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Guilford County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#85 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.5
County Score
Weather & Climate 70.2Water Quality 66Income & Jobs 56.9

County Report Card

About Guilford County, North Carolina

Guilford Ranks Below the National Median

Guilford County earns a composite score of 34.6, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more livability challenges than roughly 65% of jurisdictions across the United States.

Falling Short of State Averages

With an overall score of 34.6, Guilford trails the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by a wide margin. This positioning reflects a lower ranking among North Carolina's 100 counties in terms of overall livability metrics.

Strong Incomes and Clean Water

Guilford excels in its water quality and income levels, scoring 66.0 and 56.9 respectively. Residents benefit from a median household income of $66,027, which supports local health outcomes that earn a respectable 55.5 score.

Safety and Environmental Risks

The county faces significant hurdles in safety and risk management, with scores of 8.8 and 6.6 respectively. High median home values of $234,900 contribute to a low cost score of 21.9, making housing less accessible than in neighboring areas.

Best for Urban Professionals

Guilford County is a strong fit for professionals who prioritize higher income potential and healthcare access over low housing costs. While safety and environmental risks remain concerns, the economic infrastructure supports a steady lifestyle for established households.

Score breakdown

Tax46.3Cost21.9Safety8.8Health55.5Schools39.6Income56.9Risk6.6Water66Weather70.2
🏛46.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.5
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

Guilford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Guilford County

via CrimeByCounty

Guilford's Crime Exceeds National Averages

Guilford County reports a total crime rate of 2900.7 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this volume, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.4 out of 100. This score reflects a community that remains relatively secure even with higher-than-average reporting.

Trailing the North Carolina Average

The county's total crime rate of 2900.7 is roughly 41% higher than the North Carolina state average of 2,050.0. Its safety score of 95.4 also trails the state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement agencies face a higher per-capita caseload than many of their statewide peers.

Safety Comparisons Across County Lines

Guilford County is slightly safer than neighboring Halifax County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2962.7 per 100,000. However, it experiences more frequent incidents than nearby Harnett County, where the rate is only 2051.0. These differences highlight the varying safety landscapes in this region of North Carolina.

Property Offenses Drive Local Totals

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, with a rate of 2387.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is reported at 513.6, which is higher than the national mark of 369.8. These figures suggest that while property theft is the primary concern, violent incidents occur more frequently than the US average.

Securing Your Guilford Residence

Since property crime is the most common threat, residents should prioritize visible home security measures. Motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells serve as effective deterrents against theft and burglary. Staying informed about local trends helps residents take proactive steps to protect their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Guilford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Urban Education Hub

Guilford County maintains an extensive network of 140 public schools serving 78,961 students across 15 different districts. The infrastructure includes 78 elementary, 22 middle, and 32 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for one of the state's most populous regions.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Scores

The county's 88.8% graduation rate outperforms both the state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the $6,917 per-pupil expenditure sits just below the state average, the county's school score of 52.7 remains higher than the state's 52.4.

Guilford County Schools Leads the Region

Guilford County Schools is the primary provider, managing 126 schools and 68,894 students. Choice is a factor here, as 13 charter schools represent nearly 10% of the county's total educational facilities.

Diverse Learning Environments from City to Country

With 97 schools located in city centers and 28 in rural areas, the county offers diverse settings for its average school size of 572 students. Large campuses like Northwest Guilford High, which hosts 1,991 students, define the secondary school experience here.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Families seeking high-performing schools often target the Northwest and Grimsley High areas for their strong enrollment and academic reputations. Explore local listings to find a residence that aligns with your preferred school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Guilford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer winters than most

Guilford County’s 60.3°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than the national median. The region benefits from a climate that avoids the extreme cold found in northern latitudes.

Warm and slightly dry

At 60.3°F, Guilford is about a degree warmer than the North Carolina average. Its 46.1 inches of annual precipitation is roughly 10% lower than the state average of 51.5 inches.

Snowiest in the Piedmont

Guilford sees 4.5 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than neighboring Gaston or Granville. Despite the extra snow, its 39 extreme heat days align closely with its regional peers.

Sharp heat and occasional ice

The July average reaches 79.2°F, contributing to 39 days of extreme heat each year. Winters are chilly but not freezing, with a January average of 40.7°F and the state's Piedmont-leading 4.5 inches of snow.

Winter and summer readiness

Homeowners should own a snow shovel for the 4.5 inches of annual snowfall, a rarity for this part of the state. Additionally, cooling systems must be robust enough to handle the 39 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Guilford County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Piedmont Soils

Guilford County features a soil pH of 5.63, which is more alkaline than the North Carolina average of 5.14 but still falls below the national median of 6.5. This moderate acidity creates a unique chemistry for local plants. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented for this zone, the overall soil score of 23.6 indicates a challenging but manageable environment.

A Gritty Sand and Silt Blend

The soil composition consists of 56.5% sand, 23.5% silt, and 18.7% clay. This mix provides a balance of workability and structure, though the high sand content ensures the ground doesn't become too heavy or compacted. Farmers benefit from a soil that is easy to till while still retaining enough clay to hold its form.

Low Organic Matter Requires Boosting

With an organic matter content of 1.22%, Guilford trails far behind the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.135 in/in matches the state average, meaning the soil holds moisture well once it is absorbed. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the low nutrient-holding organic levels.

Balanced Hydrology for Stable Ground

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the 56.5% sand ratio typically facilitates rapid water movement. The clay percentage is high enough to prevent immediate leaching, providing a stable base for building and gardening alike. Proper site grading is essential to manage runoff during heavy Piedmont rains.

Thriving in Zone 8a

The local USDA Hardiness Zone 8a climate supports a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and perennials. Tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash flourish in this sandy-silt mix when regularly fertilized. Start your garden today to take advantage of the long, warm growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Guilford County

via LawnByCounty

A Fair Fighting Chance in Guilford

Guilford County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.5, placing it significantly above the North Carolina average of 40.8 and near the national median. This Zone 8a region offers a more hospitable environment for turf than many of its southern neighbors.

Balanced Rainfall Meets Steady Heat

The county receives 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, falling right within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With 39 extreme heat days and 4,793 growing degree days, residents face a long, active mowing season that requires consistent hydration.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

The local soil pH of 5.63 is notably below the 6.0-7.0 ideal range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. A high sand content of 56.5% ensures drainage is brisk, though it may struggle to retain moisture during the peak of summer.

Managing Severe Drought Stresses

Guilford endured 26 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire county currently faces severe drought conditions. To protect turf, homeowners should implement deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth.

Time Your Turf for Success

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive in this 8a zone, especially with the long window between the March 30 and November 5 frost dates. Start seeding in late spring once the soil warms to ensure a lush summer carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guilford County's county score?
Guilford County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Guilford County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Guilford County ranks #85 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 Guilford County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Guilford County is $2,075, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Guilford County a tax score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Guilford County?
The median household income in Guilford County, North Carolina is $66,027 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Guilford County earns an income score of 56.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Guilford County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Guilford County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Guilford 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 Guilford 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.