countyscore

Davidson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#70 in North Carolina
38.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 71.9Weather & Climate 69.3

County Report Card

About Davidson County, North Carolina

Below the National Median

Davidson County's composite score of 38.7 falls short of the national median of 50.0. The data suggests that the county has room for growth across several key livability dimensions.

Underperforming Relative to North Carolina

The county's score of 38.7 is lower than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. While it maintains decent economic markers, it struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing counties.

Excellent Water and Low Taxes

Davidson shines in water quality with a high score of 86.0 and maintains a solid tax score of 70.8. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.631% and very affordable rent, averaging $863 per month.

Safety and Education Concerns

Safety is the county's most significant hurdle, scoring just 3.7 out of 100. A school score of 26.7 also suggests that educational outcomes are lagging behind state and national expectations.

Suited for Renters Seeking Value

Davidson County is a strong option for those prioritizing low cost of living and tax efficiency. It is best for individuals who are comfortable navigating a community with lower safety and school rankings in exchange for affordability.

2040608010071.948.33.739.526.746.112.88669.3Tax71.9Cost48.3Safety3.7Health39.5Schools26.7Income46.1Risk12.8Water86Weather69.338.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Davidson County DNA

Foverall

How Davidson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Davidson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.9+19.900000000000006
Cost
48.3
Safety
3.7-51.3
Health
39.5-10.5
Schools
26.7-27.3
Income
46.1
Risk
12.8-34.2
Water
86+28
Weather
69.3+13.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Davidson County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$219,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$901/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$219,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,172/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Davidson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Davidson County

via TaxByCounty

Davidson offers tax rates well below national average

Davidson County's effective tax rate of 0.631% falls meaningfully below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $1,262 on homes valued at $200,100 represents a notably light property tax burden compared to the national median bill of $2,690.

Davidson taxes below the North Carolina average

Davidson's 0.631% effective rate sits just below North Carolina's 0.701% state average, positioning it as a moderately tax-efficient county within the state. The median tax bill of $1,262 trails the state median of $1,433, reflecting both lower property values and a slightly favorable rate structure.

Davidson offers competitive rates in the Piedmont

Davidson's 0.631% rate closely tracks Craven County (0.665%) and falls between Davie County (0.667%) and Currituck County (0.456%) in the broader regional context. The median tax bill of $1,262 is among the lowest in its region, appealing to homebuyers seeking tax efficiency in the North Carolina Piedmont.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Davidson's median home value of $200,100, you'd owe approximately $1,262 in annual property taxes at the current 0.631% rate. With a mortgage, this rises to $1,363; without one, it drops to $1,109, reflecting modest variations in county assessment methodology.

Don't assume your assessment is accurate

Even with reasonable tax rates, Davidson County homeowners should periodically verify that their assessed values match market realities in their neighborhoods. An outdated or inflated assessment could cost you hundreds annually—filing an appeal is free and takes minimal effort.

Income & Jobs in Davidson County

via IncomeByCounty

Davidson Trails National Income Standard

Davidson County's median household income of $62,426 falls 16.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the bottom third of U.S. counties for household income.

Slightly Below NC Average

Davidson's $62,426 median household income is 2.1% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of the state's income distribution.

Mixed Fortunes Among Peers

Davidson earns $2,209 more than Craven County but significantly less than nearby Davie County ($73,234). The county's Piedmont location positions it below coastal prosperity zones while ahead of rural eastern neighbors.

Housing Costs Very Manageable

At 16.6%, Davidson's rent-to-income ratio is the best in this comparison group, well below the 21% threshold for affordability. Median home values of $200,100 remain accessible for households at the median income level.

Leverage Low Housing Costs

Davidson's exceptional housing affordability frees up 15-20% of household income for savings and investment compared to national norms. Direct these savings toward retirement accounts and a diversified investment portfolio to build wealth despite below-average earnings.

Safety in Davidson County

via CrimeByCounty

Davidson County Faces Higher Crime Volume

Davidson County reports a total crime rate of 3837.8 per 100K, well above the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 93.9, indicating room for improvement in public safety.

Falling Below the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 93.9 is lower than the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is nearly double the state average of 2050.0, as reported by five local agencies.

Comparing Davidson and Davie Counties

Davidson County sees significantly more crime than its neighbor, Davie County, which has a much higher safety score. The frequency of incidents is also notably higher than in nearby rural districts.

Property Crimes Drive High Rates

Property crime is high at 3317.4 per 100K, far exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 520.4, suggesting consistent challenges for local law enforcement.

Strengthening Home Defenses

With property crime rates well above national norms, Davidson residents should invest in robust home security and alarm systems. Increased neighborhood vigilance can help curb the frequency of local thefts.

Weather & Climate in Davidson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Subtropical National Profile

Davidson’s 59.3°F average temperature aligns with the state average and sits comfortably above the national median. This indicates a standard humid subtropical environment with distinct seasons.

Matching the North Carolina State Average

The county matches the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F exactly. It serves as a benchmark for the climate conditions found across the central Piedmont region.

Standard Precipitation for the Region

Davidson receives 45.5 inches of rain, slightly less than nearby Davie's 46.9 inches. However, it faces 39 days of extreme heat, nearly matching Durham's 40 days.

Hot Summers and Brisk Piedmont Winters

July averages reach 78.1°F, while Januarys drop to an average of 39.7°F. The county sees 3.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather events brief but regular.

Prepare for Over a Month of Heat

Ensure HVAC systems are serviced for the 39 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Residents should also keep a snow shovel handy for the occasional 3-inch winter accumulations.

Soil Quality in Davidson County

via SoilByCounty

Davidson's gravelly loam Alfisols

Davidson County features gravelly loam soils within the Alfisol order, characterized by a pH of 5.57. While this is more alkaline than the state average of 5.14, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

A balanced and sturdy soil mix

The soil is composed of 51.8% sand, 30.6% silt, and 16.3% clay. This balanced texture provides enough clay for nutrient retention while the sand and gravel ensure the earth is workable for farmers.

Low organic matter but great water storage

Organic matter is low at 1.33%, falling far behind the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is higher than the state average, meaning the soil holds moisture well for thirsty plants.

Well-drained land for reliable use

The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into hydrologic group C. These features make Davidson County excellent for building and farming, as water moves through the soil at a moderate, predictable rate.

Productive Piedmont gardening in Zone 8a

Zone 8a is perfect for Piedmont staples like tomatoes, peppers, and orchard fruits. Adding compost will help fix the low organic matter and unleash the full potential of your garden.

Lawn Care in Davidson County

via LawnByCounty

Typical American Lawn Conditions

Davidson County hits the national benchmark with a lawn difficulty score of 50.8. This makes it one of the easiest places in North Carolina to grow a lawn, significantly outperforming the state average of 40.8. In Zone 8a, residents enjoy a balanced environment that supports both warm and cool-season grasses.

Moderate Rain and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation of 45.5 inches falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf growth. The county sees 39 extreme heat days, which is almost identical to the state average of 38. These conditions mean your watering and mowing schedules will follow a standard, predictable pattern for the Piedmont region.

Well-Drained Loam Provides a Solid Base

Unlike the sandy coast, Davidson County features gravelly loam that is naturally well-drained. The soil pH of 5.57 is closer to the ideal range than most counties in the state, though a little lime is still helpful. With 16.3% clay, the soil holds onto nutrients and water much more effectively than coastal soils.

Managing Through Severe Local Drought

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, highlighting a volatile weather pattern. Over the last year, there were 26 weeks of drought, necessitating a focus on water-efficient landscaping. Deep watering twice a week is more effective than daily light sprinkles during these periods of high stress.

The Right Time for Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is a popular choice here due to the balanced climate, though Bermuda grass thrives in the summer heat. Wait until after the April 11 frost for spring projects, or target late September for the best seeding results. Your well-drained soil allows for flexible planting options compared to the rest of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davidson County's county score?
Davidson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Davidson County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Davidson County ranks #70 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 Davidson County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Davidson County is $1,320, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Davidson County a tax score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davidson County?
The median household income in Davidson County, North Carolina is $64,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davidson County earns an income score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davidson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Davidson County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Davidson 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 Davidson County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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