

At $88,534, Chatham's median household income stands $27,462 above North Carolina's state average of $61,072, a 45% premium. The county consistently ranks first or second among all 100 North Carolina counties for household earnings.

Dramatically outearns all regional rivals

Chatham's $88,534 income vastly exceeds nearby Caswell ($59,407), Catawba ($64,544), and every other county in this comparison by substantial margins. The county's prosperity stems from its position as a bedroom community for Durham and Chapel Hill's universities and research institutions.

Strong income supports expensive housing

Despite a median home value of $397,800—the highest in this group by far—Chatham's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% remains manageable. High incomes here enable residents to afford premium housing while maintaining financial flexibility.

Advanced wealth-building strategies apply here

Chatham's above-average incomes position households to maximize 529 college savings plans, taxable investment accounts, and real estate portfolios beyond primary residences. Professional households should engage financial advisors to optimize tax efficiency and diversify wealth across multiple asset classes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chatham County

via CrimeByCounty

Elevated Crime Rates in Chatham

Chatham County faces a total crime rate of 5,152.8 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. Consequently, its safety score of 91.9 is lower than that of many surrounding counties.

Chatham Trails State Safety Averages

The county’s safety score of 91.9 falls below the North Carolina average of 96.8. Local crime volume is significantly higher than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100K residents.

Unique Regional Safety Challenges

Data from five reporting agencies show Chatham has a much higher crime rate than nearby low-crime counties like Caswell. This increased activity is driven primarily by a surge in property-related incidents.

Property Crimes Drive the Numbers

Property crime dominates the landscape at 4,705.9 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 446.9. Residents are far more likely to experience theft or vandalism than physical violence in this jurisdiction.

Prioritize Your Home Security

Given the high property crime rate, installing a monitored alarm system is a smart investment for Chatham homeowners. Visible cameras and robust locks can help deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chatham County

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional life expectancy, excellent health

Chatham County's 79.9-year life expectancy ranks among the nation's best, surpassing both the U.S. average of 76.4 years and North Carolina's 74.4 years by more than five years. Just 16.1% of residents report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 18%—demonstrating strong health outcomes across the board.

Top health performer in North Carolina

Chatham leads North Carolina counties in life expectancy, outpacing the state average by 5.5 years. This exceptional performance reflects a county where residents not only live longer but enjoy better health throughout their lives.

Outshines peer counties by wide margin

Chatham's 79.9-year life expectancy dwarfs neighboring Caswell's 74.4 years and Catawba's 73.9 years. With 94 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among peers—Chatham combines strong healthcare access with evident health dividends.

Best-in-class access and coverage

Chatham's 11.4% uninsured rate ranks among the state's lowest, ensuring most residents can access care. With 94 primary care providers and 179 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers robust, accessible healthcare across the lifespan.

Maintain momentum with steady coverage

Even in Chatham's health-conscious community, verify your coverage annually at HealthCare.gov to lock in the best rates. Consistent insurance access is part of the foundation for Chatham's outstanding longevity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chatham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing and Diverse Educational Landscape

Chatham County operates 24 public schools that serve a growing population of 10,494 students. The county provides a mix of 12 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, along with 4 specialized campuses.

Strong Scores and Robust Investment

Chatham's school score of 53.0 exceeds the state average of 52.4 and the national median. The county invests $7,274 per pupil, which is higher than the state average, helping maintain a solid 87.9% graduation rate.

A Mix of District and Charter Options

Chatham County Schools serves the vast majority of families with 9,129 students across 21 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the county's total schools, including Chatham Charter and Woods Charter School.

Rural Schools with Town Centers

The school landscape is primarily rural, with 19 schools in rural settings and 5 in town centers. Large high schools like Northwood and Jordan Matthews serve over 900 students each, while the average school size is 437.

Invest in a Chatham Education

Chatham County's high per-pupil investment and strong school scores make it a magnet for families. Consider exploring homes near Seaforth High or Chatham Grove Elementary for access to the county's latest educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chatham County

via RiskByCounty

Chatham's risk slightly above national average

Chatham County's composite risk score of 67.18 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, marginally above the national average. The county experiences moderate natural hazard exposure across multiple threat types.

Close to North Carolina's typical risk level

Chatham's score of 67.18 sits just above the state average of 66.72, placing it near the middle of North Carolina's risk distribution. The county mirrors statewide vulnerability patterns closely.

Risk profile mirrors regional peers

Chatham's 67.18 score places it between nearby Caswell County (22.36) and Catawba County (80.57), reflecting middle-ground risk in its region. The county's exposure is more balanced than some surrounding areas.

Hurricanes and tornadoes create seasonal patterns

Chatham faces hurricane risk of 83.35 and tornado risk of 75.80, both above state averages and driven by Atlantic weather systems. Flood risk at 74.40 rounds out the county's primary hazard triad.

Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

With three major hazards all scoring above 74, Chatham homeowners should maintain robust coverage for wind, water, and flood damage. Ensure your policy covers both summer tornado season and fall hurricane season exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chatham County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Sun-Drenched Interior

Chatham County averages 59.4°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate sees 45.9 inches of rain, which is lower than many of its coastal state neighbors.

The State's Climate Benchmark

Chatham's 59.4°F average is nearly identical to the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It serves as a representative example of the typical North Carolina weather experience.

Typical Triangle Area Conditions

Chatham shares a similar profile with its neighbors in the Research Triangle, averaging 35 days of extreme heat. It is slightly warmer than Catawba to the west but avoids the extreme humidity found further east.

Hot July, Very Little Snow

Summer peaks in July with an average of 78.6°F, while January stays above freezing at 40.0°F. Snow is rare in this part of the state, with only 1.5 inches falling annually on average.

Focus on Summer Cooling

With 35 days over 90°F, efficient cooling is the priority for local homeowners. Winter gear can remain light, as snow rarely impacts travel or requires heavy equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chatham County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of the Piedmont

Chatham's soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.11. This is very close to the North Carolina average of 5.14 but much lower than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil contains 45.7% sand and 36.4% silt, with a clay content of 16.4%. While specific texture classes are not mapped, this high silt percentage usually results in a smooth feel and good moisture holding.

High Water Capacity Near the State Average

The organic matter is 1.21%, trailing the state average of 5.12% significantly. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is impressive, beating the state average of 0.134 in/in.

Managing Moisture in Chatham

Specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited for this area. The relatively high silt and clay percentages suggest the soil holds moisture well, which can be a benefit during dry North Carolina summers.

Thirsty Crops for Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long growing season that pairs well with Chatham's high water capacity. Thirsty vegetables like tomatoes and peppers will thrive here if you boost the low organic matter with leaf mold or manure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chatham County

via LawnByCounty

Chatham’s Central NC Profile

Chatham County’s lawn difficulty score of 45.5 reflects a challenging environment compared to the national median of 50.0. However, it still outperforms the North Carolina state average of 40.8, offering a middle-ground experience for local homeowners.

Balanced Rain and Heat

Annual precipitation of 45.9 inches provides a solid foundation, while 35 extreme heat days keep conditions slightly cooler than the state average. The 4,563 growing degree days suggest a long, active season for warm-season grasses.

Overcoming Acidic Soils

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.11, which is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. While soil texture data is limited, the 45.7% sand content suggests a mix that needs organic matter and lime for support.

Conserving Through Dry Spells

All of Chatham is currently in severe drought after enduring 25 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Focus on water conservation by installing rain barrels and choosing drought-resistant cultivars to weather these cycles.

Warm-Season Winners

This Zone 8a region is ideal for Bermuda or Centipedegrass which can handle the local acidity and heat. Aim to complete major seeding projects between the March 31 spring frost and the November 4 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chatham County's county score?
Chatham County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Chatham County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Chatham County ranks #61 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 Chatham County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Chatham County is $2,671, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Chatham County a tax score of 66.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chatham County?
The median household income in Chatham County, North Carolina is $88,534 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chatham County earns an income score of 91.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chatham County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Chatham County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Chatham 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 Chatham 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.