CountyScore

Edgecombe County

North Carolina · NC

#95 in North Carolina
62.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Edgecombe outpaces national median

Edgecombe County scores 69.2 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects the county's particular advantages in affordability and tax efficiency. Despite ranking slightly below North Carolina's state average of 72.7, Edgecombe remains a competitive choice for budget-conscious households.

Mid-tier performer among NC counties

At 69.2, Edgecombe ranks around the middle of North Carolina's county distribution, just 3.5 points below the state average. The county sits firmly in the upper half of NC counties, signaling solid livability across the measured dimensions. However, several counties in the state score higher, indicating room for improvement in specific areas.

Affordability and tax relief shine

Edgecombe's greatest strengths lie in cost and tax dimensions: a Cost Score of 81.0 reflects a median home value of just $116,800 and gross rent of $818/month, among North Carolina's most affordable. The Tax Score of 71.4, backed by a 1.098% effective tax rate, further lightens the financial burden on residents. These factors combine to make Edgecombe an excellent choice for renters and first-time homebuyers.

Income growth and data gaps remain

The county's Income Score of 15.0 is notably low, with a median household income of $48,480 substantially below state and national benchmarks. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a complete picture of livability. Prospective residents should investigate these dimensions independently before relocating.

Ideal for cost-conscious, budget-first movers

Edgecombe County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordability and low tax burden above all else, particularly those earning modest incomes who need maximum purchasing power. The county's weakness in income metrics suggests limited high-wage employment, making it best for retirees, remote workers, or those with stable income elsewhere. First-time homebuyers will appreciate the low housing costs, but should investigate schools and safety before deciding.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.4Cost81SafetyComing SoonHealth59.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome15Risk23.6WaterComing Soon
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Edgecombe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Humboldt County
California
62.9
Median income: $61,135
Franklin County
Illinois
62.9
Median income: $53,471
Lee County
Illinois
62.9
Median income: $68,459
Saratoga County
New York
62.9
Median income: $99,653
Yamhill County
Oregon
62.9
Median income: $87,084

Deep Dives

Edgecombe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Edgecombe County

via TaxByCounty

Edgecombe taxes above national average

At 1.098%, Edgecombe's effective tax rate far exceeds the national median of 0.86%, putting the county in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $1,282, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference explained by Edgecombe's median home value of $116,800, well below the national median of $281,900.

Edgecombe ranks high in state

Edgecombe's effective rate of 1.098% is significantly higher than North Carolina's average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's highest-taxed counties. While the median property tax of $1,282 sits slightly below the state average of $1,433, the rate reveals a county that taxes property more aggressively than its peers.

Edgecombe taxes more than nearby counties

Neighboring Franklin County taxes at 0.719% and Gates County at 0.777%, both significantly lower than Edgecombe's 1.098%. Even comparison counties like Granville (0.719%) and Greene (0.868%) show lower rates, suggesting Edgecombe residents face a steeper tax burden in the region.

Typical Edgecombe homeowner pays $1,282

With a median home value of $116,800 and an effective rate of 1.098%, the typical Edgecombe homeowner pays $1,282 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,397, while those without mortgages pay $1,168.

You may be overassessed

Many Edgecombe homeowners are paying taxes on inflated assessments and don't realize they can appeal. A simple reassessment challenge could lower your tax bill—contact your county assessor's office to learn if your property qualifies.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edgecombe County

via CostByCounty

Edgecombe rents bite harder than nation

Edgecombe residents spend 20.3% of household income on rent, outpacing the national median of roughly 18%. With a median household income of $48,480—35% below the national average of $74,755—renters here feel the squeeze more acutely than most Americans.

Above average strain in North Carolina

Edgecombe's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, ranking it among the least affordable counties for renters statewide. The $818 median monthly rent is also below the state median of $938, yet incomes remain so low that affordability suffers.

Pricier than nearby alternatives

Edgecombe's $818 rent falls between Greene County ($845) and Gates County ($940), but its lower median income of $48,480 makes affordability worse than both neighbors. Franklin County residents, earning $71,386, find nearly identical rents far more manageable at just 16.6% of income.

Renters and owners strain equally

The median renter pays $818 monthly while homeowners pay $834—nearly identical burdens on a $48,480 annual income. Together, these housing costs consume over $9,800 yearly, leaving limited resources for other essentials.

Consider Franklin or Granville nearby

If you're relocating to eastern North Carolina, Franklin and Granville counties offer similar rent but 45% higher median incomes, improving your housing affordability substantially. Graham County offers the lowest rents statewide at $581, though it has the fewest job opportunities in this cohort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edgecombe County

via IncomeByCounty

Edgecombe trails national income

Edgecombe County's median household income of $48,480 falls 35% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in the county compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Below average across North Carolina

At $48,480, Edgecombe's median household income ranks in the lower tier of North Carolina's 100 counties, sitting 21% below the state average of $61,072. The county's per capita income of $27,235 also trails the state average of $33,920.

Neighboring counties earn more

Adjacent counties like Franklin ($71,386) and Granville ($70,975) earn substantially more than Edgecombe's $48,480. Even Greene County to the south ($50,904) edges ahead, suggesting economic disparities across the eastern Piedmont region.

Rent absorbs one-fifth of income

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% means Edgecombe households dedicate roughly one-fifth of earnings to housing, slightly above the 20% affordability threshold. Combined with a median home value of $116,800, this suggests affordability pressures for renters and aspiring homeowners.

Build financial security now

With median income at $48,480, setting aside even 10% annually ($4,848) into savings or retirement accounts can compound significantly over time. Consider exploring employer 401(k) matches, local credit counseling, and community development accounts designed to build household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Edgecombe County

via HealthByCounty

Edgecombe lags national life expectancy

Residents of Edgecombe County live to an average of 70.5 years, nearly 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly one in four residents (23%) report being in poor or fair health, well above national norms. This gap reflects broader challenges in chronic disease management and healthcare access across the county.

Among NC's lowest life expectancy counties

At 70.5 years, Edgecombe's life expectancy ranks among the bottom tier in North Carolina, trailing the state average of 74.4 years by nearly 4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 23% significantly exceeds the state trend. These metrics place Edgecombe among counties facing the most urgent health challenges in the state.

Neighbors show better health outcomes

Neighboring Pitt and Nash counties report life expectancies of 72-73 years, outpacing Edgecombe's 70.5 years, though all three lag the state average. Edgecombe's 23% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than surrounding counties, which typically fall between 17-19%. This disparity suggests local factors are driving worse health trajectories in the area.

Limited primary care, modest uninsured rate

While Edgecombe's uninsured rate of 11.1% is slightly better than the state average of 12.5%, residents struggle to access primary care: only 39 providers per 100,000 residents serve the county. Mental health services fare better at 74 providers per 100K, though demand likely exceeds supply. These gaps in primary care capacity create barriers to preventive medicine and chronic disease management.

Check your health insurance coverage today

Even though most Edgecombe residents have some coverage, the 11.1% who remain uninsured face significant health risks and financial strain. Healthcare.gov and NC's health insurance marketplace open during enrollment periods and offer assistance based on income. Take time to explore your options and ensure your family has the coverage needed for preventive care and emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edgecombe County

via RiskByCounty

Edgecombe's disaster risk ranks above average

With a composite risk score of 76.37, Edgecombe County faces higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties and significantly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes. Understanding your specific risks is the first step toward protecting your home and family.

Edgecombe ranks in North Carolina's upper tier

Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Edgecombe places in the riskier half due to its composite score of 76.37—well above the state average. The county faces notably elevated hurricane and tornado threats that distinguish it from lower-risk regions in the state's western mountains. This positions Edgecombe among communities that should prioritize disaster preparedness.

More exposed than nearby counties

Edgecombe's risk profile (76.37) substantially exceeds neighboring Franklin County (51.72) and Granville County (59.35), placing it among the riskier communities in the eastern Piedmont. The county's hurricane risk of 88.57 stands particularly high compared to inland neighbors, while its tornado exposure at 79.93 also leads the immediate area. Residents should recognize their elevated standing and adjust preparedness accordingly.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Edgecombe County faces its most severe risks from hurricanes (88.57) and tornadoes (79.93), reflecting its eastern location and exposure to Atlantic storm systems. Flooding rounds out the hazard trio with a risk score of 76.11, meaning heavy rains from tropical systems or localized downpours pose real structural threats to homes and infrastructure. These three hazards should anchor your disaster preparedness and insurance planning.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Given Edgecombe's elevated hurricane, tornado, and flood risks, standard homeowners insurance alone leaves gaps in your protection—most policies exclude flood and wind damage from hurricanes. Obtain a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify your homeowners policy covers hurricane-force winds, or supplement with an additional windstorm policy. Contact your insurance agent today to close these coverage gaps before storm season peaks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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