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Edgecombe County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#99 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
27.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 70.7Cost of Living 54.1Lawn Care 34.5

County Report Card

About Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Falling Short of National Benchmarks

Edgecombe County earns a composite score of 27.3, which sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the bottom tier of nationwide livability rankings.

A Challenging North Carolina Ranking

The county's overall score trails the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by a significant margin. It struggles to compete with regional neighbors in several key socioeconomic categories.

Housing Affordability Leads the Way

The Cost Score of 54.1 is the county's strongest metric, driven by a median home value of $116,800. Median gross rent remains low at $818 per month compared to state averages.

Significant Income and Safety Hurdles

Safety scores are notably low at 1.7, while the Income Score of 11.8 reflects a median household income of $48,480. These factors significantly impact the overall quality of life metrics.

Built for Budget-First Residents

Edgecombe is best suited for those prioritizing low housing costs above all other community factors. It appeals to individuals with local family ties who can navigate the economic and safety challenges.

2040608010031.154.11.723.22411.823.626.170.7Tax31.1Cost54.1Safety1.7Health23.2Schools24Income11.8Risk23.6Water26.1Weather70.727.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Edgecombe County DNA

Foverall

How Edgecombe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Edgecombe County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (1.7/100), though Weather & Climate (70.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.1-20.9
Cost
54.1
Safety
1.7-53.3
Health
23.2-26.8
Schools
24-30
Income
11.8-39.2
Risk
23.6-23.4
Water
26.1-31.9
Weather
70.7+14.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Edgecombe County?

Many homeowners in Edgecombe County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$818/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,480/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.3

per 100K

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

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Nearby counties

Nash County
North Carolina
47.4
Halifax County
North Carolina
31.6
Wilson County
North Carolina
29.4
Martin County
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34.3
Pitt County
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Greene County
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Bertie County
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Northampton County
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Deep Dives

Edgecombe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Edgecombe County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Exceed National Averages

Edgecombe County reports a total crime rate of 5,264.3 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume of reported incidents results in a safety score of 91.7 out of 100.

Falling Below the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 91.7 sits below the North Carolina average of 96.8. With 5,264.3 crimes per 100K, Edgecombe faces significantly more reported activity than the state average of 2,050.0.

Higher Crime Density Than Regional Neighbors

Edgecombe's crime rate is triple that of nearby Greene County, which reports only 1,612.2 crimes per 100K. It also faces a much higher incident rate than neighboring Franklin County.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Property crime is the primary concern here at 4,017.0 incidents per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 1,247.3 is also notably high, sitting well above the national rate of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home Security and Awareness

High property crime rates make home security systems and outdoor lighting essential for residents. Simple preventative measures can significantly lower the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Edgecombe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Over 7,500 Students

Edgecombe County manages a focused education infrastructure consisting of 19 public schools across three districts. The system supports 7,538 students through a mix of nine elementary, five middle, and four high schools. One additional specialized facility completes the county's physical academic footprint.

Graduation Rates Near State Benchmarks

The county maintains an 82.2% graduation rate, which sits below the North Carolina average of 88.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. While the $6,793 per-pupil expenditure is nearly on par with the state average, it remains significantly below the national spending level of $13,000. These investments yield a composite school score of 49.0, just under the national median.

Public Districts and Local Charter Options

Edgecombe County Public Schools serves 5,419 students across 14 schools, while Nash County Public Schools also provides coverage for a significant portion of the region. A single charter school, North East Carolina Preparatory School, operates independently and represents about 5% of the county's total schools. This charter facility is the largest individual school in the county, enrolling 909 students.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Settings

With 10 of its 19 schools located in rural areas, the county offers a quiet, community-focused educational environment. Schools average 397 students each, ranging from the large North East Carolina Prep to smaller primary schools like G W Bulluck Elementary. Most students attend classes in rural or town settings, with only four schools located within city limits.

Invest in a Community-Focused Education

Families looking for a small-town atmosphere should explore homes near the county's primary and secondary hubs. Proximity to well-established schools like North East Carolina Prep makes the area an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. School quality remains a vital factor for long-term property value and family stability in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Edgecombe County

via WaterByCounty

Edgecombe County Faces Major Compliance Challenges

Edgecombe County earns a failing grade with 26 health violations over the last five years. The county violation rate of 84.8 per 100,000 residents is more than double the North Carolina average of 31.7.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Federal authorities have not yet assessed Edgecombe County's local water bodies under Clean Water Act Section 303(d) standards. This lack of federal data means the total percentage of impaired local waterways remains unknown.

Persistent Monitoring of Physical and Organic Markers

Local agencies maintain 11 monitoring sites that recorded 3,145 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, organic compounds, and pesticide levels to track water quality.

Tar River Flows Significantly Below Average

The Tar River at Tarboro currently flows at just 216 cfs, representing only 10% of its long-term mean. This measurement sits far below the typical discharge of 2,178 cfs for this time of year.

Prioritize Filtration Amid High Violation Rates

Given the county's failing grade and high health violation rate, residents should stay informed about specific drinking water contaminants. Extremely low streamflow in the Tar River may also impact the concentration of pollutants in source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Edgecombe County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Moist Coastal Plain Climate

Edgecombe’s 60.1°F average temperature is warm by national standards. The region enjoys a long growing season fueled by consistent moisture and southern warmth.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Average

This county sits nearly a degree above the 59.3°F North Carolina average. It experiences a typical eastern North Carolina balance of heat and precipitation.

Moderate Snowfall for the East

Edgecombe’s 3.8 inches of snow is higher than Duplin’s 1.4 inches. However, its 40 extreme heat days are fewer than Franklin’s 51 days of 90-degree weather.

Humid Summers and Periodic Snow

The July average hits 79.3°F, creating very humid summer conditions. Winter is manageable with a 42.7°F average and occasional snow flurries totaling 3.8 inches.

Preparing for Heat and Precipitation

Residents should prepare for 40 days of extreme heat and nearly 4 inches of winter snow. Sturdy rain gutters are necessary to manage the 48.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Edgecombe County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils of the Coastal Plain

Edgecombe County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.94, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the North Carolina state average of 5.14, necessitating lime for most traditional crops.

A sandy foundation for Edgecombe

The soil is comprised of 67.0% sand, 22.3% silt, and 10.8% clay. This high sand percentage allows for excellent workability but means the ground dries out much faster than heavier soils.

Modest organic levels in local fields

Organic matter sits at 2.33%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but less than half the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, irrigation is often necessary during dry spells.

Fast-draining earth and water flow

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 67.0% sand content suggests rapid water movement through the profile. Farmers and builders should account for this permeability when planning irrigation or drainage systems.

Warm seasons in Zone 8a

Edgecombe falls into hardiness zone 8a, which is ideal for heat-loving crops like cotton and sweet potatoes. The long growing season provides a great window for a productive backyard vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Edgecombe County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Edgecombe

With a lawn difficulty score of 34.5, Edgecombe County presents a tougher gardening environment than the state average of 40.8 and the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 8a region requires significant effort to maintain lush green space. Homeowners here must navigate a climate that is notably more demanding than neighboring counties.

High Heat and Heavy Precipitation

Edgecombe faces 40 extreme heat days per year, slightly exceeding the state average of 38 days. While the 48.1 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range for lawns, the 4,756 growing degree days suggest a rapid growth cycle that demands frequent mowing. You should prepare for an intense summer maintenance schedule to manage heat stress.

Acidic Sands Require Heavy Amendment

The soil in Edgecombe is highly acidic with a pH of 4.94, falling well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Composed of 67.0% sand and just 10.8% clay, the soil drains quickly but struggles to retain essential nutrients. You will likely need regular lime applications and organic matter to balance the foundation for a healthy lawn.

Navigating Severe Water Scarcity

Current data shows that 100% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions, with 34 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. To protect your investment, prioritize deep, infrequent watering during early morning hours to minimize evaporation. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties is essential given these persistent dry spells.

Start Your 8a Lawn Today

In Zone 8a, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets for long-term success. With the last spring frost typically occurring on March 31, aim to establish your lawn in late spring once soil temperatures rise. Proper timing ensures your grass is well-rooted before the first fall frost arrives around November 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edgecombe County's county score?
Edgecombe County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 27.3 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 Edgecombe County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Edgecombe County ranks #99 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 Edgecombe County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Edgecombe County is $1,282, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Edgecombe County a tax score of 31.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edgecombe County?
The median household income in Edgecombe County, North Carolina is $48,480 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edgecombe County earns an income score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edgecombe County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Edgecombe County scores 27.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Edgecombe 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 Edgecombe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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