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Forsyth County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#88 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 68.5Income & Jobs 56.1

County Report Card

About Forsyth County, North Carolina

Positioned Below the National Midpoint

Forsyth County carries a composite score of 33.8, trailing the 50.0 national median. This indicates room for improvement across several public service and environmental dimensions.

Performance Below the North Carolina Average

The county's score of 33.8 falls behind the statewide average of 44.7. While it serves as a regional hub, it lags behind other urban North Carolina counties in overall livability.

Clean Water and Reliable Incomes

Water quality is a major highlight with a score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from an Income Score of 56.1, supported by a median household income of $65,541.

Addressing Safety and Risk Concerns

The county faces hurdles with a Safety Score of 2.8 and an environmental Risk Score of 8.5. These low figures significantly weigh down the overall composite rating.

A Mixed Bag for Urban Professionals

Forsyth suits workers who value a solid income and utility infrastructure over environmental stability and safety metrics. It is an urban trade-off where economic opportunity currently outweighs public security scores.

Score breakdown

Tax49Cost25.8Safety2.8Health54.1Schools32.5Income56.1Risk8.5Water86Weather68.5
🏛49
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.6
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Forsyth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Forsyth County

via TaxByCounty

Forsyth below national average

At 0.849%, Forsyth's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, placing the county slightly below the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,934 reflects a county with homes valued at $227,800—closer to the national median home value of $281,900.

Forsyth slightly above state average

Forsyth's effective rate of 0.849% exceeds North Carolina's average of 0.701%, though the difference is modest. The county's median property tax of $1,934 is notably higher than the state average of $1,433, reflecting both higher home values and a slightly elevated tax rate.

Forsyth competitive in the region

Forsyth's 0.849% rate sits between Gaston County's 0.797% and Edgecombe County's 1.098%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county regionally. While higher than Franklin County (0.719%), Forsyth remains competitive with similar urban centers in the Piedmont region.

Typical Forsyth homeowner pays $1,934

With a median home value of $227,800 and an effective rate of 0.849%, the typical Forsyth homeowner pays $1,934 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,988, while those without mortgages pay $1,821.

Assessment appeals could reduce your bill

Many Forsyth homeowners are overassessed relative to current market conditions and can file an appeal to lower their tax burden. Contacting your county assessor to request a reassessment is a straightforward way to verify your property's valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Forsyth County

via CostByCounty

Forsyth housing affordable by national standards

Forsyth residents spend 19.1% of income on rent, slightly above the national norm but acceptable given the county's strong $65,541 median household income—12% below the national average. This translates to $1,046 monthly rent on a solid regional salary.

Slightly above North Carolina average

Forsyth's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% edges out the state average of 18.6%, placing it in the middle of North Carolina's affordability spectrum. Rents here at $1,046 run 11% higher than the state median of $938, reflecting the county's Greensboro-Winston-Salem urban market.

Urban pricing in the Triad

Forsyth's $1,046 rent and 19.1% ratio make it pricier than rural Granville ($1,008 rent) and Franklin ($988 rent) but comparable in affordability burden. Gaston County, similarly urban, carries a higher burden at 19.9% despite similar incomes.

Renters and owners bear similar costs

Renters pay $1,046 monthly while homeowners pay $1,054 on a $65,541 income, with both groups dedicating roughly 19% of earnings to housing. Annual housing costs total about $12,500, requiring careful budgeting but remaining manageable for dual-income households.

Solid choice for Piedmont relocation

Forsyth offers urban job markets and reasonable housing costs compared to coastal markets and national metros like Charlotte. If you're prioritizing affordability within the Triad, Franklin County delivers comparable housing costs with lower rent-to-income strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Forsyth County

via IncomeByCounty

Forsyth households earn modestly above state

Forsyth County's median household income of $65,541 exceeds North Carolina's state average by 7% but still trails the national median of $74,755 by 12%. The county ranks solidly in the middle-income range for U.S. counties.

Upper-middle tier in North Carolina

Forsyth's $65,541 median income places it in the upper-middle tier of North Carolina counties, outperforming the state average of $61,072 by about $4,500. Per capita income of $37,375 also exceeds the state average of $33,920.

Competitive with regional peers

Forsyth's $65,541 median income closely matches Gaston County ($65,472) to the west while falling short of high-performing Franklin ($71,386) and Granville ($70,975). The county represents a strong middle option in the state's income landscape.

Housing remains affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%, Forsyth households comfortably fall within the 20% affordability threshold. A median home value of $227,800 is accessible to many families earning the county median, suggesting reasonable housing affordability.

Invest surplus income wisely

Forsyth's median income of $65,541 allows households to allocate funds beyond basic needs—aim to save 15-20% of gross income. Index funds, IRAs, and real estate appreciation in your growing county present solid wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Forsyth County

via CrimeByCounty

Total Crime Higher Than National Median

Forsyth County reports 4,153.8 total crimes per 100K, nearly double the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics contribute to an overall safety score of 93.4.

Trailing North Carolina Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 93.4 is lower than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local agencies report a crime rate that is significantly higher than the state-wide average of 2,050.0 per 100K.

Higher Crime Frequency Than Nearby Gaston

Forsyth's crime rate of 4,153.8 per 100K is notably higher than Gaston County’s rate of 2,772.4. This indicates a more active criminal landscape within the Winston-Salem metropolitan area.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Acts

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,289.7 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 864.1 incidents. Both figures exceed national benchmarks, suggesting residents face higher risks than the average American.

Enhancing Security in Urban Areas

Given the high property crime rate, residents should invest in alarm systems and motion-activated cameras. Always locking vehicles and entry points remains the most effective deterrent against local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Forsyth County

via HealthByCounty

Forsyth's health outcomes exceed national averages

Residents in Forsyth County enjoy a life expectancy of 75.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years and placing the county among North Carolina's healthiest. Only 16.5% report poor or fair health, well below national averages. These metrics reflect robust healthcare infrastructure and strong community health management.

Top-tier health performance in North Carolina

Forsyth County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks among the best in North Carolina, exceeding the state average of 74.4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 16.5% is notably lower than most peers across the state. Forsyth consistently demonstrates strong health outcomes across multiple measures.

Forsyth leads Piedmont region in health metrics

Forsyth's 75.8-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Guilford (74.1 years) and Randolph (73.5 years) counties, making it the health leader of the Piedmont region. Its 16.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among neighboring counties, which typically range from 17-20%. This performance difference reflects Forsyth's superior healthcare access and provider capacity.

Excellent provider access throughout the county

Forsyth boasts 114 primary care providers per 100K residents—nearly triple the national average—and 390 mental health providers per 100K, among the highest in the state. The uninsured rate of 11.5% is marginally above the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents can access care. This robust infrastructure directly supports the county's strong health outcomes.

Ensure continuous coverage during open enrollment

With 11.5% of Forsyth residents uninsured, there's still room to expand coverage and strengthen community health. During annual open enrollment periods, healthcare.gov and the NC Health Insurance Marketplace offer plans to fit various budgets and health needs. Even with strong health outcomes, maintaining consistent coverage ensures preventive care and financial protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Forsyth County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Urban Education Hub

Forsyth County operates a massive educational network of 87 public schools serving 56,563 students. This infrastructure includes 47 elementary, 16 middle, and 18 high schools, along with six specialized facilities. Seven distinct districts manage this diverse array of learning environments across the region.

Competitive Scores in a Major Metro

The county achieves an 85.8% graduation rate, approaching the national average of 87.0% despite the challenges of a large urban system. Investment stays consistent with state levels at $6,993 per pupil, though this is roughly half the national average of $13,000. These resources support a school score of 51.3, which exceeds the national median of 50.0.

Winston-Salem / Forsyth Leads the Way

The Winston Salem / Forsyth County Schools district dominates the landscape, managing 81 schools and 52,717 students. Charter schools represent 5.7% of the total school count, with Quality Education Academy serving as the largest independent option with 673 students. This mix of traditional and charter options provides families with varied specialized curricula.

Diverse Locales and Large High Schools

Most students attend one of the 59 schools located in city centers, though 17 suburban and 11 rural schools offer different atmospheres. Large-scale high schools define the experience here, with West Forsyth High leading the county with 2,348 students. The average school size is 665 students, reflecting the county's urban and suburban density.

Find Your Home in a Diverse District

Whether you prefer urban lofts or suburban lawns, Forsyth County offers homes near some of the state's largest and most active schools. Access to major institutions like R J Reynolds High or West Forsyth High is a significant draw for families moving to the area. Real estate near these high-performing districts continues to be a primary focus for local homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Forsyth County

via RiskByCounty

Forsyth faces notably elevated disaster risks

Forsyth County's composite risk score of 91.54 places it in the highest tier of risk exposure, substantially above the U.S. average and the North Carolina state average of 66.72. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects the county's vulnerability across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes. Forsyth residents confront a complex natural disaster landscape that demands serious preparedness investment.

Forsyth ranks among North Carolina's riskiest

With a composite score of 91.54, Forsyth County ranks in North Carolina's top tier for overall disaster risk—significantly above the state average of 66.72. The county's elevated scores across floods (94.66), tornadoes (90.87), and earthquakes (88.07) reflect its Piedmont location and susceptibility to multiple concurrent hazards. Few North Carolina counties face as broad and intense a risk profile.

Forsyth faces steeper risks than peers

Forsyth's composite score of 91.54 substantially exceeds neighboring Guilford County and Stokes County, making it the highest-risk county in the Triad region. Its flood risk of 94.66 ranks among the most severe in the state, while tornado exposure at 90.87 surpasses most surrounding counties. This elevated exposure positions Forsyth as a natural disaster hotspot within its region.

Floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes drive risk

Forsyth County's most pressing threats come from flooding (94.66)—highest in the county's risk profile—followed closely by tornadoes (90.87) and earthquakes (88.07). The county's location in the Piedmont makes it vulnerable to both sudden flash flooding from heavy rains and the seismic activity that occasionally affects the region. Together, these three hazards account for the majority of natural disaster damage potential.

Triple-layer insurance is essential

Forsyth County's extreme flood risk (94.66) makes flood insurance non-negotiable—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely, leaving most properties dangerously underinsured. Combine a comprehensive homeowners policy with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program and consider earthquake coverage, which requires a separate policy rider. Speak with your insurance agent immediately to ensure your home's protection matches Forsyth's elevated risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Forsyth County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Four-Season Climate

Forsyth’s 58.2°F average is warm compared to the national median but moderate for the Southeast. It offers a clear four-season experience without the coastal extremes.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

The county is 1.1 degrees cooler than the state average of 59.3°F. This reflects its position in the western Piedmont, further from the warming effects of the coast.

Drier and Milder Than Neighbors

With 33 extreme heat days, Forsyth is milder than neighboring Davie's 41 days. Its annual precipitation of 45.2 inches is the lowest among these eight counties.

Moderate Summers and Cool Winters

Summer highs average 77.9°F in July, while winters are cool with a 40.2°F average in January. While local snowfall data is unavailable, the 33 heat days suggest a balanced climate.

Water Conservation and Heat Prep

This is a drier county, so landscaping may require supplemental watering during the 45.2-inch rainfall year. Residents should still prepare for a consistent 33 days of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Forsyth County

via SoilByCounty

Forsyth's typical Piedmont acidity

Forsyth County features a soil pH of 5.48, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.14. However, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for this region.

Balanced textures for better retention

The local soil mix contains 58.7% sand, 23.6% silt, and 16.7% clay. This moderate clay content helps the soil hold onto nutrients and water better than the sandier counties to the east.

Lower organic matter in the Triad

At 1.28%, organic matter in Forsyth is lower than both the national 2.0% and state 5.12% averages. The available water capacity of 0.131 in/in is nearly on par with the state average of 0.134 in/in.

Managed water in the landscape

Formal drainage class data is not available, but the 16.7% clay content provides a stable structure for land development. The soil profile generally offers enough drainage to prevent waterlogging in typical Piedmont weather.

Gardening success in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b supports a wide variety of perennials and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. With a little compost to boost organic matter, your Forsyth garden will flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Forsyth County

via LawnByCounty

Forsyth Offers Above-Average Lawn Conditions

Forsyth County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.6, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the county provides a more hospitable environment for turf than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a favorable balance of climate and soil factors for local homeowners.

Manageable Heat and Moderate Growth

The county experiences 33 extreme heat days annually, which is lower than the state average of 38. With 45.2 inches of annual precipitation and 4,280 growing degree days, the climate supports steady turf development without the extreme pressures seen in coastal areas. This moderate profile allows for a more flexible watering and mowing routine.

Sandy Loam Needs a pH Boost

Your soil foundation consists of 58.7% sand and 16.7% clay, providing a structure that generally facilitates good root penetration. However, the average pH of 5.48 is acidic and requires amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 threshold for nutrient uptake. Regular soil testing is recommended to determine the exact lime requirements for your specific site.

Managing Severe Drought Stress

Despite the favorable difficulty score, Forsyth is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions after 22 weeks of drought this past year. Conservation is key; homeowners should adjust mower heights higher to shade the soil and retain moisture. Efficient irrigation systems can help navigate these periods of significant water deficit.

Targeting the Spring Growth Window

Zone 7b is ideal for Tall Fescue or heat-tolerant cool-season blends. Plan your major lawn work around the average last spring frost of April 6 to ensure young sprouts aren't damaged by late freezes. You have a generous window to establish roots before the first fall frost typically hits on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forsyth County's county score?
Forsyth County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 33.8 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 Forsyth County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Forsyth County ranks #88 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 Forsyth County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Forsyth County is $1,934, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Forsyth County a tax score of 49/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Forsyth County?
The median household income in Forsyth County, North Carolina is $65,541 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Forsyth County earns an income score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Forsyth County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Forsyth County scores 33.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Forsyth 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 Forsyth 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.