Davie County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#54 in North Carolina
43.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 74.4Property Tax 66.7Weather & Climate 60.3

County Report Card

About Davie County, North Carolina

Approaching the National Median

Davie County earns a 43.2 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that is competitive with many mid-tier counties across the country.

Near the North Carolina Average

Davie sits just 1.5 points below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It represents a typical North Carolina experience, offering moderate scores across most categories.

Healthy Incomes and Stability

The county features a strong income score of 74.4, with a median household income of $73,234. It also manages natural risks better than many neighbors, earning a respectable risk score of 58.4.

Improving Public Safety and Water

With a safety score of 17.6 and a water quality score of 36.4, these infrastructure areas need attention. Schools also score relatively low at 30.2, indicating potential gaps in local education systems.

A Solid Choice for Families

Davie County is a good fit for middle-class families looking for decent income prospects and moderate housing costs. It appeals to those who prioritize financial stability and low natural risk over urban safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax66.7Cost38.6Safety17.6Health56.5Schools30.2Income74.4Risk58.4Water36.4Weather60.3
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠38.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼74.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡17.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓30.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
58.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧36.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤60.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨24.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱56.9
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

Davie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Davie County

via TaxByCounty

Davie's taxes sit comfortably below the national norm

Davie County's effective tax rate of 0.667% falls below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the lower 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,570 on homes valued at $235,300 remains well short of the national median property tax of $2,690, offering homeowners a favorable position.

Davie ranks near the middle of NC counties

Davie County's 0.667% effective rate sits just below North Carolina's 0.701% state average, placing it squarely in the middle range of the state's 100 counties. The median tax bill of $1,570 exceeds the state median of $1,433, reflecting Davie's slightly higher-than-average home values.

Davie taxes similarly to nearby Craven County

Davie's 0.667% rate nearly matches Craven County (0.665%) and exceeds Davidson County (0.631%) in the regional comparison. At $1,570, Davie's median tax bill sits between Davidson ($1,262) and Currituck ($1,600), reflecting its position as a mid-tier Piedmont county.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Davie's median home value of $235,300, you'd owe approximately $1,570 in annual property taxes under the current 0.667% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,605; those without pay $1,518, a narrow range indicating consistent assessment practices.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Property tax assessments in Davie County can lag behind market conditions, meaning homeowners sometimes pay taxes on values higher than what their homes would actually sell for today. Request a copy of your assessment and compare it to recent comparable sales—an appeal could reduce your burden.

Cost of Living in Davie County

via CostByCounty

Davie renters beat national affordability benchmarks

Davie County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable housing markets, substantially below the 18% national average. Residents earning $73,234 pay just $889 monthly for rent, a combination that creates exceptional housing accessibility.

Second-best affordability in North Carolina

Davie's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Currituck's 14.8%, placing it among the state's most housing-friendly counties. At $889 monthly rent against a $73,234 income, Davie delivers strong affordability that exceeds the state average by meaningful margins.

Piedmont sweet spot near Currituck

Davie's $889 rent sits between inland Davidson County ($863) and Currituck County's coastal premium ($1,126), while its $73,234 income exceeds both nearby piedmont alternatives. This balance of reasonable costs and solid earnings creates the region's second-best affordability profile.

Ownership slightly cheaper than renting

Renters pay $889 while homeowners pay $966 monthly on a median income of $73,234, making ownership marginally more expensive here. Both tenure options consume roughly 14.6% of gross income, leaving residents with substantially more breathing room than coastal counties.

Davie offers piedmont living at top value

Moving to Davie County puts you near Charlotte and Winston-Salem while maintaining excellent housing affordability—compare its 14.6% rent burden against statewide 18.6% to see the savings. With median rents under $900 and incomes near $74,000, Davie delivers the lifestyle and financial flexibility that make relocation worthwhile.

Income & Jobs in Davie County

via IncomeByCounty

Davie Nearly Matches National Standard

Davie County's median household income of $73,234 approaches the national median of $74,755 within 2%. The county ranks in the top 45% of U.S. counties for household income.

Solidly Above NC Average

Davie's $73,234 median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by 20%. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of the state's income distribution.

Regional Middle Ground

Davie households earn $8,808 more than Davidson County and $18,314 more than Craven County. The county represents the Piedmont's steady middle class, outpaced only by coastal and northern urban centers.

Excellent Housing Affordability

At 14.6%, Davie's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest statewide, making housing highly affordable. Median home values of $235,300 are well-aligned with household incomes, enabling comfortable homeownership.

Build a Balanced Portfolio

Davie's near-national-average income and strong housing affordability create ideal conditions for balanced investing. Allocate 15-20% of gross income to retirement and investment accounts, mixing index funds, bonds, and potentially rental property investment.

Safety in Davie County

via CrimeByCounty

Davie County Tracks Near National Averages

Davie County reports a total crime rate of 2200.8 per 100K, slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.5.

Aligning With North Carolina Safety Trends

At 96.5, Davie's safety score nearly matches the state average of 96.8. Because only one agency reports data for the county, these statistics offer a focused but potentially limited view of local safety.

A Safer Alternative to Davidson County

Davie County is considerably safer than its neighbor, Davidson County, which has a much higher crime rate. It provides a more secure environment than many of the more populous counties in the region.

A Balanced Crime Profile

The violent crime rate of 327.7 is just under the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1873.1, which also tracks closely with broader national trends.

Maintaining Vigilance in Davie County

Residents should continue standard safety practices, as property crime remains the most common local issue. Using smart home technology and participating in community watch groups can help maintain the county's safety.

Health in Davie County

via HealthByCounty

Davie's health metrics sit above national average

Davie County residents live to 76.3 years, about 2.8 years short of the U.S. average of 79.1 years, though still respectable compared to many rural counties. With 17.4% reporting poor or fair health, Davie slightly underperforms the national average of 17.5%.

Davie exceeds North Carolina's health average

At 76.3 years, Davie's life expectancy runs 1.9 years above North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate of 10.2% is notably better than the state's 12.5%, indicating stronger economic stability and healthcare access.

Davie outperforms inland peers but trails coast

Davie's 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds inland counties like Davidson (73.3) and Craven (73.6) by roughly 3 years, yet falls short of coastal leaders Dare (78.2) and Currituck (77.1). The pattern suggests Davie's Piedmont location offers moderate advantages over eastern regions.

Provider supply remains moderate and accessible

Davie has 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 103 mental health providers per 100,000—both below national averages but more robust than inland counties like Davidson. The 10.2% uninsured rate means most residents can afford to visit providers when needed.

Ensure your family has coverage

Davie's 10.2% uninsured rate means some residents still lack protection. Visiting healthcare.gov can close that gap affordably, connecting families to preventive care that sustains Davie's above-average health performance.

Schools in Davie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in a Compact District

Davie County manages 13 public schools that serve a total of 6,114 students through a single district. The infrastructure includes six elementary, four middle, and two high schools. This compact arrangement ensures that resources and administrative focus are concentrated within one governing body.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Standards

Davie County reports an 87.0% graduation rate, perfectly matching the national benchmark. The local school score of 51.0 is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,549. While spending is below the state average of $6,969, the county maintains a score that is competitive with the state median.

Davie County Schools Leads the Way

All 6,114 students in the county are served by Davie County Schools, which operates all 13 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning the traditional public system is the primary educational path. This creates a strong sense of unity among the county's student-athletes and academic competitors.

Rural Roots and a Major Central High School

Nine of the county's schools are in rural locales, while four are located in town centers like Mocksville. Davie County High is significantly larger than any other school with 1,770 students, while the county average is 470 students. This structure means most students transition from small, intimate elementary schools to one large, diverse high school campus.

Build Your Life Near Davie's Community Schools

Davie County offers a stable, unified school district that is a major draw for local families. Most neighborhoods provide easy access to the rural and town campuses that define the county's educational character. Focus your search near Mocksville to be close to the heart of the district's middle and high school facilities.

Disaster Risk in Davie County

via RiskByCounty

Davie ranks as a lower-risk county nationally

Davie County's composite score of 41.67 falls below the national average of 50, carrying a "Very Low" risk rating. However, this favorable standing masks pockets of elevated hurricane and earthquake exposure that warrant targeted preparation.

Davie is among North Carolina's safest counties

Davie's 41.67 score sits substantially below the state average of 66.72, placing it among North Carolina's lowest-risk counties. The county's Piedmont location and distance from the coast contribute significantly to this favorable profile.

Davie faces far lower risk than eastern peers

Davie (41.67) experiences dramatically less risk than neighboring Davidson County (87.21) to the east and all eight eastern and coastal counties profiled here. Its isolated high scores in earthquake (55.22) and hurricane (69.96) reflect regional seismic activity and distant hurricane exposure rather than acute local threats.

Hurricanes and earthquakes are distant concerns

Hurricane risk at 69.96 represents Davie's most elevated score, though actual hurricane impacts remain infrequent at this inland Piedmont location. Earthquake risk of 55.22 and flood risk of 58.59 are secondary considerations; wildfire risk at 23.12 is minimal.

Standard homeowners coverage typically sufficient

Davie residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most perils, though those in identified flood zones should obtain separate flood coverage. Maintaining trees, clearing gutters, and securing outdoor items provides basic hurricane-preparedness measures suited to this lower-threat environment.

Weather & Climate in Davie County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Shifts Above the National Median

Davie County averages 57.1°F, which is slightly cooler than the state average but still warmer than the national median. The climate offers clear seasonal shifts and moderate precipitation.

A Cooler Corner of North Carolina

Davie sits about two degrees below the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is one of the cooler counties in the central part of the state due to local geography.

Higher Snowfall Than Eastern Neighbors

The county receives 4.5 inches of snow, which is significantly more than Franklin's 1.7 inches. Its 46.9 inches of rain also makes it slightly wetter than neighboring Davidson.

Winter Chill and Significant Summer Heat

January is brisk with a 37.1°F average, while July remains moderate at 76.7°F. Despite the lower July average, the county still experiences 41 days of extreme heat annually.

Insulate for Winter and Cool for Summer

Prioritize home insulation to manage the 39.2°F winter average and 4.5 inches of snow. Budget for cooling costs during the 41 days of summer heat over 90°F.

Soil Quality in Davie County

via SoilByCounty

Fine sandy loams of the Alfisol order

Davie County soil consists of fine sandy loams from the Alfisol order with a pH of 5.69. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.14, though still lower than the national median of 6.5.

The perfect middle ground for drainage

With 53.6% sand, 27.1% silt, and 17.7% clay, this soil offers an ideal balance. It provides enough clay to store nutrients while the high sand and silt content prevent it from becoming overly compacted.

Higher water capacity than state average

While organic matter is low at 1.22% compared to the state's 5.12%, the available water capacity is strong at 0.136 in/in. This means the soil is efficient at capturing and holding onto rainfall for your plants.

Reliable well-drained hydrologic group C

The county’s well-drained classification and hydrologic group C status indicate moderate infiltration. This setup is generally ideal for residential gardening and prevents the root rot common in heavier, wetter soils.

Cooler winters in Zone 7b

Davie sits in Zone 7b, making it great for hardy greens and fruit trees like peaches. Focus on soil health by adding organic mulch, and you'll see your Piedmont garden thrive.

Lawn Care in Davie County

via LawnByCounty

North Carolina's Premier Lawn Conditions

Davie County boasts the highest lawn difficulty score in this group at 56.9, making it easier to maintain than both the state and national averages. Its Zone 7b classification offers cooler winters that are excellent for maintaining lush, green turf. For homeowners here, the natural environment does much of the heavy lifting.

Cooler Temps and Balanced Rain

With an average annual temperature of 57.1°F, Davie is noticeably cooler than the coastal regions of North Carolina. It receives 46.9 inches of rain annually, which is nearly perfect for sustaining a lawn without excessive irrigation. You will experience 41 extreme heat days, requiring some vigilance during the peak of July.

Superior Fine Sandy Loam

The county's soil is a well-drained fine sandy loam, offering the best balance of drainage and moisture retention in the state. The pH of 5.69 is the highest in this group, meaning you'll need the least amount of lime to reach the ideal growing conditions. High clay content of 17.7% provides a stable reservoir for plant nutrients.

Resilience in the Face of Drought

Davie County has spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area faces severe conditions. Fortunately, the higher clay content in the soil helps lawns survive these dry spells better than sandy regions. Even so, residents should monitor for signs of wilt and prioritize watering the most visible areas.

Perfect for Lush Cool-Season Turf

The 7b climate is ideal for Tall Fescue, which stays green through much of the winter. Plan your spring planting after the last frost on April 15, or take advantage of the milder fall temperatures for the best germination. This county offers the most forgiving conditions for those looking to start a new lawn from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davie County's county score?
Davie County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Davie County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Davie County ranks #54 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 Davie County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Davie County is $1,570, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Davie County a tax score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davie County?
The median household income in Davie County, North Carolina is $73,234 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davie County earns an income score of 74.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davie County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Davie County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Davie 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 Davie County with other counties side by side.