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Greene County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#52 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.5
County Score
Schools 62.1Cost of Living 59.2Weather & Climate 57.2

County Report Card

About Greene County, North Carolina

Approaching National Average Levels

Greene County earns a composite score of 43.5, placing it just under the 50.0 national median. It performs better than many of its immediate neighbors in eastern North Carolina.

Mirroring the North Carolina Average

The county’s 43.5 score is very close to the North Carolina average of 44.7. This makes it a representative example of livability within the state's agricultural heartland.

Strong Schools and Low Housing Costs

School quality is a highlight with a score of 62.1. Affordability is also high, with a Cost Score of 59.2 and a median home value of only $114,000.

Struggling Health and Income Scores

Income remains a challenge at 16.5, with a median household income of $50,904. The Health Score of 22.7 also indicates a need for better medical access and outcomes.

A Solid Choice for Families

Greene County is a strong candidate for families who want quality education without a high price tag. It suits those who can commute for work while enjoying low-cost, high-educational-value living at home.

Score breakdown

Tax47.7Cost59.2Safety31.7Health22.7Schools62.1Income16.5Risk37.4Water46.2Weather57.2
🏛47.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.6
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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Wilson County
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Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene taxes above national average

At 0.868%, Greene's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.86%, placing it slightly above the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $990 is well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Greene's median home value of $114,000, one of the lowest in this analysis.

Greene above state average

Greene's effective rate of 0.868% exceeds North Carolina's average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. Despite this elevated rate, the median property tax of $990 falls below the state average of $1,433 due to Greene's lower home values.

Greene among highest-taxed in region

Greene's 0.868% rate is exceeded only by Edgecombe (1.098%) and sits above all other comparison counties including Forsyth (0.849%), Gaston (0.797%), and Franklin (0.719%). For rural homeowners, Greene's tax burden is notably steeper than neighboring alternatives.

Typical Greene homeowner pays $990

With a median home value of $114,000 and an effective rate of 0.868%, the typical Greene homeowner pays $990 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,021, while those without mortgages pay $970.

Appeal inflated assessments today

Greene homeowners should scrutinize their property assessments, as inflated valuations are common and can be challenged at no cost. A successful reassessment appeal could provide meaningful savings on your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene stretches housing budgets tight

Greene residents spend 19.9% of their $50,904 median income on $845 monthly rent—matching Gaston County's affordability strain despite 29% lower rents. Low incomes make even cheap rents consume a large household budget share.

Above-average affordability challenge

Greene's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% significantly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, ranking it among the state's least affordable counties. The $845 rent falls below the state median of $938, yet the low income creates relative hardship.

Similar challenges to Edgecombe

Greene's 19.9% ratio nearly matches Edgecombe's 20.3% burden, with both counties facing affordability challenges despite Greene's slightly lower rent of $845 versus $818. Franklin County's residents, earning 40% more, find identical rents far more manageable.

Renters bear heavier load than owners

Renters pay $845 monthly while homeowners pay $723, creating disparate affordability between housing types on a $50,904 income. Annual renter costs total roughly $10,100, consuming one-fifth of household earnings and limiting other spending.

Graham offers better affordability nearby

If you're considering Greene for low rents, Graham County's $581 rent and 14.2% ratio deliver significantly better value despite comparable incomes. Franklin County, just south, offers $1,008 rents on 40% higher incomes, expanding household financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene County faces income gap

Greene County's median household income of $50,904 trails the national median of $74,755 by 32%, ranking among the lowest in North Carolina. The significant gap reflects concentrated economic challenges in this rural county.

Lower-tier earnings statewide

At $50,904, Greene's median household income ranks in the lower tier of North Carolina's 100 counties, falling 17% below the state average of $61,072. Per capita income of $22,474 substantially lags the state average of $33,920.

Greene trails neighboring counties

Greene's $50,904 falls below nearby Franklin ($71,386) and Granville ($70,975) by significant margins, matching only Graham County ($49,038) in the eastern region. The county faces steeper income challenges than most regional peers.

Housing costs strain budgets

Greene's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits at the edge of affordability, meaning renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing. A median home value of $114,000 offers more accessible homeownership, but financing remains challenging on median incomes.

Start small, think long-term

Greene households earning $50,904 should prioritize basic savings ($50-100 monthly) before considering investments. Explore matched savings accounts through nonprofits, employer benefits, and tax refund optimization to build wealth gradually and sustainably.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety in Greene County

Greene County boasts a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,612.2 per 100K. This is considerably safer than the national average rate of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.5 beats the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its crime rate is also well below the state average of 2,050.0 crimes per 100K residents.

Far Safer Than Neighboring Edgecombe

Greene County is significantly safer than its neighbor Edgecombe, where the crime rate is more than three times higher. This makes Greene a notably secure choice for the region.

Property and Violent Crime Insights

Violent crime is low at 245.0 per 100K, while property crime is reported at 1,367.2. These figures demonstrate a community where serious crime is far less common than average.

Protecting Your Home in Greene

Maintain your home's security by ensuring all entryways are well-lit and locked. Neighborhood watch efforts and smart technology help keep this county one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene struggles with health access and outcomes

Greene County's life expectancy of 74.9 years falls 1.2 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, while its poor/fair health rate of 24.7% is among the worst nationally—more than 8 percentage points above national norms. The uninsured rate of 17.9% creates severe barriers to healthcare access. Greene faces multiple, compounding health challenges across all major indicators.

Among NC's most troubled health profiles

Greene's 24.7% poor/fair health rate is the worst among North Carolina counties reviewed here, and its 17.9% uninsured rate is the highest—exceeding the state average of 12.5% by 5.4 percentage points. Life expectancy of 74.9 years tracks near state average but masks severe underlying health challenges. Greene faces systemic health access and outcomes crises requiring urgent intervention.

Greene faces worse outcomes than eastern NC peers

Greene's 24.7% poor/fair health rate vastly exceeds nearby Wilson (19.8%) and Lenoir (20.5%) counties, while its 17.9% uninsured rate is 3-4 percentage points higher than comparable eastern NC neighbors. Life expectancy of 74.9 years is slightly better than Wilson (74.2) but worse than Lenoir (75.1), suggesting concentrated health disadvantage. Greene's health crisis is notably worse than surrounding counties.

Severe provider shortage compounds coverage gaps

Greene County has only 15 primary care providers and 63 mental health providers per 100K residents—the lowest primary care availability among all comparison counties—creating a doubled healthcare access crisis. The 17.9% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 5 residents have no financial access to even the limited providers available. Supply and demand crises overlap, leaving residents with almost no viable healthcare access.

Coverage is urgent step toward health recovery

Greene's 17.9% uninsured rate represents a health emergency: without insurance, Greene residents face catastrophic medical bills and avoid preventive care, worsening the county's already-serious health outcomes. Healthcare.gov and the NC Health Insurance Marketplace offer assistance for nearly all uninsured households, often at minimal or zero cost. Expanding coverage is the essential first step toward addressing Greene's health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Learning in a Compact District

Greene County features a streamlined network of six public schools that serve 2,668 students. The system is organized into three elementary facilities, one middle school, and two high schools. All schools are managed under a single, unified county district.

High Graduation Rates and Strong Funding

Greene County excels with a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 88.0%. The county also invests $8,152 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the state average of $6,969. This commitment to funding is reflected in a high composite school score of 56.5.

A Unified Path to Academic Success

Greene County Schools manages 100% of the public student population, as there are no charter schools in the area. The largest school is Greene Central High, which enrolls 752 students, followed closely by the middle school with 680 students. This centralized structure ensures that students stay together as they progress through specialized primary and intermediate centers.

Quiet Rural Schools with Balanced Sizes

All six schools in the county are located in rural areas, providing a peaceful environment for the average student body of 445. Because the elementary schools are split by grade levels—such as Snow Hill Primary for grades K-1—each school feels specialized and age-appropriate. This unique structure allows for focused resources on specific developmental stages.

Value and Performance in Rural North Carolina

Greene County is a hidden gem for families seeking high graduation rates and a well-funded rural school system. Homebuyers can find excellent value in a county that prioritizes education and maintains a cohesive community through its unified district. Look for properties that offer quick access to the central campus hubs for the best of both worlds.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County faces moderate disaster exposure

Greene County's composite risk score of 62.63 sits slightly below the North Carolina state average of 66.72, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite meaningful exposure to multiple hazards. The county's eastern location creates particular vulnerability to hurricanes while tempering risks from tornadoes and earthquakes. Greene residents face manageable but important natural disaster considerations.

Greene ranks safely below state average

With a composite score of 62.63, Greene County positions itself slightly below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. The county's hurricane risk (92.91) stands among the state's highest due to eastern location, while tornado (59.03) and earthquake (47.20) exposure remain moderate. Greene's overall profile reflects coastal plain vulnerability tempered by distance from the coast.

Greene sits in moderate regional tier

Greene's score of 62.63 slightly exceeds Franklin County (51.72) while trailing higher-risk neighbors like Edgecombe County (76.37) and Gaston County (84.86). The county's exceptional hurricane risk (92.91) distinguishes it from many peers, reflecting its eastern location and exposure to Atlantic systems. This positioning places Greene in the region's moderate-to-elevated tier for coastal hazards specifically.

Hurricanes dominate Greene's risk profile

Greene County's most pressing natural disaster threat comes from hurricanes (92.91)—the highest risk score across all hazard categories and substantially above state and national norms. Tornadoes (59.03) and floods (39.50) present secondary but still meaningful risks, while earthquakes (47.20) and wildfires (29.42) remain relatively minor concerns. Hurricane preparedness and protection form the core of your disaster strategy.

Hurricane coverage is absolutely essential

Greene County's exceptional hurricane risk (92.91) makes comprehensive wind and hail coverage in your homeowners policy non-negotiable—standard policies provide this, but verify your coverage limits match your home's replacement value. Add flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly if your property sits in or near mapped flood zones, as hurricanes frequently produce heavy rainfall and flooding. Contact your agent today to ensure your home can withstand Greene County's primary natural disaster threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Greene's acidic and sandy earth

Greene County soil features an acidic pH of 4.75, which is lower than the state average of 5.14. Compared to the national median of 6.5, this soil requires significant buffering for standard garden crops.

The sandiest soil in the region

At 73.3% sand, this is the sandiest soil in the group, with only 9.1% clay. This creates extremely loose, well-aerated soil that is very easy to plow but loses water quickly.

Low water retention challenges

Available water capacity is just 0.113 in/in, the lowest among these counties and well below the state average. Organic matter is 2.21%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0%.

Rapid drainage and irrigation needs

The 73.3% sand content guarantees rapid drainage, though formal classifications are unavailable. Growers should be prepared for frequent irrigation to keep plants hydrated in this fast-draining environment.

Endless summer in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a offers a long, warm season for peanuts and watermelons that love sandy soil. Start your garden today and enjoy the benefits of this easy-to-work Coastal Plain earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Greene County's High-Difficulty Lawn Care

Greene County faces significant lawn care hurdles with a difficulty score of only 23.6. This is far below the state average of 40.8 and indicates one of the most challenging environments in the region. Homeowners in this Zone 8a county must be highly diligent to achieve a successful lawn.

Extreme Heat and High Precipitation

Greene endures 53 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 38, putting immense stress on turf. While the 52.9 inches of annual rainfall is plentiful, the intense heat can quickly lead to evaporation and soil drying. You will need a robust irrigation strategy to keep your lawn from scorching in the summer sun.

Sandy Soil with Nutrient Challenges

The soil is predominantly sandy at 73.3%, with a low clay content of 9.1%, making it prone to nutrient leaching. With a pH of 4.75, the soil is also very acidic and requires heavy lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Frequent, light fertilization is often better than heavy applications for this sandy foundation.

Long-Term Drought Stress in Greene

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought and has spent 34 weeks in drought over the last year. These persistent conditions make it critical to choose the most drought-tolerant grass species available. Reducing fertilization during the hottest months can also prevent unnecessary grass stress when water is scarce.

Success with Warm-Season Grasses

In Zone 8a, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Bahia are the most resilient options for Greene County's heat. While specific frost dates are not provided, planting should generally occur in late spring after the soil has warmed. This allows your lawn to take full advantage of the high rainfall before the late-year cooling begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Greene County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Greene County ranks #52 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 Greene County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $990, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, North Carolina is $50,904 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Greene County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.