Chowan County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#33 in North Carolina
48.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 65.7Weather & Climate 65.6Property Tax 64.5

County Report Card

About Chowan County, North Carolina

Strong Mid-Range National Ranking

Chowan County’s composite score of 48.1 sits very close to the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable quality of life that competes well on a national scale.

Leading the State Benchmark

The county scores comfortably above the North Carolina average of 44.7. This relative strength indicates better-than-average performance in key livability dimensions for the state.

Low Risk and Moderate Costs

Chowan shines with a risk score of 65.7, suggesting high resilience to environmental hazards. The cost score of 51.0 is supported by an accessible median gross rent of $766 per month.

Income and Safety Gaps

An income score of 30.2 reflects a median household income of $56,982, which is lower than many urban peers. The safety score of 37.6 also leaves room for community improvement.

A Resilient Coastal Choice

Chowan is ideal for families seeking a low-risk environment with balanced living costs. It offers a stable, affordable life with a median home value of $204,400.

Score breakdown

Tax64.5Cost51Safety37.6Health38Schools48.7Income30.2Risk65.7Water53.7Weather65.6
🏛64.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠51
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡37.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
38
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓48.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
65.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧53.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨34.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱31.3
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

Chowan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chowan County

via TaxByCounty

Chowan stays below national median

At 0.686%, Chowan's effective property tax rate runs about 22% below the national median of 0.88%, offering meaningful savings for homeowners. The median tax bill of $1,403 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, placing Chowan in the bottom 30th percentile nationally.

Chowan slightly above state average

Chowan's 0.686% rate trails North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by a hair, putting it near the middle of the state's tax distribution. The median tax of $1,403 sits just under the state median of $1,433, marking Chowan as a typical North Carolina county for tax burden.

Chowan compares evenly to region

Among eastern North Carolina peers, Chowan's 0.686% rate matches the broader regional pattern, with similar effective rates in Caswell (0.677%) and Cleveland (0.688%). The county sits above the state's lowest-tax outliers but below higher-tax jurisdictions.

Median home costs $1,403 yearly

A typical Chowan home valued at $204,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,403. With a mortgage, the effective bill climbs to $1,510 due to additional county assessments.

Don't assume your assessment is right

Many Chowan homeowners overpay because they accept their initial assessed value without question—but assessments can be wrong, especially if your home's market value has changed. File a free appeal with Chowan County's assessor to ensure your property is valued fairly.

Cost of Living in Chowan County

via CostByCounty

Chowan's rents stay below national burden

Chowan County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm, with median rent at $766 and income at $56,982 creating a workable housing situation. This rural Eastern North Carolina county offers affordable rents without the income penalties of more urban areas.

Below-average housing burden statewide

Chowan's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio runs below North Carolina's 18.6% average, positioning the county as relatively affordable within the state. The $766 monthly rent reflects modest demand in this rural Coastal Plain region, benefiting budget-conscious renters and first-time homebuyers.

Eastern North Carolina value play

Chowan's $766 rent beats Caswell County ($699) by a modest margin while staying well under Catawba ($891) and Chatham ($1,066), making it competitive in Eastern North Carolina. The $204,400 median home value aligns with other rural counties, offering stable entry prices for ownership.

Ownership costs outpace rental burden

Chowan renters spend 16.1% of their $56,982 income on rent, but homeowners dedicate 21.3% to monthly ownership costs—a disparity worth noting for prospective buyers. This gap suggests careful financial planning is essential before transitioning from renting to ownership in Chowan County.

Coastal Plain affordability with trade-offs

Chowan County delivers rural charm and low rents at $766/month, ideal for renters and retirees seeking Eastern North Carolina calm. Prospective homeowners should note the 21.3% ownership-to-income burden and compare carefully before purchasing on the $56,982 median income.

Income & Jobs in Chowan County

via IncomeByCounty

Chowan income lags national standards

Chowan County's median household income of $56,982 falls $17,773 below the national median of $74,755, a 24% gap. The county's rural northeastern location and limited economic diversification contribute to this income shortfall.

Below-average earnings for North Carolina

At $56,982, Chowan's median household income falls $4,090 short of North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of the state's 100 counties, reflecting its rural coastal plain character.

Middle-range income among rural counties

Chowan's $56,982 sits between Cherokee ($51,496) and Caswell ($59,407), positioning it as a moderate-income rural county. The county outearns Columbus ($48,184) but trails the piedmont counties and wealthy Chatham by substantial margins.

Housing costs take notable income share

Chowan's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% indicates housing consumes about one-sixth of median household income, above the most affordable benchmarks. The median home value of $204,400 requires careful consideration for households earning around $57,000.

Focus on debt reduction and stability

Chowan households earning $56,982 should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt before pursuing aggressive investing strategies. Building a solid financial foundation through steady savings and debt paydown creates stability and opens pathways to long-term wealth accumulation.

Safety in Chowan County

via CrimeByCounty

Reliable Safety in Chowan

Chowan County maintains a strong safety score of 97.7, outperforming the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 1,438.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. rate of 2,385.5.

Beating the North Carolina Average

The county's safety score of 97.7 exceeds the North Carolina average of 96.8. Local crime figures are approximately 30% lower than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100K.

Stable Coastal Plain Profile

Chowan presents a more secure profile than many other eastern North Carolina counties with similar populations. Data from two reporting agencies indicates a stable and predictable safety environment.

Low Risk of Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 1,301.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains very low at 137.3. Violent offenses occur here at less than half the national frequency.

Lock Up for Peace of Mind

Small habits like locking doors and windows are effective in a county where property crime is the main concern. These steps ensure Chowan remains one of the state's safer areas.

Health in Chowan County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy matches state average

Chowan County's 74.4-year life expectancy matches North Carolina's average but falls short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 20.7% of residents report poor or fair health, above the national rate of 18%, revealing health vulnerabilities across the population.

Median performer in state rankings

Chowan ranks at the state average for life expectancy, neither excelling nor significantly lagging peers. Its 20.7% poor/fair health rate places it in the lower-to-middle tier of North Carolina counties.

Better primary care, similar life expectancy

Chowan's 74.4-year life expectancy mirrors Caswell's but trails Chatham's exceptional 79.9 years. However, Chowan's 73 primary care providers per 100,000 vastly exceed Caswell's 22, suggesting access improvements haven't yet translated to longevity gains.

Good access, moderate coverage gaps

Chowan's 11.5% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, and its 73 primary care providers per 100,000 offer solid preventive care infrastructure. Mental health providers at 158 per 100,000 round out a moderately well-resourced healthcare system.

Complete your care toolkit with insurance

Chowan's strong provider network is only useful with insurance—visit HealthCare.gov to enroll if you're among the 11.5% uninsured. Coverage unlocks access to preventive screenings that can catch problems early.

Schools in Chowan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small, Efficient Coastal Education System

Chowan County features a highly centralized system with just 4 public schools serving 1,917 students. This efficient layout includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and School Scores

Chowan County outperforms both state and national averages with a stellar 92.0% graduation rate. The county also maintains a school score of 53.9, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of 52.4.

The Edenton-Chowan School District

The Edenton-Chowan Schools district manages all 4 schools and the total student population of 1,917. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing all local resources on its centralized public school system.

A Mix of Town and Country

The schools offer a mix of rural and town settings, with John A Holmes High serving 592 students as the largest campus. With an average school size of 479 students, Chowan provides a balanced environment that isn't too large or too small.

High Performance Near the Coast

Homebuyers will find Chowan County's 92.0% graduation rate a compelling reason to settle in the area. Look for homes in historic Edenton to be close to some of the state's highest-performing public schools.

Disaster Risk in Chowan County

via RiskByCounty

Chowan ranks among safest U.S. counties

Chowan County's composite risk score of 34.29 places it in the "Very Low" category, far below the national average. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural disasters except for one critical exception.

Well below average for North Carolina

Chowan's score of 34.29 ranks substantially below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it among the state's safest counties. The county benefits from relatively low vulnerability across most hazard categories.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Chowan's 34.29 score makes it safer than nearby Caswell County (22.36) and Catawba County (80.57), reflecting strong protections in its immediate region. The county's risk profile compares favorably to neighbors.

Hurricane risk emerges as critical concern

While Chowan ranks very low overall, its hurricane risk score of 89.53 stands among the highest in the state, driven by coastal proximity and Atlantic storm surge exposure. Tornado and earthquake risks remain comparatively low at 27.13 and 31.97.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable

Despite overall low risk, Chowan's 89.53 hurricane risk demands robust homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind and water damage coverage. Ensure your policy includes hurricane-specific protections and review it before Atlantic hurricane season.

Weather & Climate in Chowan County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Coastal Plain Living

Chowan County's 62.1°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median. It receives 51.0 inches of rain, aligning closely with the North Carolina state average.

One of the State's Warmer Spots

Chowan is nearly three degrees warmer than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. Its location on the coastal plain keeps it warmer through all four seasons.

Hotter Than the Inland Piedmont

Chowan is about 3 degrees warmer than inland Chatham and faces 37 days of extreme heat. It shares the high humidity and heavy rainfall typical of northeastern North Carolina.

Sweltering Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with an average of 80.5°F, while January stays relatively warm at 43.4°F. Snow is infrequent, with an average of just 2.3 inches per year.

Prioritize Humidity Control

The combination of 51.0 inches of rain and 37 days of 90-degree heat requires robust air conditioning and dehumidification. Coastal residents should also maintain readiness for heavy seasonal rain events.

Soil Quality in Chowan County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Plain Soils with Standard Acidity

Chowan’s soil pH of 5.02 is typical for the region, sitting just below the state average of 5.14. It is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is common for coastal environments.

Dominantly Sandy Coastal Texture

The soil is very sandy at 61.4%, with 22.9% silt and only 9.5% clay. This creates a light, loose soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and cultivate.

Productive and High in Organic Matter

Organic matter is strong at 5.48%, which exceeds the North Carolina average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also beats the state average, making this very productive soil.

Fast-Draining Sandy Profiles

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 61% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogged roots but means you may need to water more frequently during heat waves.

Peanuts and Potatoes in Zone 8a

The sandy, high-organic soil in zone 8a is ideal for root crops and peanuts. Gardeners will appreciate how quickly this soil warms up in the spring, allowing for an early start to the season.

Lawn Care in Chowan County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Care Challenges

Chowan County faces a tough lawn care environment with a score of 31.3, trailing well behind the state average of 40.8. The coastal Zone 8a climate presents unique hurdles for homeowners seeking a lush green carpet.

Intense Growing Windows

The county experiences 5,184 growing degree days, indicating a very long and intense growing season. While 51 inches of rain matches the state average, 37 extreme heat days can quickly evaporate soil moisture.

Sanding and Acidity

A high sand content of 61.4% contributes to rapid drainage, but the 5.02 pH level is quite acidic. Lawns here require frequent, smaller watering sessions and regular lime to keep the grass healthy in sandy conditions.

Abnormally Dry Conditions

Chowan has struggled through 31 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a tall grass height of 3-4 inches helps shade the soil and reduce water loss from the root zone.

Heat-Loving Selections

Heat-loving grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda are the best bets for this climate. With a late first frost on November 14, you have an extended window to establish these varieties during the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chowan County's county score?
Chowan County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Chowan County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Chowan County ranks #33 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 Chowan County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Chowan County is $1,403, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Chowan County a tax score of 64.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chowan County?
The median household income in Chowan County, North Carolina is $56,982 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chowan County earns an income score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chowan County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Chowan County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Chowan 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 Chowan County with other counties side by side.