CountyScore

Halifax County

North Carolina · NC

#96 in North Carolina
62.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Halifax County, North Carolina

Strong performer on the national stage

Halifax County's composite score of 69.4 stands nearly 40 points above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating robust overall livability. The county ranks firmly in the upper portion of American counties across measured dimensions.

Close to North Carolina's average

Halifax sits just below the state average of 72.7, placing it solidly in the middle tier among North Carolina counties. The county holds its own within a competitive state landscape.

Exceptional affordability, low taxes

Halifax shines with a cost score of 82.8—among the highest in this group—reflecting a median home value of just $102,500 and rent of $776/month. The tax score of 70.4 with an effective rate of 1.135% further strengthens its budget-friendly profile.

Income levels present a headwind

The income score of just 12.8 reflects a median household income of $45,071, the lowest in this county cohort and below state norms. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves other critical livability factors unassessed.

Perfect for budget-first movers

Halifax is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over income growth. The county delivers exceptional bang for the buck, though job seekers should investigate local employment opportunities before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.4Cost82.8SafetyComing SoonHealth56.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.8Risk27.1WaterComing Soon
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.1
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 Halifax County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Brevard County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $75,817
Leon County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $65,074
Black Hawk County
Iowa
62.6
Median income: $64,581
Yazoo County
Mississippi
62.6
Median income: $40,974
Clay County
Missouri
62.6
Median income: $86,150

Deep Dives

Halifax County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Halifax County

via TaxByCounty

Halifax has North Carolina's steepest rate

At 1.135%, Halifax County's effective tax rate ranks in the 75th percentile nationally and is 62% higher than the US median of 0.703%. Median annual taxes of $1,163 are modest only because Halifax home values average just $102,500—far below the national median of $281,900.

Halifax leads NC in tax burden

Halifax County carries North Carolina's highest effective tax rate at 1.135%, nearly 62% steeper than the state average of 0.701%. Among all 100 NC counties, Halifax ranks first in tax rate severity.

Halifax stands apart regionally

Halifax's 1.135% effective rate far exceeds all nearby counties, including Hertford (0.975%), Guilford (0.883%), and Harnett (0.744%). The gap is substantial—Halifax homeowners pay roughly 16% more in taxes per dollar of home value than Hertford residents.

Halifax homeowner tax bill

The median Halifax home, valued at $102,500, generates roughly $1,163 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties typically result in taxes around $1,325 when escrowed.

Appeal opportunities in high-rate counties

High tax rates make assessment accuracy especially critical—even small overvaluations compound significantly. Halifax homeowners should request a tax assessment review to confirm their property is valued fairly relative to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Halifax County

via CostByCounty

Halifax renters shoulder 21% burden

Halifax County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds the national norm, with median rent of $776/month eating into a median household income of just $45,071. This is tight affordability by national standards.

Below-average income, above-average strain

Halifax's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in North Carolina—higher than the state average of 18.6%—while median household income ($45,071) lags far behind the national median of $74,755. The county faces persistent income challenges that squeeze housing affordability.

Cheaper rents in rural eastern NC

Halifax's $776 rent is the lowest among our comparison counties, reflecting its rural eastern North Carolina character. Despite those savings, the ratio still climbs to 20.7% because incomes here are the lowest in the region.

Renters barely ahead of homeowners

Renters pay $776/month while homeowners spend $769/month on mortgages—virtually identical costs at sharply different price points. Median home value of $102,500 means buying can lock in stability, though financing and maintenance pose barriers for low-income households.

Halifax: affordable but economically fragile

Halifax offers North Carolina's cheapest rents, but the county's low median income means affordability gains evaporate quickly for renters. Relocating here makes sense if you have remote income above local medians—otherwise, factor in limited job growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Halifax County

via IncomeByCounty

Halifax faces significant income gap

Halifax County's median household income of $45,071 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in America. The county earns 26% less than the national typical household, a gap that shapes affordability and economic opportunity across the region.

Halifax ranks among state's lowest earners

At $45,071, Halifax County's median household income falls well below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, putting it in the bottom tier of the state's 100 counties. This income deficit of roughly $16,000 reflects the county's rural economy and limited access to higher-wage employment centers.

Halifax struggles within regional peer group

Halifax's median household income of $45,071 is the second-lowest among comparable rural counties, ahead only of Hyde ($47,338) but trailing Hertford ($47,472) and Hoke ($60,095). The gap reflects Halifax's reliance on agriculture and limited diversification compared to counties with manufacturing or regional job hubs.

Rent burden manageable but housing costly

At 20.7% of income, Halifax's rent-to-income ratio remains within acceptable ranges, though households earning $45,071 have minimal flexibility for other expenses. The median home value of $102,500 is among the lowest regionally, offering entry-level homeownership but limited wealth appreciation compared to faster-growing counties.

Small steps build long-term security

Halifax households earning below state median should prioritize building emergency savings of $1,500–$2,000 before investing, given limited income flexibility. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts—$50–$100 monthly—compound significantly over time and can unlock employer matches where available, creating a path toward financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Halifax County

via HealthByCounty

Halifax faces serious health challenges

Life expectancy in Halifax County is just 70.4 years—nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. A quarter of residents (25.2%) report poor or fair health, signaling widespread health struggles.

Halifax lags significantly behind NC

At 70.4 years, Halifax's life expectancy trails North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by 4 full years. The county ranks among the state's most challenged on health outcomes, with urgent need for intervention.

Provider scarcity compounds the crisis

Halifax has just 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly 40% below state averages. Mental health support is similarly scarce at 176 providers per 100,000, leaving residents with limited local options.

12.2% of Halifax lacks health coverage

With limited providers and 12.2% uninsured, residents face a double bind: difficult access and inadequate safety nets. The combination of provider shortages and coverage gaps exacerbates existing health crises.

Healthcare access is a lifeline here

Halifax residents urgently need coverage—visit the NC health marketplace or call 1-855-408-1010 for free enrollment help. Coverage opens doors to preventive care that could extend and improve lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Halifax County

via RiskByCounty

Halifax sits slightly above national risk levels

Halifax County's composite risk score of 72.90 places it just above the national median, earning a Relatively Low rating. While below some high-risk U.S. counties, Halifax residents should remain prepared for weather-related disasters.

Mid-range risk within North Carolina

At 72.90, Halifax ranks near the middle of North Carolina's 100 counties—slightly above the state average of 66.72. This moderate positioning reflects a balanced mix of regional hazards rather than extreme exposure to any single threat.

Similar risk profile to regional peers

Halifax's 72.90 score closely mirrors Harnett County (75.29) and falls between Hertford (68.16) and Guilford (93.45) to the west. The county experiences comparable hurricane and tornado exposure to neighbors like Nash and Edgecombe.

Hurricanes and tornadoes drive exposure

Halifax faces a hurricane risk score of 88.49 and tornado risk of 79.68, making tropical storms and severe weather the primary concerns. Flooding (73.38) adds secondary risk during heavy precipitation events.

Storm preparedness is your best defense

With tornado risk at 79.68 and hurricane risk at 88.49, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage from tropical systems. Review your coverage annually and maintain storm-resistant features like reinforced roofing.

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.