countyscore

Halifax County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#97 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
31.6
County Score
Weather & Climate 69Cost of Living 63.8Water Quality 56.6

County Report Card

About Halifax County, North Carolina

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

Halifax County records a composite score of 31.6, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a substantial margin. This ranking suggests the county faces more socioeconomic hurdles than the vast majority of counties in the U.S.

Well Below the North Carolina Average

The county's score of 31.6 sits nearly 13 points below the North Carolina average of 44.7. This gap highlights the regional disparities Halifax faces compared to the state's more prosperous urban and coastal hubs.

High Housing Affordability

Halifax County offers impressive housing affordability with a cost score of 63.8. Renters pay a median of just $776 per month, and home buyers benefit from an exceptionally low median home value of $102,500.

Low Income and Health Scores

The county struggles with an income score of 7.3 and a health score of 17.3, reflecting a median household income of $45,071. A tax score of 29.0 and a safety score of 8.3 further contribute to the area's livability pressures.

Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

Halifax County suits individuals seeking very low housing costs who are less reliant on local high-wage employment. It serves as a viable option for retirees or remote workers who can overlook health and safety metrics in exchange for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax29Cost63.8Safety8.3Health17.3Schools33.4Income7.3Risk27.1Water56.6Weather69
🏛29
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.2
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

Halifax County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Halifax County

via CrimeByCounty

Halifax Faces Higher National Crime Rates

Halifax County reports a total crime rate of 2962.7 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 2,385.5. Despite the higher frequency of incidents, the county holds a safety score of 95.3. This indicates that while crime is more frequent than the national baseline, the overall risk level remains manageable.

Below the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 95.3, Halifax County ranks below the North Carolina state average of 96.8. The total crime rate of 2962.7 is also considerably higher than the state average of 2,050.0. Local authorities manage more reported incidents per capita than many other North Carolina jurisdictions.

Regional Crime Rate Comparisons

Halifax County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Guilford County, which sits at 2900.7 per 100,000. It also sees significantly more activity than Hertford County, where the rate is much lower at 1470.0. These comparisons place Halifax at the higher end of crime volume for the immediate area.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crimes

Property crime is the most prevalent issue, with 2452.2 incidents per 100,000 people compared to a violent crime rate of 510.5. Both metrics exceed national averages, which stand at 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime. This means residents are more likely to encounter theft or burglary than the average American.

Strengthening Your Home's Defenses

High property crime rates suggest that securing your home's exterior is a vital precaution. Installing deadbolts and window locks can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary. Neighborhood awareness and communication also play a key role in maintaining local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Halifax County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling Across Five Districts

Halifax County operates 23 public schools serving a total student body of 6,763 across five distinct districts. The network consists of 10 elementary, 4 middle, and 8 high schools, plus one specialized facility.

Prioritizing Investment for Student Success

The county invests $7,095 per pupil, which exceeds the North Carolina state average of $6,969. Although the 85.4% graduation rate trails the national average of 87.0%, the school score of 51.3 indicates a competitive local academic environment.

Focusing on Roanoke Rapids and Weldon

Roanoke Rapids City Schools is the largest district by enrollment with 2,765 students, followed by Halifax County Schools with 2,173. Charter schools, such as KIPP Halifax College Preparatory, make up nearly 9% of the county's school options.

Small Schools with a Rural Identity

Education here is deeply rural, with 16 schools in rural settings and an average school size of just 294 students. Roanoke Rapids High is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains relatively intimate with 783 students.

Build a Future in Halifax County

Families value the small class sizes and personalized attention found in Halifax County's rural and town schools. Look for homes in the Roanoke Rapids area to be near the county’s largest educational centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Halifax County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warm humid subtropical

Halifax County averages 60.0°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This results in long, humid summers and short, manageable winters.

Aligned with state standards

The county sits right at the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. Precipitation is also typical for the region, with its 48.8 inches falling just below the state average of 51.5 inches.

Hotter than the northern border

Halifax experiences 44 extreme heat days, making it warmer than neighbors like Granville. It also receives 3.2 inches of snow, providing more winter character than its neighbors further south in the Coastal Plain.

Extended summer heat cycles

Summer heat is a major factor with 44 days over 90°F and a July average of 79.7°F. Winters are mild, averaging 42.5°F, though the county still sees a few distinct snow events totaling 3.2 inches annually.

Hydrate and insulate

With 44 days of extreme heat, water safety and cooling are vital for outdoor work and play. The 48.8 inches of rain requires proper yard drainage to prevent standing water during the wet summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Halifax County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Southern Acidic Soils

Halifax County reports an average soil pH of 5.25, placing it slightly above the state average of 5.14. This remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for most traditional crops. The overall soil score of 19.2 suggests that intensive management is often necessary for high yields.

Dominantly Sandy Coastal Plain Mix

The soil is comprised of 58.2% sand, 27.4% silt, and 14.4% clay. This high sand and silt combination makes the soil light and easy to dig, though it offers less physical resistance than clay-heavy regions. The low clay content means the soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.

Below Average Organic Fertility

Organic matter in Halifax sits at 1.53%, which is much lower than the state benchmark of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.133 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the North Carolina average of 0.134. While it holds water adequately, the low organic matter suggests that nutrient retention is a primary hurdle for growers.

Fast-Draining Sandy Characteristics

Though specific drainage data is missing, the 58.2% sand content points toward a well-draining environment. This reduces the risk of root rot but may require more frequent irrigation during dry spells. Builders generally find these soils easier to manage for drainage than the heavy clays found further west.

A Haven for Sweet Potatoes

Halifax falls into Zone 8a, where the sandy soil and warm temperatures are perfect for root crops like sweet potatoes. Azaleas and blueberries also thrive here due to the natural acidity of the soil. Use this long growing season to transform your backyard into a productive food forest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Halifax County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Difficulty Turf Care

Halifax County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 36.2, falling well below both the state and national averages. Maintaining a green space in this Zone 8a climate requires more strategy and resources than most other NC regions.

Summer Heat Dominates the Calendar

Annual precipitation of 48.8 inches is healthy, but 44 extreme heat days above 90°F put significant stress on cool-season grasses. The 4,737 growing degree days indicate a rapid growth rate that keeps mowers busy throughout the long season.

Sand and Acidity Define the Ground

The soil pH is quite low at 5.25, necessitating regular amendments to reach the 6.0 threshold grass prefers. Because the soil is 58.2% sand, nutrients wash away quickly, so homeowners must use slow-release fertilizers for best results.

Battling Chronic Dry Spells

With 34 weeks spent in drought last year, Halifax is particularly vulnerable to water shortages. The current 100% severe drought coverage means residents must prioritize drought-tolerant species and strictly follow local water conservation guidelines.

Planting for Resilience in Halifax

Centipede or St. Augustine grasses are excellent choices for this hot, sandy environment. Plan your renovation projects between the March 31 last frost and the November 12 first frost to maximize establishment time.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Halifax County's county score?
Halifax County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 31.6 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 Halifax County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Halifax County ranks #97 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 Halifax County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Halifax County is $1,163, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Halifax County a tax score of 29/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Halifax County?
The median household income in Halifax County, North Carolina is $45,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Halifax County earns an income score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Halifax County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Halifax County scores 31.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #97 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Halifax 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 Halifax 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.