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Cleveland County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#55 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 67.3Property Tax 64.4Cost of Living 60

County Report Card

About Cleveland County, North Carolina

Below the National Livability Median

Cleveland County’s composite score of 42.5 falls below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces more significant livability challenges than the average American county.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 42.5 score is also slightly below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing regional hubs.

Low Taxes and Affordable Housing

The tax score of 64.4 and cost score of 60.0 are the county's strongest assets. Residents enjoy an affordable median home value of $180,200 and a water score of 58.5.

Safety and Health Hurdles

With a safety score of 23.8 and a health score of 31.1, the county has clear areas for social improvement. These figures suggest limited medical access and higher-than-average crime rates.

Best for Budget Homeowners

Cleveland County offers a low barrier to entry for first-time homebuyers who prioritize low property costs. It is a functional choice for those focused on affordability within the Piedmont region.

Score breakdown

Tax64.4Cost60Safety23.8Health31.1Schools33.5Income27.1Risk30Water58.5Weather67.3
🏛64.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.5
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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Nearby counties

Gaston County
North Carolina
31.8
Lincoln County
North Carolina
45.6
Cherokee County
South Carolina
44.8
Rutherford County
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York County
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Catawba County
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Burke County
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Mecklenburg County
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Deep Dives

Cleveland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cleveland County

via TaxByCounty

Cleveland stays below national median

At 0.688%, Cleveland's effective rate sits about 22% below the national median of 0.88%, offering moderate tax relief for homeowners. The median tax bill of $1,240 runs less than half the national median of $2,690, placing Cleveland in the bottom 30th percentile nationally.

Just slightly above state average

Cleveland's 0.688% rate trails North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by a narrow margin, making it a typical North Carolina county for tax burden. The median tax of $1,240 falls below the state median of $1,433, reflecting Cleveland's lower median home values.

Cleveland matches Piedmont tax profile

Cleveland's 0.688% rate clusters with nearby Caswell (0.677%) and Chowan (0.686%), representing the moderate-tax band across the state's middle. The county beats western outliers like Clay (0.451%) and Cherokee (0.501%), but trails no regional neighbor by much.

Median home costs $1,240 yearly

A typical Cleveland home valued at $180,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,240. With a mortgage, the effective bill rises to $1,383 due to additional county assessments.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Cleveland homeowners should verify their assessed values reflect current market conditions—a discrepancy of even 10% can cost hundreds annually. File a free assessment appeal with Cleveland County's assessor office to ensure fair taxation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cleveland County

via CostByCounty

Cleveland's rents near national average burden

Cleveland County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio runs just below the national norm, with $835 monthly rent and $55,769 income reflecting a typical American housing situation. The county sits solidly in the middle range of national affordability, neither exceptional nor strained.

Close to North Carolina's average affordability

Cleveland's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches North Carolina's 18.6% state average, placing it squarely in the mainstream of the state's housing market. The $835 median rent tracks close to the state's $938 average, making Cleveland a representative North Carolina housing experience.

Mid-range pricing in regional context

Cleveland's $835 rent sits between rural Caswell ($699) and more urban Catawba ($891), while its $180,200 median home value stays lowest among counties in the broader peer group. This positions Cleveland as accessible for first-time homebuyers seeking modest leverage.

Ownership costs sink lower than rents

Cleveland renters spend 18.0% of their $55,769 income on housing, but homeowners pay only 15.6% to mortgages—a significant 2.4-point advantage for ownership seekers. This gap makes Cleveland appealing for renters ready to build equity rather than pay landlords indefinitely.

Solid ground for first-time homebuyers

Cleveland County offers mainstream North Carolina housing costs with a 18.0% rent-to-income ratio and $180,200 median home values—lowest among peer counties and ideal for first-time buyers. The 15.6% ownership burden outperforms the 18.0% renting cost, rewarding the move to homeownership on a $55,769 median income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cleveland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cleveland income trails national benchmarks

Cleveland County's median household income of $55,769 falls $18,986 below the national median of $74,755, a 25% gap. The county's textile and manufacturing heritage has left economic challenges as regional employment shifted.

Notably below state average income

At $55,769, Cleveland's median household income lags North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $5,303. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, reflecting the economic stress facing traditional mill communities across the piedmont.

Low-income county in piedmont region

Cleveland's $55,769 income ranks between Cherokee ($51,496) and Caswell ($59,407) in this comparison, making it one of the region's more economically challenged counties. The county's industrial decline contrasts sharply with Catawba's more diversified manufacturing base.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Cleveland's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% means housing consumes approximately one-fifth of median household income, among the highest in this group. The median home value of $180,200 represents a significant commitment for workers earning under $56,000.

Invest in skills and economic mobility

Cleveland County households earning $55,769 should prioritize education and workforce development to access higher-wage opportunities in growth sectors. Community college programs, apprenticeships, and certifications offer pathways to increase earning power and build long-term economic resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cleveland County

via CrimeByCounty

Cleveland Outperforms National Norms

Cleveland County holds a safety score of 97.0, meaning it is safer than the average American county. Its total crime rate of 1,920.1 per 100K is roughly 20% lower than the national average.

Meeting State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.0 sits just above the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement across five agencies manages a crime rate slightly below the statewide average of 2,050.0.

Comparing Regional Safety Stats

Cleveland shows more crime activity than its neighbor Catawba but remains within the expected range for the region. The multiple reporting agencies provide a comprehensive look at local safety trends.

Violent Crime Trends are Higher

The violent crime rate is 444.1 per 100K, which is higher than both state and national averages. However, property crime is lower than the national average at 1,476.0 per 100K.

Stay Safe and Aware

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, staying aware of your surroundings is as important as home security. A home video system provides extra protection and peace of mind for Cleveland families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cleveland County

via HealthByCounty

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Cleveland County's 72.0-year life expectancy is the lowest among these eight counties and trails both the U.S. average of 76.4 years and North Carolina's 74.4 years by more than two years. With 20.9% reporting poor or fair health, Cleveland faces significant health headwinds.

Bottom tier in state health rankings

Cleveland ranks among the lowest North Carolina counties for life expectancy, falling 2.4 years below the state average. This gap suggests structural health challenges—from disease prevalence to healthcare access—that compound over time.

Substantially trails peer counties

Cleveland's 72.0-year life expectancy trails all nearby counties, with the gap to Chatham's 79.9 years approaching eight years. Primary care access at 44 per 100,000 is limited, and the combination of access shortages and health disparities creates a compounding disadvantage.

Best coverage rates, persistent access gaps

Cleveland's 11.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, yet life expectancy lags anyway—suggesting coverage alone doesn't solve health disparities. With only 44 primary care providers per 100,000, residents often face long waits or must travel for basic preventive care.

Insurance is step one in turning the tide

Cleveland's uninsured rate is already strong, but the 11% without coverage should enroll immediately at HealthCare.gov. Combined with proactive preventive care, insurance can help residents reverse the county's troubling health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cleveland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Facilities and Large Enrollment

Cleveland County supports a large network of 29 public schools serving over 15,500 students. This infrastructure includes 15 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, along with specialized and alternative education centers.

Stable Performance and Competitive Rates

The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, matching the North Carolina state average and beating the national benchmark. With a school score of 51.6, the county provides solid academic results while spending $6,603 per pupil.

Major District and Charter Options

Cleveland County Schools is the primary district with 14,406 students across 28 schools. Additionally, Pinnacle Classical Academy operates as a large charter school, serving 1,132 students and providing a distinct alternative for families.

A Varied Locale Mix

Cleveland's schools are spread across town, rural, and suburban settings, reflecting the county's diverse geography. Kings Mountain High is the largest campus with 1,236 students, contributing to an average school size of 536.

Find Your Community in Cleveland

With a wide range of schools in town and suburban settings, Cleveland County offers many options for home-buying families. Whether you prefer the large campus of Kings Mountain or a charter alternative, this county has a place for you.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cleveland County

via RiskByCounty

Cleveland's risk moderately above national

Cleveland County's composite risk score of 70.01 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, above the national average. The county faces moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Slightly elevated risk for North Carolina

Cleveland's score of 70.01 exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it in the higher-risk portion of the state's county distribution. The county's profile reflects above-average vulnerability.

Riskier than Cherokee, safer than Catawba

Cleveland's 70.01 score positions it between Cherokee County (56.71) and Catawba County (80.57), making it moderately risky within its regional context. Nearby Columbus County (86.86) faces notably higher overall risk.

Tornadoes and flooding lead hazard list

Cleveland faces tornado risk of 79.77 and flood risk of 75.16, both above state averages and reflecting vulnerability to severe weather. Earthquake risk at 81.77 adds a secondary concern that shouldn't be overlooked.

Multi-hazard insurance coverage recommended

Given tornado and flood risks both exceeding 75, Cleveland residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and water damage. Consider supplemental flood insurance to protect against the county's 75.16 flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cleveland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Southern Climate

Cleveland County averages 59.2°F, placing it right in the heart of the humid subtropical zone. It sees 50.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is typical for the American South.

Mirroring the State Average

At 59.2°F, Cleveland sits almost exactly at the North Carolina state average. Its rainfall of 50.2 inches is also very close to the statewide figure of 51.5 inches.

Warmer and Wetter Than Catawba

Cleveland is slightly warmer than its neighbor Catawba and experiences 10 more days of extreme heat annually. It also sees more snowfall than most counties in the eastern part of the state.

Six Weeks of Extreme Heat

The county endures 43 days of 90-degree heat, centered around a warm 78.3°F July average. Winters are manageable, with a 39.8°F January average and 3.5 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for Heat and Occasional Snow

With over 40 days of extreme heat, homeowners should ensure cooling systems are high-efficiency. The 3.5 inches of snow is enough to cause occasional travel issues, so a basic winter kit is recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cleveland County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Piedmont Soils in Cleveland

The average soil pH here is 5.31, which is slightly less acidic than the North Carolina average of 5.14. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Texture with Notable Clay

Cleveland's soil consists of 53.9% sand and 19% clay. This relatively high clay percentage for the area helps keep the soil from drying out too quickly compared to sandier neighbors.

Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage

At 1.47%, the organic matter is far below the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is also on the lower side at 0.114 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.134 in/in.

Stable Drainage Characteristics

Specific drainage and hydrologic class data are not currently available for this county. The sand-heavy mix usually suggests that drainage is adequate, though the clay content provides some resistance to rapid water loss.

Heat-Loving Summer Crops for Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, heat-tolerant crops like okra and peppers perform well. To overcome the low organic matter, focus on adding compost to improve the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cleveland County

via LawnByCounty

Cleveland’s Standard Profile

Cleveland County earns a 44.5 lawn score, making it slightly more challenging than the national median but easier than the state average of 40.8. This Zone 8a county offers a fairly standard Piedmont growing experience.

High Heat Intensity

Homeowners face 43 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 38. The 50.2 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, providing enough water for most turf types if managed correctly.

Addressing Clay Compaction

The soil is moderately acidic at 5.31 pH and contains 19% clay, which can lead to compaction issues. Regular aeration is recommended to ensure air and water reach the root zone in this heavy soil profile.

Severe Drought Management

With 100% of the county in severe drought and 22 weeks of drought in the past year, water management is critical. Grouping plants with similar water needs and using smart irrigation controllers can significantly reduce waste.

Timing the Tifway and Zoysia

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for the 4,472 growing degree days seen here. Aim to seed after the April 12 last frost to give your lawn a full season to establish before the October 25 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleveland County's county score?
Cleveland County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 42.4 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 Cleveland County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Cleveland County ranks #55 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 Cleveland County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Cleveland County is $1,240, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Cleveland County a tax score of 64.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cleveland County?
The median household income in Cleveland County, North Carolina is $55,769 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cleveland County earns an income score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cleveland County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Cleveland County scores 42.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Cleveland 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 Cleveland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.