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Davidson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#72 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
38.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 70.8Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax70.8Cost49.5Safety3.7Health39.5Schools26.7Income46.3Risk12.8Water86Weather69.3
🏛70.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.8
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

Davidson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Davidson County

via CostByCounty

Davidson delivers affordable Piedmont living

Davidson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable, sitting comfortably below the national average of 18%. Residents earning $62,426 pay only $863 monthly for rent—a remarkable bargain that frees up income for savings and necessities.

Piedmont's affordability sweet spot

Davidson's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, and its $863 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county sample by $200+. This affordability positions Davidson as a standout value in the state's housing market.

Inland bargain beats coastal prices

Davidson's $863 rent significantly undercuts nearby Davie County ($889) and dramatically beats coastal neighbors like Dare ($1,307) and Durham ($1,415). Only Duplin County's $815 rents rival Davidson's affordability, making both piedmont counties the region's best housing values.

Balanced affordability for renters and owners

Both renters and homeowners find good deals here: renters pay $863 while owners pay $831 monthly on a $62,426 income. Housing consumes roughly 16.6% of income for renters and 16% for owners—tight but manageable across the county.

Davidson: affordability meets North Carolina charm

If you're relocating to North Carolina on a modest budget, Davidson County delivers the state's best rent-to-income value while maintaining reasonable incomes and home values around $200,000. Compare Davidson's $863 rent against state and national averages to see your savings clearly—you could pocket $200+ monthly versus coastal alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Davidson County

via HealthByCounty

Davidson's health outcomes significantly lag nation

Davidson County residents live to 73.3 years, roughly 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 79.1 years. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 17.5%—the county faces serious health headwinds.

Among North Carolina's worst health performers

Davidson's life expectancy of 73.3 years trails North Carolina's 74.4-year state average by 1.1 years, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The uninsured rate of 12.3% equals the state average, suggesting broader structural barriers—not just access—drive poor outcomes.

Inland counties face shared health crises

Davidson's 73.3 years mirrors neighboring Duplin County (73.8) and Craven County (73.6), all facing similar challenges in central and eastern North Carolina. In contrast, coastal Dare (78.2) and Currituck (77.1) counties enjoy life expectancies nearly 5 years higher, highlighting stark regional disparities.

Primary care and mental health providers scarce

Davidson has only 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the national average of 65—and just 126 mental health providers per 100,000. These shortages, combined with a 12.3% uninsured rate, mean many residents travel far for care or forgo treatment entirely.

Healthcare coverage starts here

Davidson's uninsured population should visit healthcare.gov today—most will qualify for subsidies or tax credits that make plans affordable. Getting covered is the first step toward accessing the primary and mental health care that can help improve Davidson's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Davidson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Across Four Districts

Davidson County supports a robust network of 48 public schools serving 23,780 students. The system is composed of 26 elementary, eight middle, and 12 high schools. These facilities are managed by four different school districts, offering a variety of administrative approaches within the county.

Balanced Achievement with Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 87.3% graduation rate, aligning with the national average and nearing the state average of 88.0%. Officials achieve a school score of 50.2 while spending a modest $6,133 per pupil. This lean spending requires the districts to be highly efficient in delivering academic services to their students.

A Multi-District Educational Choice

Davidson County Schools is the largest provider with 36 schools and 17,964 students, followed by Lexington and Thomasville City Schools. A single charter school provides an alternative for a small portion of the 23,780 students. This multi-district structure offers families different local school cultures and focuses.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Learning

The county's schools are split between 27 rural campuses and 21 suburban locations, providing diverse environment options for families. Oak Grove High is the largest school with 958 students, and the county average of 495 students ensures most campuses don't feel overcrowded. This balance makes Davidson County an attractive option for those seeking a quieter residential feel.

Find Your Neighborhood in Davidson County

Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Davidson County Schools or the urban community of Lexington City, there are homes for every preference. The county's diverse districts make it easy to find a school and neighborhood that match your family's specific needs. Explore homes near Oak Grove or North Davidson for proximity to the county's largest schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Davidson County

via RiskByCounty

Davidson's risk substantially exceeds national norms

Davidson County's composite score of 87.21 far surpasses the national average of 50, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The county's inland location makes it particularly vulnerable to tornadoes and flooding—hazards that rival coastal hurricane exposure in severity.

Davidson ranks among state's higher-risk counties

With a score of 87.21, Davidson sits well above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it in the top tier of the state's 100 counties. The county's flood risk of 91.54 is among the highest statewide.

Davidson's risks match or exceed peer counties

Davidson (87.21) ranks close to Davie County (41.67) to the west in overall risk—though considerably higher—and mirrors the exposure levels of eastern counties like Duplin (89.41). Davidson's high flood score and strong tornado threat distinguish it within the Piedmont region.

Floods and tornadoes define the threat profile

Flood risk at 91.54 is Davidson's most pressing hazard, driven by river systems and intense rainfall events. Tornado risk at 86.93 creates a secondary but severe multi-season threat; earthquake risk of 76.69 adds a tertiary concern unusual in the Piedmont.

Flood and tornado insurance and shelters crucial

Davidson residents in flood-prone areas must obtain flood insurance; those outside designated flood zones should still consider coverage given the county's high flood risk score. A designated shelter space—whether a basement room or reinforced interior space—provides essential tornado protection for this frequently threatened county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davidson County's county score?
Davidson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 38.7 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 #72 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 $1,262, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Davidson County a tax score of 70.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davidson County?
The median household income in Davidson County, North Carolina is $62,426 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davidson County earns an income score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davidson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Davidson County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 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.

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