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Gates County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#13 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.6Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 72.6

County Report Card

About Gates County, North Carolina

Surpassing the National Median

Gates County excels with a composite score of 56.2, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places it among the more desirable rural counties in the country.

Leading the North Carolina Average

With a 56.2 score, Gates County sits comfortably above the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It is one of the higher-performing counties in the northeastern part of the state.

Exceptional Safety and Risk Management

The county boasts an elite Risk Score of 89.6 and a Water Score of 86.0. A Safety Score of 62.5 and School Score of 61.8 further cement its status as a secure community.

Average Housing and Income Levels

Cost (41.7) and Income (43.9) scores are the county's relative low points. While safe, the median household income of $61,612 lags behind the wealthier urban centers.

The Gold Standard for Safety

Gates County is perfect for families and retirees who prioritize a safe, low-risk environment and quality schools. It is an ideal refuge for those who value peace of mind over high-speed urban growth.

Score breakdown

Tax55.3Cost41.7Safety62.5Health48.1Schools61.8Income43.9Risk89.6Water86Weather72.6
🏛55.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.3
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

Gates County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gates County

via TaxByCounty

Gates taxes below national average

At 0.777%, Gates' effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, placing it near the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,273 reflects Gates' median home value of $163,900, significantly below the national median of $281,900.

Gates slightly above state average

Gates' effective rate of 0.777% exceeds North Carolina's average of 0.701%, though the gap is modest. The median property tax of $1,273 falls below the state average of $1,433, showing that Gates residents enjoy lower overall tax bills despite a slightly elevated rate.

Gates competitive in northeastern region

Gates' 0.777% rate sits below Edgecombe (1.098%) and Greene (0.868%), making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the northeastern part of the state. The rate aligns closely with Granville and Franklin, offering reasonable tax burden for rural homeowners.

Typical Gates homeowner pays $1,273

With a median home value of $163,900 and an effective rate of 0.777%, the typical Gates homeowner pays $1,273 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,428, while those without mortgages pay $1,118.

Challenge assessments that seem high

Gates homeowners can appeal their property assessments if they believe valuations are inaccurate or outdated. A successful appeal is often quick and can reduce your annual tax burden with minimal effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gates County

via CostByCounty

Gates affords reasonable rent on modest income

Gates residents spend 18.3% of their $61,612 median income on $940 monthly rent—nearly matching the national affordability benchmark. Though incomes run 18% below the national average, Gates' low rents achieve near-perfect national affordability balance.

Right at North Carolina's affordability average

Gates' rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just below North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, making it a typically-affordable county by state standards. The $940 median rent matches exactly the state average, reflecting rural eastern North Carolina pricing.

Competitive with Edgecombe and Greene

Gates' $940 rent and 18.3% ratio fall between Edgecombe (20.3%, $818) and Greene (19.9%, $845), offering middle-ground affordability for the region. Higher income than Edgecombe ($48,480) gives Gates residents better breathing room despite similar rent levels.

Renters enjoy better affordability than owners

Renters pay $940 monthly while homeowners pay $849—unusual in most markets, suggesting Gates' homeownership carries lower costs. Annual renter housing costs total $11,280, consuming just under one-fifth of median household income.

Reliable affordable option in eastern NC

Gates offers stability for renters seeking affordability without extreme rural isolation, positioned between Edgecombe's challenges and Franklin's prosperity. The county rewards residents with flexibility and near-average affordability, though limited job diversity requires careful employment planning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gates County

via IncomeByCounty

Gates County approaches state average

Gates County's median household income of $61,612 sits roughly at North Carolina's state average of $61,072 but trails the national median of $74,755 by 18%. The county occupies a middle position in both state and national income rankings.

Right at state median income

Gates' $61,612 median household income essentially matches North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier. Per capita income of $31,342 falls slightly below the state average of $33,920.

Balanced against regional peers

Gates' $61,612 median income sits between lower-earning Greene ($50,904) to the south and higher-earning Franklin ($71,386) to the west. The county represents a stable middle option in the eastern North Carolina income landscape.

Reasonable rent affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.3%, Gates households allocate less than one-fifth of earnings to rent, remaining comfortably within affordability guidelines. A median home value of $163,900 offers accessible homeownership for median-income families.

Build steady financial habits

Gates households earning $61,612 can allocate roughly $500 monthly ($6,161 annually) to savings and investment without straining budgets. Start with tax-advantaged retirement accounts and gradually increase contributions as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gates County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Counties

Gates County is exceptionally secure, with a total crime rate of 866.0 per 100K—far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an elite safety score of 98.6.

Outperforming State Safety Standards

With a safety score of 98.6, Gates is far safer than the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is less than half the state average of 2,050.0 per 100K.

Minimal Crime Compared to Neighbors

Gates County reports a fraction of the crime seen in neighboring Edgecombe, where rates are nearly six times higher. It remains a very low-risk pocket within the eastern North Carolina region.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

The violent crime rate in Gates is just 95.2 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 770.8, indicating a peaceful environment.

Preserving a High Standard of Safety

Basic precautions like locking doors and windows help maintain the county's excellent safety metrics. Smart home technology can provide an extra layer of protection in this quiet community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gates County

via HealthByCounty

Gates approaches national health benchmarks closely

At 74.6 years, Gates County's life expectancy is just 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, indicating reasonably competitive health outcomes for a rural county. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.9%) report poor or fair health, modestly above national averages. The county demonstrates solid health performance despite limited resources.

Slightly above state average in life expectancy

Gates' 74.6-year life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by two months, placing it in the mid-range of county rankings. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate tracks slightly above state norms, suggesting some underlying health challenges. Gates performs near the state median across key health measures.

Competitive with rural northeastern peers

Gates' 74.6-year life expectancy matches well against neighboring Chowan (74.5 years) and Perquimans (74.8 years), all clustered around state averages in this rural northeast region. The 18.9% poor/fair health rate is consistent with regional patterns for economically modest rural areas. Gates demonstrates health outcomes typical of its northeastern peer group.

Data gaps reflect rural healthcare challenges

Gates County's provider data is currently unavailable, limiting our visibility into primary care and mental health capacity—a gap that itself reflects the rural healthcare access challenges the county faces. The uninsured rate of 9.2% is the lowest among comparison counties, suggesting strong coverage despite limited documented providers. Residents likely depend on regional medical centers in neighboring counties for specialized care.

Build on strong coverage with annual review

Gates has already achieved a notably low uninsured rate of 9.2%, well below state and national averages—a real success story in rural healthcare access. During enrollment periods, existing coverage holders should review their plans on healthcare.gov to ensure continued protection. Maintaining this strong coverage rate is essential for sustaining Gates' solid health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gates County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Single District

Gates County operates a highly centralized and intimate school system consisting of just five public schools. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single county district. This streamlined system serves a total of 1,497 students.

Exceptional Graduation and Funding Metrics

The county achieves a standout 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 88.0% and the national average of 87.0%. Investment is also higher than the state average, with $7,694 spent per pupil. These factors contribute to a strong composite school score of 56.1, well above the national median.

Unity and Focus in Gates County Schools

The Gates County Schools district manages 100% of the public enrollment, as there are no charter schools within the county. This singular focus allows for a unified educational strategy across the entire region. The largest school is Gates County Senior High, which serves 479 students, ensuring a low student-to-teacher environment.

A Purely Rural Academic Experience

Every single school in Gates County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment for all students. The average school size is remarkably small at 299 students, with T S Cooper Elementary enrolling just 174. This creates a deeply personal feel where teachers and administrators can know almost every student by name.

Peaceful Living with Top-Tier Schools

If you value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Gates County offers a rare combination of both. Real estate here provides a rural retreat while keeping your children in one of the highest-performing districts in the state. Families can buy with confidence knowing the local school system consistently delivers results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gates County

via RiskByCounty

Gates County enjoys exceptional disaster protection

Gates County's composite risk score of just 10.46 ranks among the lowest in the nation, far below the North Carolina state average of 66.72, earning a "Very Low" rating. This exceptional standing reflects the county's remote northeastern location, modest population density, and limited exposure to most major hazards. Gates residents benefit from one of North Carolina's safest natural disaster profiles.

Gates is among North Carolina's safest counties

With a composite score of 10.46, Gates County ranks at the very bottom of North Carolina's disaster risk scale—one of the safest communities in the entire state. The county's rural northeastern location insulates it from severe tornado, earthquake, and flood exposure that affects more populated regions. Gates offers residents exceptional natural disaster safety compared to most North Carolina alternatives.

Gates far outpaces regional comparison

Gates County's score of 10.46 is dramatically lower than any nearby county, including Graham County (20.07) and Franklin County (51.72), making it the safest place in its region. The county's minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories reflects its remote location and lower development density. Few communities in North Carolina offer comparable natural disaster safety.

Hurricane risk is the primary concern

Gates County's only meaningful natural disaster risk comes from hurricanes (77.89), reflecting its eastern coastal plain location and vulnerability to Atlantic storm systems. All other hazards register far below concerning levels: tornadoes at 22.30, earthquakes at 28.15, and floods at 40.80 rank among North Carolina's lowest. Hurricane preparedness forms the foundation of your disaster planning.

Focused hurricane coverage suffices

Given Gates County's exceptional overall safety profile, your primary insurance focus should be hurricane wind coverage within a standard homeowners policy, supplemented by flood insurance if your property sits in a mapped flood zone. The county's very low tornado, earthquake, and general flood exposure means you can avoid expensive additional coverage for those hazards. A straightforward homeowners policy provides adequate protection for most Gates residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Gates County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply acidic Coastal Plain earth

Gates County features a very acidic pH of 4.67, which is notably lower than the state average of 5.14. This soil is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-loving native species.

Sandy soil with high silt

The soil is 59.9% sand and 25.0% silt, with only 12.3% clay. This allows for rapid water infiltration, though the silt content adds a layer of smoothness and moisture retention not found in pure sand.

Rich organic matter in Gates

Organic matter is high at 7.40%, easily surpassing the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% benchmark. This richness contributes to an excellent available water capacity of 0.142 in/in.

High moisture potential for farming

Official drainage data is limited, but the high organic content acts like a sponge for the county's water. This combination of sand and organic material creates a highly productive environment for regional agriculture.

Abundant growth in Zone 8a

Zone 8a allows for a diverse range of crops, including peanuts and diverse woodland plants. The high organic levels make this some of the best soil in the region for a home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gates County

via LawnByCounty

Gates County's Unique Lawn Profile

Gates County scores a 43.3 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly easier than the state average of 40.8. While this Zone 8a county falls below the national median score of 50.0, it offers a relatively stable climate for turf. Local gardeners can leverage favorable rainfall to offset soil-related challenges.

Favorable Rainfall and Cooler Summers

The county enjoys 49.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the state average and ideal for lawn hydration. Unlike much of North Carolina, Gates only averages 29 extreme heat days, significantly lower than the state average of 38. This lack of extreme heat reduces the risk of grass burning out during the peak of summer.

Managing High Soil Acidity

With a soil pH of 4.67, Gates County has some of the most acidic soil in the region, far from the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The soil is 59.9% sand and 12.3% clay, ensuring good drainage but limited nutrient retention. You must be diligent with lime and fertilizer applications to maintain a vibrant lawn in these conditions.

Mild Drought Resilience in Gates

Gates County has experienced 18 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently reports 0% severe drought (D2+). While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, the situation is less critical than in many neighboring counties. Maintaining a healthy root system now will provide a buffer against future drought intensification.

Planting Success in Zone 8a

For Zone 8a, warm-season grasses are the most resilient choice for long-term health. While specific frost dates are less documented here, aim to plant in the spring once the threat of cold weather has passed. Ensuring good soil contact during seeding will help your lawn take advantage of the county's ample rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gates County's county score?
Gates County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Gates County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Gates County ranks #13 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 Gates County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Gates County is $1,273, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Gates County a tax score of 55.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gates County?
The median household income in Gates County, North Carolina is $61,612 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gates County earns an income score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gates County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Gates County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Gates 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 Gates County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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