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Cherokee County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#37 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.9
County Score
Property Tax 85.7Cost of Living 76.3Weather & Climate 70.8

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, North Carolina

Competitive Rural Livability

Cherokee County earns a composite score of 46.9, staying competitive with the national median of 50.0. It offers a distinct value proposition focused on affordability.

Surpassing the State Average

Cherokee outperforms the North Carolina average of 44.7 by several points. This makes it a standout choice for those looking for quality rural living in the western part of the state.

Elite Tax and Cost Scores

An impressive tax score of 85.7 and cost score of 76.3 make this one of the most affordable spots in the region. The effective tax rate is remarkably low at just 0.501%.

Economic and Safety Headwinds

The income score of 17.7 reflects a modest median household income of $51,496. Additionally, a safety score of 13.3 suggests the county faces challenges with crime rates compared to national norms.

Suited for Retirees and Savers

With low taxes and a median gross rent of $800, this county is perfect for retirees or those on a fixed budget. It favors residents who prioritize financial ease over high-growth career opportunities.

2040608010085.776.313.334.631.817.743.347.470.8Tax85.7Cost76.3Safety13.3Health34.6Schools31.8Income17.7Risk43.3Water47.4Weather70.846.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Cherokee County DNA

Foverall

How Cherokee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cherokee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (85.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.7+33.7
Cost
76.3+28.299999999999997
Safety
13.3-41.7
Health
34.6-15.399999999999999
Schools
31.8-22.2
Income
17.7-33.3
Risk
43.3
Water
47.4-10.600000000000001
Weather
70.8+14.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$208,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$800/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$208,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,496/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.4

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

Graham County
North Carolina
55.9
Clay County
North Carolina
56.1
Monroe County
Tennessee
51.9
Union County
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62
Towns County
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Fannin County
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Polk County
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Blount County
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Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee ranks among America's lowest

At 0.501%, Cherokee County has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the United States, roughly 43% below the national median of 0.88%. The median tax bill of $1,045 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, placing Cherokee in the bottom 10th percentile nationally.

Cherokee leads North Carolina taxes

Cherokee's 0.501% rate ranks among the absolute lowest in North Carolina, beating the state average of 0.701% by a substantial margin. At just $1,045 in median taxes, Cherokee homeowners pay less than 73% of the state median, offering exceptional tax relief.

Cherokee and Clay set state low-tax standard

Cherokee's 0.501% rate is second only to Clay County (0.451%) in the state, making the pair the nation's most tax-friendly North Carolina destinations. The county significantly undercuts regional peers like Caswell (0.677%) and Chowan (0.686%), attracting budget-conscious homebuyers.

Median home costs $1,045 yearly

A typical Cherokee home valued at $208,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,045. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,161 due to ancillary assessments.

Appeal to confirm fair assessment

Even in North Carolina's lowest-tax county, it's worth confirming your assessed value matches reality—especially if you've made significant home improvements or the market has shifted. Contact Cherokee County's assessor office for a free assessment appeal to verify accuracy.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee rents match national affordability norms

Cherokee County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio mirrors the national pattern, where renters dedicate roughly one-fifth of earnings to housing. With median rent at $800 and income at $51,496—below the US median of $74,755—Cherokee residents face steeper housing burdens than higher-earning peers.

Right at North Carolina's affordability line

Cherokee County matches North Carolina's statewide 18.6% rent-to-income average exactly, putting it at the midline for the state. The $800 rent and $51,496 income reflect a working-class economy where housing costs consume a meaningful but manageable share of household budgets.

Mountain region pricing in context

Cherokee's $800 rent sits between rural counties like Caswell ($699) and urban-influenced Catawba ($891), positioning it as moderate in the western Appalachian region. The $208,700 median home value offers reasonable entry points for ownership compared to more developed counties to the east.

Ownership advantage over renting

Cherokee renters spend 18.6% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate only 12.8% to mortgages—a notable gap that reflects lower median home values at $208,700. For households earning $51,496, this difference suggests ownership may offer better long-term value than renting.

Mountain living with modest costs

Cherokee County appeals to remote workers and retirees seeking Appalachian lifestyle at working-class prices—$800 rent and $208,700 median home values keep housing affordable. If homeownership fits your plan, the 12.8% ownership-to-income ratio offers particularly strong value versus renting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee faces significant income challenges

Cherokee County's median household income of $51,496 falls $23,259 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 31% deficit. The county ranks among America's lowest-income regions, primarily a rural western North Carolina mountain community.

Among North Carolina's lowest earners

At $51,496, Cherokee's median household income lags the state average of $61,072 by $9,576, or 16%. The county ranks in the lower quartile statewide, indicating economic challenges typical of Appalachian mountain counties.

Poorest county in this regional comparison

Cherokee's $51,496 income is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, trailing even Columbus County's $48,184. The county's remote mountain location and limited industrial base contribute to persistent income disadvantages relative to piedmont and coastal peers.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is the highest in this group, meaning nearly one-fifth of household income goes to housing. The median home value of $208,700 represents a particularly heavy burden for workers earning under $52,000 annually.

Build resilience through small savings habits

Cherokee households should prioritize establishing even modest emergency funds, as financial shocks pose acute risks with limited income cushions. Explore low-cost savings tools like high-yield savings accounts and credit union memberships to maximize the impact of every dollar saved.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Near National Safety Norms

Cherokee County reports a safety score of 96.1, which aligns closely with national security expectations. Its total crime rate of 2,497.6 per 100K is just slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

Just Below State Averages

At 96.1, Cherokee's safety score sits slightly under the North Carolina average of 96.8. The county's crime rate of 2,497.6 per 100K is roughly 20% higher than the statewide average.

Active Mountain Safety Trends

Cherokee shows more crime activity than its neighbor Clay County, likely due to higher population density or reporting from three different agencies. This makes it a more active hub for law enforcement in the mountains.

Property Incidents Outpace Violence

The violent crime rate is 291.0 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 2,206.6. Theft and burglary represent the vast majority of local criminal reports.

Securing Your Mountain Home

Protect your property by securing outbuildings and vehicles where many thefts occur. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain a secure household in Cherokee County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dedicated Rural Schools in the Mountains

Cherokee County maintains 13 public schools serving 3,146 students in the western corner of the state. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 5 high schools all within a single district.

High Investment with Growth Opportunities

The county invests $7,722 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. However, the 76.0% graduation rate and 47.7 school score indicate areas where the county is working to improve student outcomes.

Cherokee County Schools Leads Enrollment

Cherokee County Schools operates as the sole district for the area, serving all 3,146 local students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, ensuring the district remains the primary focal point for community education.

Intimate Rural Campus Environments

Every school in Cherokee County is located in a rural setting, with an average school size of just 242 students. Murphy Elementary is the largest campus with 536 students, offering a close-knit feel compared to larger urban districts.

Discover Mountain Living and Schools

For families seeking small class sizes and a rural mountain lifestyle, Cherokee County offers a unique opportunity. Explore homes near the Murphy schools to be part of a community that prioritizes personal connections within its educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee's risk moderately below national average

Cherokee County's composite risk score of 56.71 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, below the national average. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure with notable variation across hazard types.

Below-average risk for North Carolina

At 56.71, Cherokee's composite risk score falls below North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county ranks among the safer counties in its state.

Safer than Catawba, higher than Clay

Cherokee's 56.71 score positions it below Catawba County (80.57) but above Clay County (26.88), reflecting moderate risk in its western region. The county's profile differs notably from its immediate neighbors.

Wildfire risk drives Cherokee's profile

Wildfire risk of 81.08 dominates Cherokee County's hazard landscape, significantly exceeding state averages and reflecting the county's forested terrain. Flood and tornado risks at 67.88 and 68.10 present secondary concerns.

Wildfire coverage is essential for Cherokee

Cherokee residents in forested areas should verify their homeowners insurance includes wildfire damage coverage, given the county's 81.08 wildfire risk score. Review defensible space around your property and maintain insurance that covers wind-driven embers and structure fires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cherokee County

via WaterByCounty

Cherokee County Earns Grade D for Compliance

Cherokee County earns a Grade D for drinking water compliance based on two health violations over five years. Its rate of 20.2 per 100k residents is lower than the North Carolina state average of 31.7.

No Impairment Data for Local Waterways

Water bodies in Cherokee County have not yet been assessed under federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No official impairment data is available for the current reporting cycle to determine watershed health.

Active Biological and Nutrient Monitoring Network

Environmental agencies monitor 51 sites across the county, collecting 5,382 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and biological characteristics to track overall ecological health.

Valley River Flows at 44% of Mean

The Valley River at Tomotla shows a current discharge of 112 cfs, which is 44% of its historical mean. While the river is below its 255 cfs average, it maintains better flow than many neighboring regions.

Infrastructure Awareness Recommended for Grade D

Residents should stay informed about drinking water safety as the Grade D indicates a need for continued infrastructure oversight. Lower-than-average flow in the Valley River suggests residents should be aware of potential water conservation needs.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Mountain Haven

Cherokee County averages a cool 56.8°F, which is much closer to the national median than the rest of North Carolina. Its 59.3 inches of annual rainfall makes it one of the wettest spots in the country.

Coolest in the Region

Cherokee sits 2.5 degrees below the state average of 59.3°F, making it a cool outlier in North Carolina. This mountain climate provides a stark contrast to the state's hotter coastal regions.

Wet and Mild Compared to Neighbors

Cherokee sees 21 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 30+ days experienced by its Piedmont neighbors. It also receives nearly 10 inches more rain than Chowan or Cleveland counties.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

July averages a pleasant 74.6°F, providing relief from the typical Southern heat. Winters are the coldest in this set, with a January average of 38.0°F and a regional high of 4.4 inches of snow.

Invest in Quality Rain Gear

With nearly 60 inches of rain, waterproof gear and home drainage systems are essential. Residents should also prepare for more frequent winter freezes and light snow accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soils with Sharp Acidity

Cherokee County features very acidic soils with an average pH of 4.83. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.14 and falls far below the national 6.5 median.

Fine Texture and Low Clay

The soil contains 41% sand and 26.2% silt, but only 11.9% clay. This creates a fine-grained soil that resists the heavy, sticky characteristics found in other parts of the state.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is a massive 16.63%, more than triple the state average of 5.12%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.125 in/in, which is slightly below the state norm.

High Organic Content Aids Infiltration

Detailed drainage classifications are currently unavailable for this county. However, the high organic matter suggests a spongy soil structure that allows for healthy root development and air movement.

Perfect for Acid-Loving Plants

In hardiness zone 7b, this high-organic, acidic soil is perfect for blueberries and azaleas. You have a natural advantage for forest-style gardening without needing much additional fertilizer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Appalachian Advantage

Cherokee County hits a 48.1 lawn score, nearly reaching the national average and easily surpassing the state average of 40.8. The cooler Zone 7b mountain climate provides a distinct advantage for traditional lawn care.

High Rainfall, Low Heat

This region receives a generous 59.3 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 51.6 inches. With only 21 extreme heat days per year, lawns here suffer much less heat stress than those in the Piedmont.

Correcting Extremely Low pH

Soil health is the primary hurdle here, as the pH sits at an extremely acidic 4.83. With sand making up 41% of the profile, you will need consistent lime applications and organic amendments to raise the pH to healthy levels.

Managing High-Elevation Drought

Severe drought currently impacts 100% of the county despite the high annual rainfall average. Because the area has seen 17 weeks of drought recently, it is vital to monitor soil moisture even during traditionally wet months.

Cool-Season Grass Country

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are viable options in this cooler climate. Ensure your lawn is established before the relatively early first frost which typically arrives by October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Cherokee County ranks #37 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 Cherokee County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $1,045, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, North Carolina is $51,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.