Chatham County's composite score of 72.2 is nearly 44% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top performers nationally in this comparison.
2 / 5
Right at North Carolina's average
Chatham scores 72.2 against the statewide average of 72.7, placing it squarely in the middle-upper tier of North Carolina counties. The county holds its own against regional competition.
3 / 5
Higher incomes drive livability
Chatham stands out with an income score of 41.2 and a median household income of $88,534—substantially above all peers in this group. A tax score of 83.4 and reasonable effective tax rate of 0.671% add to the appeal.
4 / 5
Housing costs reflect affluence
The cost score of 71.6 reflects median home values of $397,800, the highest among these eight counties—a trade-off for higher incomes. Safety, health, school, and environmental dimensions remain unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for affluent, educated professionals
Chatham County attracts high-income families and professionals seeking upscale North Carolina living with strong tax efficiency. Its proximity to Chapel Hill and Research Triangle makes it ideal for educated, well-earning households.
Chatham County's composite score of 72.2 is nearly 44% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top performers nationally in this comparison.
Right at North Carolina's average
Chatham scores 72.2 against the statewide average of 72.7, placing it squarely in the middle-upper tier of North Carolina counties. The county holds its own against regional competition.
Higher incomes drive livability
Chatham stands out with an income score of 41.2 and a median household income of $88,534—substantially above all peers in this group. A tax score of 83.4 and reasonable effective tax rate of 0.671% add to the appeal.
Housing costs reflect affluence
The cost score of 71.6 reflects median home values of $397,800, the highest among these eight counties—a trade-off for higher incomes. Safety, health, school, and environmental dimensions remain unmeasured.
Perfect for affluent, educated professionals
Chatham County attracts high-income families and professionals seeking upscale North Carolina living with strong tax efficiency. Its proximity to Chapel Hill and Research Triangle makes it ideal for educated, well-earning households.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.