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Graham County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#16 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.9
County Score
Cost of Living 97.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.6

County Report Card

About Graham County, North Carolina

Strong National Livability Standing

Graham County earns a solid composite score of 55.9, beating the 50.0 national median. Its unique combination of low costs and high environmental scores drives this performance.

Outperforming the State Average

The county’s 55.9 score is more than 11 points higher than the North Carolina average of 44.7. It stands out as a high-performing rural gem in the western mountains.

Unbeatable Affordability and Low Taxes

The Cost Score is a near-perfect 97.8, with median gross rent at a remarkably low $581. A Tax Score of 81.6 and Risk Score of 80.0 make it a financially and environmentally stable choice.

Limited Income and Safety Metrics

The Income Score is low at 12.6, reflecting a median household income of $49,038. Safety also scores lower at 16.0, which may be a concern for some potential residents.

A Paradise for Budget Retirees

Graham County is an exceptional choice for retirees or remote workers who want to maximize their dollar. With rock-bottom housing costs and low taxes, it offers a high quality of life for those with outside income.

2040608010081.697.8163449.912.6808662.7Tax81.6Cost97.8Safety16Health34Schools49.9Income12.6Risk80Water86Weather62.755.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Graham County DNA

Foverall

How Graham County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Graham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (97.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (16/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.6+29.599999999999994
Cost
97.8+49.8
Safety
16-39
Health
34-16
Schools
49.9
Income
12.6-38.4
Risk
80+33
Water
86+28
Weather
62.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$581/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,038/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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Nearby counties

Cherokee County
North Carolina
46.9
Monroe County
Tennessee
51.9
Blount County
Tennessee
53.4
Clay County
North Carolina
56.1
Swain County
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Macon County
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Towns County
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Union County
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62

Deep Dives

Graham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Graham County

via TaxByCounty

Graham has lowest taxes around

At 0.540%, Graham's effective tax rate is the lowest in this analysis and well below the national median of 0.86%, placing it near the 20th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $842 reflects Graham's median home value of $155,800, the lowest in this group.

Graham significantly below state average

Graham's effective rate of 0.540% is substantially lower than North Carolina's average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $842 is the lowest among all eight counties, offering western North Carolina homeowners exceptional tax relief.

Graham far outpaces regional competitors

Graham's 0.540% rate sits well below all comparable counties, with Gates (0.777%), Franklin (0.719%), and Granville (0.719%) all charging significantly more. No neighboring county comes close to Graham's low-tax environment, making it a standout in the region.

Typical Graham homeowner pays just $842

With a median home value of $155,800 and an effective rate of 0.540%, the typical Graham homeowner pays only $842 annually in property taxes—the lowest among the eight counties analyzed. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,035, while those without mortgages pay $730.

Even low taxes can be reduced further

Although Graham's taxes are already minimal, homeowners should still verify their assessments are fair and accurate. Filing an appeal if you believe your property is overvalued costs nothing and could lower an already-low bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Graham County

via CostByCounty

Graham offers unbeatable rent affordability

Graham residents spend just 14.2% of their $49,038 median income on rent—the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all eight counties and well below the national norm. At $581 monthly, Graham's rents rank among North Carolina's cheapest, though incomes remain modest.

North Carolina's most affordable rents

Graham's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% significantly beats the state average of 18.6%, making it the clear affordability winner statewide. The $581 median rent stands 38% below the state median of $938, reflecting Graham's remote western mountain location.

Rents far below all regional peers

Graham's $581 rent and 14.2% ratio dramatically outperform all surrounding counties—Edgecombe ($818), Gates ($940), and Granville ($1,008). For renters prioritizing lowest housing costs, Graham stands alone, though residents must accept geographic isolation.

Extremely low housing burden

Renters pay just $581 monthly while homeowners pay $447, creating annual housing costs of $7,000 or less. This leaves renters with $40,000+ annually for all other needs, offering genuine financial freedom rarely found in today's market.

Ideal for remote workers seeking savings

Graham County is a no-brainer for remote workers from higher-paying metros seeking maximum savings; renters save $300+ monthly versus Franklin County. The tradeoff is geographic isolation in the western mountains—lifestyle choice requires careful consideration beyond affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Graham County

via IncomeByCounty

Graham lags far behind national income

Graham County's median household income of $49,038 falls 34% below the national median of $74,755, ranking among the lowest in North Carolina. The substantial gap reflects significant economic challenges compared to the broader U.S. economy.

Lower-tier earnings across North Carolina

At $49,038, Graham's median household income ranks in the lower tier of North Carolina's 100 counties, trailing the state average of $61,072 by 20%. Per capita income of $28,875 also falls well below the state average of $33,920.

Mountain county with modest income

Graham's $49,038 trails neighboring Granville ($70,975) significantly and falls just above Greene County ($50,904) in the region. The mountainous western location reflects economic patterns distinct from higher-income Piedmont peers.

Housing affordability stands out

Graham's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% ranks among the lowest in the data, indicating strong affordability relative to limited incomes. A median home value of $155,800 remains achievable despite modest household earnings.

Maximize every dollar saved

With median income of $49,038, Graham households should establish automatic monthly transfers of $200-300 into savings accounts. Explore low-cost investment options like Roth IRAs and community development accounts that match savings for lower-income savers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Graham County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Mirror National Average

Graham County's total crime rate of 2,323.8 per 100K is almost identical to the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 96.3.

Tracking Closely with State Performance

The county's safety score of 96.3 is just shy of the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Data from its single reporting agency shows crime rates are slightly higher than the state average.

Safe Profile in a Rural Setting

Graham County maintains a lower crime rate than more urbanized areas like Gaston County. This profile is typical for more isolated, rural regions of the state where safety remains high.

Theft Outnumbers Violent Incidents

Residents face a property crime rate of 2,075.3 per 100K, which is the majority of local activity. Violent crime is less frequent at 248.5 per 100K, staying below the national average.

Securing Property in Rural Graham

Since property crime is the main concern, focus on securing garages, sheds, and vehicles. Good perimeter visibility can effectively discourage potential thieves in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Graham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Learning with Three Schools

Graham County provides a simplified and dedicated educational landscape with exactly three public schools. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all of which serve the county's 1,141 students. A single school district manages the entire academic lifecycle for local children.

Solid Performance and Above-Average Spending

The county hits the national graduation rate benchmark of 87.0%, while its per-pupil spending of $8,141 is notably higher than the state average. This investment supports a school score of 54.4, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. The data shows a district that is effectively utilizing its resources to ensure student success.

Total District Coordination in Robbinsville

Graham County Schools operates all facilities in the county with no charter school competition. The schools are clustered in Robbinsville, with the elementary school serving as the largest campus at 528 students. This centralized model ensures that all resources and community support are focused on a single pathway from kindergarten to graduation.

The Essence of a Rural School Community

All schools in the county are situated in rural locales, reflecting the beautiful mountain terrain of the region. The average school size is 380 students, which allows for a close-knit atmosphere where students transition together through each grade level. Learning here feels like a true community effort centered around the Robbinsville campuses.

Find a Home in a Tight-Knit School Town

Families moving to Graham County often settle near Robbinsville to stay close to the county's three central schools. The high per-pupil spending and solid school scores make this an attractive area for those seeking a stable, well-funded education. Enjoy the peace of rural living without sacrificing academic quality for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Graham County

via RiskByCounty

Graham County ranks among safest nationwide

Graham County's composite risk score of 20.07 places it in the nation's lowest tier for natural disaster risk, far below the North Carolina state average of 66.72, with a "Very Low" rating. The county's mountainous western location and modest population density provide exceptional natural hazard protection. Graham residents enjoy one of North Carolina's most favorable natural disaster profiles.

Graham is North Carolina's second-safest county

With a composite score of 20.07, Graham County ranks near the absolute bottom of North Carolina's risk scale—exceeded in safety only by a handful of similarly remote counties. The county's elevation in the western mountains insulates it from coastal hazards and reduces tornado exposure substantially. Graham represents a top-tier natural disaster refuge within North Carolina.

Graham benefits from mountain geography

Graham's score of 20.07 is dramatically lower than inland peers like Franklin County (51.72) and Granville County (59.35), reflecting its mountainous terrain and remote location. Only Gates County (10.46) matches Graham's exceptional safety level, and that margin is narrow. The western mountains provide Graham with rare natural disaster protection.

Wildfire exposure exceeds other hazards

Graham County's primary natural disaster risk comes from wildfires (49.59), a reflection of its mountainous terrain and forest coverage, though this risk remains moderate in absolute terms. Earthquakes (51.24) represent the county's second-highest exposure, while tornadoes (26.78), floods (38.01), and hurricanes (42.64) all register well below concerning levels. Wildfire preparedness anchors your disaster planning.

Standard coverage with wildfire focus

Graham County's very low overall risk profile means a standard homeowners policy provides adequate protection for most residents, with wildfire coverage emphasized if your property borders forest land. Unlike many North Carolina counties, Graham residents rarely need flood insurance or additional wind coverage due to geographic isolation. Verify your policy includes wildfire protection and ensure defensible space around your home—your best insurance investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Graham County

via WaterByCounty

Graham County Boasts Excellent Water Quality

Graham County holds an 'A' grade with zero health violations in the Safe Drinking Water Information System. The county consistently outperforms the state average violation rate of 31.7.

Watershed Assessment Data Not Yet Reported

Federal authorities have not currently assessed the water bodies in Graham County under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The county's streams are not yet covered in the latest reporting cycle for impairments.

Broad Monitoring Network Tracks Biological Health

A robust network of 22 monitoring sites has captured ,4294 measurements over five years. Testing primarily tracks physical traits, nutrients, and biological counts to ensure environmental health.

Cheoah River Flows Near Median Levels

The Cheoah River near Tapoco shows a current discharge of 138 cfs, which is 65% of its long-term mean. While below the average of 214 cfs, it remains more stable than many other rivers in the state.

Protect High-Quality Mountain Source Water

Because Graham County has zero violations and stable streamflow, residents should prioritize protecting their pristine source water. Supporting local land conservation helps maintain the natural filtration provided by the county's forested watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Graham County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and typical of the U.S.

Graham County’s annual average temperature of 56.8°F aligns closely with the national median for temperate climates. Its high elevation contributes to a cooler profile than many of its Eastern Seaboard counterparts.

Cooler than the North Carolina average

The county stays roughly 2.5 degrees cooler than the state average of 59.3°F. Its 56.1 inches of annual precipitation is nearly five inches higher than the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches.

A mountain rainforest environment

At 56.1 inches of rain, Graham is significantly wetter than neighbors like Gaston, though its 35 extreme heat days make it warmer than high-peak neighbors like Haywood. This creates a lush, high-humidity mountain environment unique to the western border.

Mild summers and crisp winters

Summer temperatures average a comfortable 72.6°F, though the county still sees 35 days above 90°F. While snowfall data is limited, January temperatures average a cold 38.1°F, necessitating reliable heating systems.

Prepare for wet weather

Quality rain gear is a necessity given the 56.1 inches of annual precipitation. With 35 extreme heat days, residents should also ensure their homes are ventilated for humid summer afternoons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Graham County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic mountain soil

Graham County has an extremely acidic pH of 4.59, the lowest in this group. This is far below the national median of 6.5, reflecting the unique chemistry of its high-elevation environment.

Rich textures and low sand

The soil is only 36.8% sand, paired with 27.2% silt and 12.4% clay. This creates a dense, rich texture that provides superior structural support for the county's massive forest trees.

Extraordinary organic matter levels

Graham boasts a staggering 21.00% organic matter, nearly four times the state average of 5.12%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.128 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state mean.

Water movement in the mountains

While drainage class data is missing, the extreme organic content ensures the soil remains moist and nutrient-dense. This composition is vital for maintaining the lush, temperate rainforest conditions found in the area.

Cool-climate gardening in Zone 7a

Zone 7a is perfect for apples, berries, and cool-weather greens that struggle in the heat of the plains. With such high organic matter, your plants will have a massive head start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Graham County

via LawnByCounty

Graham's High-Elevation Lawn Care

Graham County scores a 46.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easier regions in North Carolina to maintain. As a Hardiness Zone 7a area, it offers a cooler environment than the state average of 40.8. This location is particularly well-suited for varieties that struggle in the hotter eastern counties.

Ample Rainfall for Mountain Turf

Graham receives a generous 56.1 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 51.6 inches. With only 35 extreme heat days and 3,791 growing degree days, the climate is remarkably mild. This combination means you will likely spend less time watering and more time managing the steady growth of your lawn.

Acidic Soils with Low Sand Content

The soil pH in Graham is quite acidic at 4.59, requiring regular lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 target. Interestingly, the soil is only 36.8% sand, which is much lower than the state average and helps with moisture retention. However, with 12.4% clay, ensuring proper aeration is important to prevent soil compaction.

Managing Severe Drought Shifts

The county is currently facing 100% severe drought conditions, despite having only 16 weeks of drought over the past year. Even with high annual rainfall, these sudden dry spells can stress cool-season grasses. Monitoring soil moisture and reducing foot traffic during dry weeks will help preserve your turf's health.

Optimal Planting for Zone 7a

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue perform exceptionally well in Zone 7a. With the last spring frost occurring around April 17, plan your primary seeding for late summer or early autumn. This allows the lawn to establish before the first fall frost arrives on October 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graham County's county score?
Graham County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Graham County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Graham County ranks #16 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 Graham County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Graham County is $842, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Graham County a tax score of 81.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Graham County?
The median household income in Graham County, North Carolina is $49,038 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Graham County earns an income score of 12.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Graham County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Graham County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Graham 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 Graham 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.