CountyScore

Guilford County

North Carolina · NC

#93 in North Carolina
63.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Guilford County, North Carolina

Well above the national average

Guilford County scores 68.1 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Slightly below North Carolina average

Guilford ranks just below the state average of 72.7, placing it in the middle-to-upper range among North Carolina counties. The county remains a competitive option for those considering a move within the state.

Strong tax and cost advantages

Guilford excels with a tax score of 77.4 and effective tax rate of just 0.883%, creating favorable financial conditions. Housing costs are reasonable with a median home value of $234,900 and median rent of $1,108, supporting its cost score of 71.5.

Income growth lags behind

The county's income score of 26.5 reflects a median household income of $66,027, which trails the national and state averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for tax-conscious families

Guilford works best for middle-income families and retirees seeking reasonable housing costs and favorable tax treatment. The county offers solid fundamentals, though those prioritizing high earning potential may want to explore neighboring areas.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.4Cost71.5SafetyComing SoonHealth69.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk6.6WaterComing Soon
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Guilford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pulaski County
Arkansas
63.4
Median income: $60,385
Hernando County
Florida
63.4
Median income: $63,193
Cass County
Illinois
63.4
Median income: $64,907
Wake County
North Carolina
63.4
Median income: $101,763
Clark County
Ohio
63.4
Median income: $60,846

Deep Dives

Guilford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Guilford County

via TaxByCounty

Guilford taxes run higher than average

At 0.883%, Guilford's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 0.703%, placing the county in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $2,075 annually in property taxes—significantly less than the national median of $2,690, but that's because Guilford homes are valued lower than the US average.

Among NC's pricier tax counties

Guilford ranks in the upper tier of North Carolina counties by effective tax rate, at 0.883% versus the state average of 0.701%. Despite modest home values, the county's tax burden on residents is noticeably steeper than most other NC communities.

Guilford vs. surrounding Piedmont counties

Guilford's 0.883% rate significantly exceeds neighbors like Harnett (0.744%) and Hoke (0.692%), though it trails Halifax County's steep 1.135%. The Piedmont region shows wide variation, with some counties like Henderson charging just 0.524%.

What a Guilford homeowner pays

On the median home valued at $234,900, Guilford residents pay roughly $2,075 annually in property taxes. Owners with mortgages may pay closer to $2,186 when including escrow adjustments.

Your assessment might be too high

Research shows many homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sales data and market conditions. If your tax bill seems out of line with comparable homes, filing a property tax appeal in Guilford County costs nothing and could reduce your burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Guilford County

via CostByCounty

Guilford rents eat 20% of income

Renters in Guilford County spend 20.1% of their median household income on rent—slightly above the national sweet spot of around 18%. With median rent at $1,108/month and median household income of $66,027, housing costs are manageable but tightening.

Middle-of-the-road affordability in NC

Guilford's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing the county in moderate territory across the state's 100 counties. Renters here pay $170 more per month than the state median of $938.

Cheaper than Henderson, pricier than Harnett

Guilford's median rent of $1,108 falls between Henderson County ($1,120) and Harnett County ($1,080), reflecting its position as a mid-sized urban center. All three counties cluster within a tight $40-range, suggesting regional consistency in rental markets.

Renters and owners both strained

Renters absorb $1,108/month while homeowners face $1,103/month in mortgage payments—remarkably similar burdens. With median home value at $234,900, Guilford offers balanced entry points for both renting and buying.

Guilford: urban perks, urban prices

If you're considering a move to Guilford, expect costs slightly above state averages—but you're gaining access to a Piedmont Triad job hub. Compare your income and remote work flexibility against that 20% rent-to-income threshold to make your call.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Guilford County

via IncomeByCounty

Guilford earns above state, below nation

Guilford County's median household income of $66,027 outpaces North Carolina's average of $61,072 by about 8%, but falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $8,700. This places Guilford in the middle tier of American counties, strong for the state but with room to grow toward national parity.

Guilford ranks in state's upper tier

Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Guilford ranks well above the state median income, reflecting its position as the state's third-largest metropolitan area. The county's per capita income of $37,845 also exceeds the state average of $33,920, signaling stronger household earning power overall.

Guilford leads its peer counties

Compared to neighboring and similarly sized counties, Guilford's $66,027 median household income edges out Harnett ($69,012) as a major economic hub. The county sustains higher earnings than smaller rural neighbors like Hoke ($60,095) and Haywood ($61,001), reflecting its urban job market advantage.

Rent takes fair share, homes affordable

Guilford households spend 20.1% of income on rent, right at the level financial advisors recommend for affordability. With a median home value of $234,900 against the $66,027 median income, homeownership requires significant down payments but remains achievable for many families.

Build on Guilford's economic strength

Guilford's above-state-average income provides a solid foundation for wealth building; households here can typically allocate 5-10% of earnings to retirement and investment accounts after covering essentials. Starting early with employer 401(k) matching and tax-advantaged savings plans can help bridge the gap toward national median income levels within a generation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Guilford County

via HealthByCounty

Guilford lives longer than most Americans

At 76.3 years, Guilford County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 74.5 years. Just 17.7% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 18%, suggesting residents enjoy above-average wellness overall.

A health leader within North Carolina

Guilford outpaces North Carolina's state average life expectancy of 74.4 years, ranking among the state's healthiest counties. With one of the state's lowest uninsured rates at 10.1%—well below North Carolina's 12.5% average—most residents have coverage.

Guilford's healthcare infrastructure shines

Guilford boasts 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 354 mental health providers per 100,000—among the strongest ratios in the region. This robust provider network means residents typically enjoy shorter wait times and easier access to care.

10% of Guilford residents lack insurance

Despite strong healthcare access, about 1 in 10 Guilford residents remain uninsured, missing out on preventive care and routine checkups. With abundant providers nearby, uninsured residents lose the safety net that comprehensive coverage provides.

Find affordable coverage today

If you're uninsured in Guilford, explore options on the North Carolina health insurance marketplace or contact a local navigator for free help. Many programs offer income-based assistance—check your eligibility now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Guilford County

via RiskByCounty

Guilford faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 93.45, Guilford County ranks as Relatively Moderate—well above North Carolina's state average of 66.72 and the national median. This means residents face meaningfully elevated exposure to multiple hazard types compared to typical U.S. counties.

Among North Carolina's riskiest counties

Guilford's score of 93.45 places it in the upper tier of risk across all 100 North Carolina counties. The county's elevated composite score reflects significant vulnerability to several major hazard categories that demand serious preparedness attention.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Guilford's 93.45 score substantially exceeds neighboring Randolph, Alamance, and Davidson counties, making it one of the highest-risk areas in the Piedmont. Only Henderson County (83.78) among nearby counties approaches Guilford's risk profile.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats

Guilford's flood risk score of 96.63 is the dominant concern—ranking among the state's most hazardous counties for water damage. Tornado risk at 88.68 compounds this, making severe weather preparedness and flood insurance critical for homeowners.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding; Guilford residents should secure separate flood insurance given the 96.63 flood risk score. Consider reinforcing your home against high winds and ensure your policy covers tornado damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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