countyscore

Currituck County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#11 in North Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.6Property Tax 90.2Disaster Risk 82

County Report Card

About Currituck County, North Carolina

Exceeding the National Standard

Currituck County outperforms the national median of 50.0 with a strong composite score of 56.4. This puts the county in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for overall quality of life metrics.

A North Carolina Leader

The county exceeds the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by more than 11 points. It stands out as a high-performing region within the state, particularly in terms of economic stability.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

Wealth and low taxes drive the score, with an income score of 92.6 and a tax score of 90.2. The median household income is an impressive $91,548, while the effective tax rate is a very low 0.456%.

The High Price of Living

The cost score of 13.6 is the county's primary weakness, reflecting high real estate prices. With a median home value of $351,200, finding affordable entry-level housing is a significant challenge for new residents.

A Haven for High Earners

Currituck County is a premier choice for established professionals and families who can afford the higher cost of entry. It offers a combination of high safety, excellent income potential, and a low tax environment.

2040608010090.213.647.968.855.592.68266.466.2Tax90.2Cost13.6Safety47.9Health68.8Schools55.5Income92.6Risk82Water66.4Weather66.256.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Currituck County DNA

Foverall

How Currituck County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Currituck County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (92.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.2+38.2
Cost
13.6-34.4
Safety
47.9
Health
68.8+18.799999999999997
Schools
55.5
Income
92.6+41.599999999999994
Risk
82+35
Water
66.4+8.400000000000006
Weather
66.2+10.200000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Currituck County

Whether buying or refinancing in Currituck County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$351,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,126/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$351,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,548/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Currituck County with Izard County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,728
56.4
Stafford County
Kansas
Median income: $63,786
56.4
Douglas County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,264
56.4
Itasca County
Minnesota
Median income: $66,380
56.4
Transylvania County
North Carolina
Median income: $64,523
56.4
Bailey County
Texas
Median income: $70,625
56.4
Buckingham County
Virginia
Median income: $59,199
56.4
Perry County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,078
56.3

Nearby counties

Camden County
North Carolina
40.4
Pasquotank County
North Carolina
45.2
Perquimans County
North Carolina
46.1
Virginia Beach city
Virginia
44.4
Tyrrell County
North Carolina
55
Chesapeake city
Virginia
39.8
Chowan County
North Carolina
48.1
Gates County
North Carolina
56.2

Deep Dives

Currituck County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Currituck County

via TaxByCounty

Currituck offers remarkably low tax rates

At 0.456%, Currituck County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, making it one of America's most tax-friendly counties for property owners. Despite this advantageous rate, the median annual tax of $1,600 reflects the county's higher median home value of $351,200, well above the national median of $281,900.

Currituck's rate is the lowest in North Carolina

Currituck's 0.456% effective rate sits far below North Carolina's 0.701% state average, making it the most tax-efficient county in the state. This favorable rate combined with substantial property values creates a unique advantage: relatively high-value homes taxed at unusually modest rates.

Currituck taxes far more lightly than neighbors

Currituck's 0.456% rate dramatically undercuts neighboring Dare County (0.528%) and Craven County (0.665%), giving homeowners here a significant tax advantage in the coastal region. Only a handful of North Carolina counties come close to matching Currituck's tax efficiency.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Currituck's median home value of $351,200, the low 0.456% rate translates to approximately $1,600 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages see this rise modestly to $1,687, while those without mortgages pay $1,351, depending on how county escrow calculations apply.

Even low rates reward assessment review

Currituck's favorable tax climate doesn't mean all assessments are accurate—coastal property values fluctuate frequently, and some homes may be overvalued. A formal assessment appeal is simple and could save you money, even in a county already offering some of the nation's lowest rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Currituck County

via CostByCounty

Currituck renters enjoy rare affordability

At just 14.8%, Currituck's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county sample and well below the national average of 18%. Residents earning $91,548—the highest median household income in this group—pay only $1,126 monthly, leaving more income for other priorities.

Top-tier affordability in North Carolina

Currituck's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's most housing-affordable counties. The combination of high incomes and moderate rents creates exceptional affordability, unique among North Carolina's coastal markets.

High incomes, reasonable rents

Currituck's $1,126 rent sits between nearby Craven County ($1,100) and Dare County ($1,307), but its $91,548 median income far exceeds both neighbors. This income advantage transforms an average rent into an unusually comfortable housing expense.

Homeowners carry bigger load here

Renters spend $1,126 monthly while homeowners pay $1,526 for a median home valued at $351,200—the ownership cost burden is notably heavier. Still, on a $91,548 income, even the $1,526 owner cost represents only 20% of gross income, remaining manageable.

Currituck offers coastal comfort affordably

If you're relocating to North Carolina's Outer Banks region, Currituck delivers beach access with better affordability than Dare County and stronger incomes than neighboring areas. Your housing dollars stretch furthest here—compare Currituck's 14.8% rent burden against Dare's 19.3% to quantify the savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Currituck County

via IncomeByCounty

Currituck Leads National Income Rankings

Currituck County's median household income of $91,548 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 22.3%. The county ranks in the top 20% of U.S. counties for household income.

NC's Wealthiest County Profile

Currituck's $91,548 median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by 50%. The county ranks among the state's top earners, driven by high property values and successful households.

Prosperity Outpaces Surrounding Region

Currituck households earn $10,334 more than Dare County ($81,214) and $26,913 more than Craven County ($64,635). This extreme wealth concentration reflects Currituck's exclusive coastal positioning and affluent demographics.

Housing Costs Well Controlled

At 14.8%, Currituck's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among peer counties, indicating comfortable housing affordability despite median home values of $351,200. High incomes and manageable rent burdens create strong economic security.

Maximize Investment and Diversification

Currituck's strong income position enables households to allocate 20-30% of earnings toward diversified investments: index funds, real estate, and retirement vehicles. Working with a financial advisor to optimize tax strategy can accelerate wealth accumulation significantly.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Currituck County

via CrimeByCounty

Currituck County Among the Nation's Safest

Currituck County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.2, driven by a total crime rate of just 1167.1 per 100K. This rate is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Pack in North Carolina

With a safety score of 98.2, Currituck significantly outperforms the state average of 96.8. However, data comes from a single reporting agency, so these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

The Coastal Standard for Safety

Currituck maintains lower crime rates than neighboring Dare County, establishing it as one of the safest areas on the North Carolina coast. Total crime remains exceptionally low compared to the inland counties of the state.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The county sees a violent crime rate of 230.6 and a property crime rate of 936.5 per 100K. Both metrics are substantially lower than national benchmarks, reflecting a peaceful community environment.

Maintaining a Secure Coastal Home

While crime is rare, residents can maintain this safety standard by securing vacation rentals and seasonal properties. Basic precautions help ensure Currituck remains a low-crime haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Currituck County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

Currituck County features a streamlined system of 11 public schools serving 4,558 total students. The landscape consists of seven elementary, two middle, and two high schools across two districts. This smaller footprint allows for a high degree of community connection and student visibility.

Exceptional Graduation and School Scores

Currituck boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 88.0% and the nation's 87.0%. The county's school score of 54.9 also beats the state average, despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,407. These metrics suggest a highly efficient system that produces top-tier academic outcomes.

Public Excellence and Charter Innovation

Currituck County Schools operates 10 schools for 4,514 students, while Water's Edge Village School offers a unique charter option for 44 students. This charter school accounts for 9.1% of the county's total school count. Families benefit from a strong traditional district and boutique alternative choices.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

Every single school in the county is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit and quiet learning atmosphere. Currituck County High is the largest campus with 1,057 students, while the average school size is relatively small at 414 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a close-knit coastal community.

Relocate for High-Performance Education

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Currituck is a magnet for education-conscious homebuyers. The rural setting offers plenty of space for families while maintaining access to top-scoring schools. Explore the quiet neighborhoods surrounding Moyock and Shawboro for a peaceful lifestyle near great schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Currituck County

via RiskByCounty

Currituck's overall risk remains very low

With a composite score of just 18.07, Currituck County ranks far below the national average of 50 and carries a "Very Low" risk rating. However, this favorable overall profile masks a significant localized vulnerability: hurricane risk of 80.73 demands targeted preparation.

Among North Carolina's safest counties

Currituck's 18.07 score is the lowest among these eight counties and substantially below the state average of 66.72. The county ranks among North Carolina's least disaster-prone communities overall.

Currituck stands apart as notably safer

Currituck (18.07) faces a fraction of the risk borne by neighboring Dare County (89.60) and Craven County (93.58) to the south. Its very low tornado and earthquake scores explain the stark difference, though all three share meaningful hurricane exposure.

Hurricane risk is the primary concern

Hurricane risk at 80.73 dominates Currituck's hazard profile, while tornado (21.85) and earthquake (22.01) risks remain minimal. Flood risk (57.60) presents a secondary but manageable concern, chiefly tied to storm surge and heavy coastal rainfall.

Focus on hurricane and wind preparedness

Despite the county's overall low-risk standing, Currituck residents living in vulnerable coastal and flood zones should prioritize flood insurance and verify hurricane/wind coverage. Upgrading roof ties, securing outdoor items, and maintaining an evacuation plan are practical first steps suited to the county's specific hurricane threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Currituck County

via WaterByCounty

High Drinking Water Standards Maintained

Currituck County earns a B grade with only one health violation recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 2.8 per 100,000 residents is nearly ten times lower than the state average. This consistency ensures safe drinking water for the majority of the population.

Full Attainment for Assessed Waterways

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that 100% of assessed water bodies in Currituck meet federal standards. With 0% impairment across assessed sites, the county exceeds state averages for watershed health. No primary impairment causes were identified during the latest review.

Active Microbiological and Organic Tracking

Ten monitoring sites across the county have generated 970 measurements over the last five years. The primary focus of these efforts includes microbiological and organic pesticide testing. This targeted monitoring helps protect the coastal watershed from invisible contaminants.

Limited Streamgage Coverage in Currituck

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Currituck County. In the absence of live flow metrics, residents should rely on the county's strong drinking water compliance record. The single recorded health violation indicates a very stable municipal supply.

Healthy Watersheds Require Continued Vigilance

Currituck benefits from a 0% impairment rate, making it a leader in coastal watershed health. Residents should continue to support microbiological monitoring to protect these pristine conditions. If you rely on private wells, consider periodic testing for the organics tracked in regional monitoring sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Currituck County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal acidity near the state average

Currituck County features a pH of 5.18, which aligns closely with the North Carolina average of 5.14. Although national medians are higher at 6.5, this level is typical for the state's coastal plain regions.

The sandiest soil in the region

The soil is a heavy 75.9% sand, with very low clay content at 7.2%. This creates a gritty texture that is extremely easy to till but provides very little natural nutrient buffering.

Massive organic deposits fuel potential

Organic matter is remarkably high at 10.40%, more than double the state average of 5.12%. This helps compensate for the sandy texture, though the available water capacity of 0.127 in/in remains slightly below the state mean.

Porous soils require careful watering

No specific hydrologic group is recorded, but the dominance of sand suggests water moves through the profile very quickly. Farmers and gardeners should plan for irrigation systems to prevent crops from wilting in the coastal sun.

Diverse coastal planting in Zone 8b

Currituck’s Zone 8b environment is ideal for everything from figs to summer squash. With a soil score of 39.4, you are working with some of the better-performing ground in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Currituck County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Test Currituck Lawns

Currituck County has a lawn difficulty score of 36.9, making it slightly easier than its southern neighbors but still more difficult than the national average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, the climate supports warm-season grasses that can handle salt spray and humidity. Expect a moderate level of maintenance to keep your coastal turf looking its best.

Balanced Rain Near the Coast

Annual precipitation of 48.9 inches is almost perfectly aligned with the ideal range for healthy turf. The county experiences 37 extreme heat days, which is consistent with the North Carolina state average. This combination provides a stable environment for growth, though coastal winds can quickly dry out the grass blades.

High Sand Content Limits Nutrients

The soil foundation is heavily sandy at 75.9%, leading to very fast drainage and low organic matter. A pH level of 5.18 is acidic and will require periodic lime applications to improve the soil chemistry for standard grass types. Adding organic compost can help improve the water-holding capacity of this porous ground.

Persistent Dryness Without Extreme Severity

While the county has seen 30 weeks of drought in the last year, it currently avoids the 'Severe' classification seen elsewhere in the state. Abnormally dry conditions still affect 100% of the area, making supplemental irrigation necessary during the peak of summer. Monitoring soil moisture is critical in sandy areas where water disappears quickly.

Resilient Grasses for the Outer Banks

Salt-tolerant varieties like Seashore Paspalum or St. Augustine are excellent choices for Currituck’s unique geography. Although specific frost dates vary near the water, targeting a late spring planting ensures the warm-season grass establishes before the autumn cooling. Focus on deep-rooting practices to combat the fast-draining sandy soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Currituck County's county score?
Currituck County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Currituck County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Currituck County ranks #11 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 Currituck County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Currituck County is $1,600, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Currituck County a tax score of 90.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Currituck County?
The median household income in Currituck County, North Carolina is $91,548 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Currituck County earns an income score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Currituck County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Currituck County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Currituck 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 Currituck County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.