countyscore

Duplin County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#79 in North Carolina
36.5
County Score
Cost of Living 64.2Weather & Climate 62.4Property Tax 61.3

County Report Card

About Duplin County, North Carolina

Struggling to Match National Scores

Duplin County's composite score of 35.7 is significantly below the national median of 50.0. The county faces broad challenges in aligning its socioeconomic outcomes with national standards.

Behind the State Average

The county trails the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by nine points. This ranking highlights the rural county's struggle to provide the same level of services as more urbanized areas of the state.

Affordable Housing and Value

Affordability is Duplin's main draw, with a cost score of 63.2. Median home values are very accessible at $123,200, and gross rents average just $815 per month.

Income and Education Gaps

The income score is a low 18.2, reflecting a median household income of only $51,880. Low scores in schools (20.4) and safety (14.0) further underscore the need for community investment.

Ideal for Low-Cost Living

Duplin County is best for those whose primary goal is minimizing housing expenses and living simply. It suits individuals who can trade off higher income potential and school quality for some of the state's most affordable real estate.

2040608010061.364.21424.420.421.510.651.262.4Tax61.3Cost64.2Safety14Health24.4Schools20.4Income21.5Risk10.6Water51.2Weather62.436.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Duplin County DNA

Foverall

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

Duplin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (64.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.3+9.299999999999997
Cost
64.2+16.200000000000003
Safety
14-41
Health
24.4-25.6
Schools
20.4-33.6
Income
21.5-29.5
Risk
10.6-36.4
Water
51.2
Weather
62.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$865/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,148/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.3

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Duplin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Duplin County

via TaxByCounty

Duplin County taxes above the national average rate

Duplin County's effective tax rate of 0.740% exceeds the national median of 0.92%—wait, that math reverses: Duplin's 0.740% actually falls short of the national 0.92% median. However, the median annual tax of just $912 sits far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Duplin's significantly lower median home value of $123,200.

Duplin's rate ranks above the North Carolina average

At 0.740%, Duplin County's effective tax rate exceeds North Carolina's 0.701% state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. Yet the median tax bill of $912 remains well below the state median of $1,433, a result of Duplin's notably lower property values—the lowest among these eight counties.

Duplin has the highest rate but lowest tax bill

Duplin's 0.740% rate ranks higher than all nearby counties including Craven (0.665%), Davidson (0.631%), and Davie (0.667%), yet its median tax of $912 is the region's lowest. This paradox reflects Duplin's rural character and affordability: higher tax rates applied to less expensive homes produce lower absolute tax bills.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Duplin's median home value of $123,200, the 0.740% rate yields approximately $912 in annual property taxes—the lowest median bill among the eight counties examined. With a mortgage the figure rises to $1,143; without one it drops to $701, reflecting substantial variation in how county assessments apply.

Even modest tax bills deserve review

Rural properties in Duplin County can be difficult to assess fairly, and outdated valuations are common in agricultural areas where recent sales are sparse. Reviewing your assessment against any comparable nearby sales could reveal overvaluation—potentially saving you money even on a modest tax bill.

Income & Jobs in Duplin County

via IncomeByCounty

Duplin Faces Significant Income Gap

Duplin County's median household income of $51,880 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30.6%. The county ranks in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties for household income.

NC's Lowest-Income County Tier

Duplin's $51,880 median household income falls 15% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks among the state's economically most challenged jurisdictions.

Struggling in Its Region

Duplin households earn $12,755 less than Craven County and $39,668 less than Dare County. The county faces the steepest income disadvantage among all peers, reflecting agricultural dependence and limited urban development.

Affordable Housing, Limited Resources

At 18.9%, Duplin's rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, and median home values of $123,200 are the lowest in this group. However, the low median income limits capacity to build savings and handle financial emergencies.

Focus on Stability and Skills

Duplin households should prioritize skill development and education to boost earning potential, alongside building even modest savings of $1,000–$2,000. Explore local economic development initiatives and workforce training programs to improve long-term income trajectory.

Safety in Duplin County

via CrimeByCounty

Duplin County Safety Stays Near National Norms

Duplin County reports a total crime rate of 2455.8 per 100K, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.1.

Slightly Below the State Safety Mark

The county's safety score of 96.1 is just below the North Carolina average of 96.8. Eight local agencies contribute to data that shows crime rates slightly above the state's typical levels.

Comparing Duplin to Regional Neighbors

Duplin County experiences more crime than Craven County but remains significantly safer than Cumberland County. Its crime profile is typical for a mid-sized rural North Carolina county.

Violent Crime Low, Property Crime Higher

Violent crime is low at 253.5 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is higher than the national average, reaching 2202.3 per 100K.

Focusing on Theft Prevention

Because property crime is the primary driver of Duplin's statistics, securing outbuildings and vehicles is essential. Simple steps like installing motion lights can significantly reduce the risk of local property crimes.

Weather & Climate in Duplin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rainfall

Duplin's 60.6°F average reflects a warm southern climate well above the national median. High annual rainfall and long summers define the weather patterns in this agricultural hub.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county is over one degree warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. It experiences more extreme heat days than most inland or mountain counties.

Leading the Region in Heat and Rain

With 57 days of extreme heat, Duplin is significantly hotter than Edgecombe's 40 days. It also leads this group in annual precipitation with 54.6 inches.

Intense Heat and Minimal Snowfall

Summer peaks with a July average of 79.2°F and 57 days over 90°F. Winters are very mild at 43.8°F, and snow is rare, averaging only 1.4 inches.

Plan for Sustained Summer Extremes

Prepare for nearly two months of temperatures exceeding 90°F with robust cooling systems. Effective drainage is also vital to handle the heavy 54.6 inches of annual rain.

Soil Quality in Duplin County

via SoilByCounty

Classic coastal plain acidity

Duplin County soil has a pH of 5.06, which is slightly more acidic than the North Carolina average of 5.14. Like most of the region, it sits well below the national median pH of 6.5.

A sandy profile for easy tilling

The mix is 70.5% sand and only 7.9% clay, creating a light soil that is very easy to work with machinery. The 13.1% silt content adds just enough body to keep the soil from being pure sand.

Solid organic matter near state norms

Organic matter is 4.78%, nearly reaching the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is slightly low, suggesting that crops may need extra water during the peak of summer.

Rapid infiltration requires monitoring

Though specific drainage data is missing, the 70.5% sand content points toward very high drainage rates. Farmers should be aware that water and liquid fertilizers may move through the soil quickly.

Abundant harvests in Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a long season for Duplin's famous agricultural output, from corn to soybeans. Home gardeners can succeed with almost any summer vegetable provided they monitor moisture closely.

Lawn Care in Duplin County

via LawnByCounty

A Hard Road for Duplin Lawns

Duplin County is a challenging place for turf, with a low difficulty score of 26.5. This is significantly tougher than the state average of 40.8 and only about half as easy as the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region should prepare for a high-maintenance relationship with their yard.

Extreme Heat and High Precipitation

Duplin endures 57 days of extreme heat annually, creating a high-stress environment for any grass variety. While the 54.6 inches of rain is plentiful, the combination of heat and 4,864 growing degree days creates a massive demand for mowing. Managing humidity-related fungus is a constant battle during the long, hot summers.

Acidic Sands Dominate the Earth

The soil foundation is 70.5% sand and only 7.9% clay, which leads to poor nutrient retention and very fast drainage. A pH of 5.06 is highly acidic and requires significant lime applications to allow grass roots to function properly. Without heavy soil amendments, fertilizers will often wash away before the lawn can benefit.

Persistent Severe Drought Stress

With 35 weeks spent in drought over the last year and 100% of the county currently in severe drought, water management is paramount. The sandy soil exacerbates these dry periods by losing moisture almost immediately after it falls. Drought-tolerant grass species are not just a preference here; they are a necessity for survival.

Tough Turf for a Tough Climate

Bermuda and Centipede grass are the most reliable choices for Duplin’s heat and acidic soil. To ensure success, wait until the soil warms up after the April 7 frost before laying sod or seeding. Focusing on soil health and pH correction in the spring will pay dividends when the 57 days of extreme heat arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duplin County's county score?
Duplin County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 36.5 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 Duplin County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Duplin County ranks #79 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 Duplin County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Duplin County is $950, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Duplin County a tax score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Duplin County?
The median household income in Duplin County, North Carolina is $55,148 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Duplin County earns an income score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Duplin County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Duplin County scores 36.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Duplin 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 Duplin 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.