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Cumberland County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#100 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
25.9
County Score
Water Quality 66.6Weather & Climate 54.6Health 39.4

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, North Carolina

A Challenging National Comparison

With a composite score of 25.9, Cumberland County ranks significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. The data highlights a tough landscape for livability metrics when compared to the broader United States.

Well Below the State Average

Cumberland trails the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by roughly 19 points. This identifies the county as one of the more challenged jurisdictions in the state regarding overall composite livability.

Reliable Water Quality and Public Health

The county finds its footing in water quality with a score of 66.6, its highest dimension. Health infrastructure follows with a score of 39.4, providing a foundation for resident well-being despite other low rankings.

Critical Safety and Affordability Gaps

A safety score of 4.0 and a risk score of 10.5 represent major challenges for the community. Furthermore, the cost score of 19.5 reflects that housing may be relatively expensive when weighed against the median income of $58,780.

Best for Residents Seeking Value Housing

Cumberland County is best suited for those who need access to entry-level homeownership, as median home values remain low at $183,700. It attracts people who are less sensitive to safety metrics and more focused on local employment hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax38.6Cost19.5Safety4Health39.4Schools24.9Income34.7Risk10.5Water66.6Weather54.6
🏛38.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland's taxes rank near the national average

Cumberland County's effective tax rate of 0.992% exceeds the national median of 0.92%, placing it roughly in the 60th percentile nationally. Homeowners pay $1,823 annually on homes valued at $183,700, a substantially lower property base that keeps the total tax burden moderate despite a higher rate.

Cumberland taxes above the North Carolina average

At 0.992%, Cumberland's effective tax rate is notably higher than North Carolina's 0.701% state average, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's counties. The median tax bill of $1,823 exceeds the state median of $1,433, reflecting the county's relatively aggressive property tax approach.

Cumberland stands out for higher tax rate

Cumberland's 0.992% rate substantially exceeds Davidson County (0.631%) and Craven County (0.665%) to the south, making it one of the more tax-heavy counties in eastern North Carolina. Only Durham County (0.839%) comes closer, though it still taxes at a notably lower rate than Cumberland.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Cumberland's median home value of $183,700, you'd owe approximately $1,823 in annual property taxes under the current 0.992% rate. With a mortgage, that obligation climbs to $1,958; without one, it falls to $1,545, reflecting escrow and appraisal variations.

Appeal your assessment if rates seem unfair

Cumberland's higher tax rate makes property assessment accuracy especially critical—an overvalued home can mean hundreds in excess taxes annually. Review your most recent assessment against comparable sales in your neighborhood, and don't hesitate to file an appeal if your valuation appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland's housing hits households hard

Households in Cumberland County devote 23.6% of their income to rent—significantly above the national benchmark of 18%. This burden falls heaviest on a median household earning $58,780, which is $16,000 below the national average and pays $1,156 monthly for housing.

Least affordable county in sample

Cumberland's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the most strained housing market among these eight North Carolina counties. The county's $1,156 median rent outpaces the state average by $218, creating the sharpest affordability squeeze in this comparison group.

Fort Bragg effect raises regional rents

Cumberland's $1,156 rent substantially exceeds nearby Duplin County ($815) and Davidson County ($863), reflecting its military-anchor economy and urban character. Only Dare County ($1,307) and Durham County ($1,415) command higher rents in this regional analysis.

Owner costs nearly match rents

Both renters and owners face high monthly burdens: renters pay $1,156 while homeowners pay $1,134 on a median income of $58,780. Together, these housing costs consume nearly 24% of gross income, leaving less for other essentials than any other county in this group.

Weigh Cumberland's tradeoffs carefully

Cumberland's military presence and job opportunities come at a housing cost premium—your rent dollars stretch further in nearby Davidson or Duplin counties. If relocating here, budget aggressively and compare salaries carefully; a $5,000–$10,000 income bump could meaningfully ease your housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland Falls Short Nationally

Cumberland County's median household income of $58,780 trails the national median of $74,755 by 21.4%. The county ranks in the bottom third of U.S. counties for household income.

Below NC State Average

Cumberland's $58,780 median household income falls 3.8% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks in the lower half of the state's income distribution.

Struggling vs. Regional Peers

Cumberland earns $5,855 less than Craven County and $22,434 less than nearby Dare County. Among its neighbors, Cumberland faces the steepest income challenge, reflecting economic differences within the region.

Rent Squeeze Requires Attention

At 23.6%, Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 21% affordability threshold, meaning renters stretch further to cover housing costs. With median home values at $183,700, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Prioritize Debt and Savings

Given the higher housing burden, Cumberland households should focus on eliminating high-interest debt first, then build a modest emergency fund of $2,000–$5,000. Low-cost investment options like employer 401(k)s can still accelerate wealth-building even on modest income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Cumberland County

Cumberland County reports a total crime rate of 3773.5 per 100K, which is nearly 60% higher than the national average. Consequently, the county carries a safety score of 94.0, trailing many of its state peers.

Cumberland Trails State Safety Averages

The county’s safety score of 94.0 falls below the North Carolina average of 96.8. High activity reported across eight local agencies contributes to a total crime rate that exceeds the state average of 2050.0.

Higher Crime Density Than Nearby Counties

Cumberland faces higher crime rates than neighboring Craven and Duplin counties. Law enforcement manages a significant volume of calls compared to these more rural regional counterparts.

Violent Crime Rates Demand Attention

Violent crime in Cumberland reaches 832.6 per 100K, more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2940.9, suggesting a need for heightened community vigilance.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Given the elevated property and violent crime rates, installing a monitored security system is a prudent step for Cumberland residents. Community watch programs play a vital role in addressing these localized safety challenges.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Cumberland's life expectancy trails the nation

Cumberland County residents live to 72.8 years on average, roughly 6.3 years less than the U.S. average of 79.1 years. With 18.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits slightly above the national average of 17.5%, indicating broader health burdens.

One of North Carolina's lower-performing counties

At 72.8 years, Cumberland's life expectancy ranks among the state's lowest, sitting 1.6 years below North Carolina's 74.4-year average. The county's uninsured rate of 10.6% is better than the state's 12.5%, yet health outcomes suggest other barriers—poverty, employment, healthcare quality—drive disparities.

Neighbors reflect Cumberland's health struggles

Cumberland's 72.8-year life expectancy mirrors Craven County's 73.6 years, both reflecting challenges in eastern and central North Carolina. In contrast, Currituck (77.1) and Dare (78.2) counties to the northeast achieve significantly higher life expectancies, highlighting geographic health inequities.

Mental health access outpaces primary care supply

Cumberland offers 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the national average of 65—while mental health services are notably stronger at 466 per 100,000. The uninsured rate of 10.6% means many residents still struggle to afford specialist care despite provider availability.

Insurance options are within reach

Cumberland's uninsured population should explore healthcare.gov, where most qualify for subsidies or premium tax credits based on income. Enrolling now opens doors to preventive care and mental health services that can improve long-term health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Educational Infrastructure in Fayetteville

Cumberland County maintains a large-scale system of 88 public schools serving a massive population of 51,512 students. The network includes 51 elementary, 17 middle, and 18 high schools. Three distinct districts manage this extensive inventory of educational facilities.

Scaling Education in an Urban Hub

The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which trails both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,485 and a school score of 49.8, Cumberland faces the challenge of managing high enrollment with limited per-student funding. These figures highlight a system optimized for large-scale urban delivery.

A Landscape Led by Cumberland County Schools

Cumberland County Schools dominates the landscape, overseeing 86 schools and nearly 50,000 students. Two charter schools, including Alpha Academy with 1,126 students, provide alternative options for families. These charters represent 2.3% of the total school count, offering focused specialized learning.

Urban Centers and Large High School Campuses

Education here is primarily urban, with 53 schools located in city centers. Jack Britt High stands as the largest school with 1,890 students, contributing to an average school size of 585 students. The environment feels energetic and fast-paced, reflecting the county's role as a major regional hub.

Living Close to Fayetteville's Academic Hubs

Prospective homeowners find a wide array of options near Cumberland's 88 schools, from suburban neighborhoods to city centers. The sheer number of elementary and middle schools provides ample choices for families relocating to the area. Consider the proximity to high-performing high schools like Jack Britt when searching for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland faces well-above-average risk nationally

Cumberland County's composite score of 89.47 significantly exceeds the national average of 50, earning a "Relatively Moderate" risk rating. The county experiences substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, from tornadoes to earthquakes—an unusually diverse threat profile.

Fourth-highest risk in North Carolina

Cumberland's 89.47 score places it among North Carolina's riskiest counties, well above the state average of 66.72. Only a handful of counties statewide face comparably varied and intense natural disaster exposure.

Cumberland leads region in overall risk

Cumberland (89.47) faces notably higher risk than neighboring Davie County (41.67), though it rivals Craven County (93.58) and Duplin County (89.41) in overall score. The county's inland location gives it higher tornado exposure than coastal neighbors, while still maintaining elevated hurricane and flood risks.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Tornado risk stands at 92.97—the highest threat—while flood risk at 89.25 reflects Cumberland's river systems and heavy rainfall patterns. Earthquake risk at 87.50 is notably high for North Carolina, adding a less-familiar but real seismic dimension to the county's hazard profile.

Multi-layered protection plan needed

Cumberland residents should obtain flood insurance, review earthquake coverage availability, and ensure homeowners policies address high winds. A designated storm shelter and a family communication plan specific to tornadoes and flooding scenarios provide essential safety redundancy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cumberland County

via WeatherByCounty

Intense Heat in the Sandhills

Cumberland County averages 62.5°F annually, placing it in the top tier of warm US counties. While hot, its 46.5 inches of rain is slightly drier than the North Carolina state average.

Significantly Hotter Than the State Average

Cumberland is more than 3 degrees warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. It is one of the hottest inland counties in the southern part of the state.

Far Hotter Than Central Neighbors

With 62 days of extreme heat, Cumberland is nearly twice as hot as Chatham County. It maintains a drier profile than coastal Craven while facing more intense summer peaks.

The Region's Hottest July

July is sweltering at 81.3°F, leading to two full months of 90-degree days annually. January is mild at 43.5°F, and snow is an occasional dusting averaging 1.1 inches.

Manage Extreme Heat and Humidity

Cooling systems are the most important utility here given the 62 days of extreme heat. Winter preparation can be minimal, as temperatures rarely stay below freezing for long.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Tougher conditions in Cumberland's acidic earth

Cumberland County has a pH of 4.97, falling below the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. These acidic conditions require careful management to ensure crops can access essential minerals.

High sand content limits nutrient storage

With 68.9% sand and only 9.5% clay, this soil drains very quickly but struggles to hold onto nutrients. The 18.8% silt provides some structure, but regular fertilization is often necessary for success.

Lower fertility scores than state neighbors

Organic matter sits at 2.79%, which is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is also below the state benchmark at 0.113 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation.

Naturally dry and ready to build

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high sand percentage generally points to excellent drainage and low runoff risks. This makes the land stable for construction but challenging for moisture-hungry crops.

Smart gardening in Zone 8a

Cumberland’s Zone 8a climate supports a long growing season for heat-tolerant vegetables like okra and sweet potatoes. Start your garden by adding compost to help improve the soil's organic structure and water retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Fayetteville Lawns Face Uphill Battles

Cumberland County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.0, indicating a tougher environment than the North Carolina average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, the region offers a long season for growth but demands high maintenance to stay green. You will likely spend more time and resources on your yard than the typical American homeowner.

Intense Summer Heat Drives Maintenance

The county endures 62 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 38 days. While 46.5 inches of annual rain falls within the ideal range, these high temperatures quickly evaporate surface moisture. Mowing height should be raised during the summer to shade the soil and protect grass crowns from the scorching sun.

Sandy Ground Requires Nutritional Support

Local soil is predominantly sand at 68.9%, which prevents waterlogging but leads to rapid nutrient leaching. The average pH of 4.97 is quite acidic, necessitating significant lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for turf. Without these corrections, your grass may struggle to absorb the fertilizers you apply.

Total Coverage Under Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of Cumberland County is under severe drought conditions, following 27 weeks of drought over the past year. This persistent lack of moisture requires strict adherence to water conservation while trying to keep turf alive. Using mulch around lawn edges and maintaining sharp mower blades can help grass retain what little water it gets.

Selecting Turf for Hot Climates

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top performers here due to their excellent heat tolerance and ability to recover from drought. Plan your seeding or sodding after the last frost on March 30 to ensure the roots take hold before the July heat peaks. A well-timed start in the spring leads to the most resilient summer lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 25.9 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Cumberland County ranks #100 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 Cumberland County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $1,823, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 38.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, North Carolina is $58,780 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 25.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.