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Haywood County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#51 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.6
County Score
Property Tax 74.3Weather & Climate 74.2Lawn Care 68.4

County Report Card

About Haywood County, North Carolina

Nearing the National Livability Median

Haywood County achieves a composite score of 43.6, coming closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its neighbors. This score reflects a balanced profile that performs better than roughly 40% of U.S. counties.

Competitive with the North Carolina Average

Haywood's score of 43.6 is nearly identical to the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This indicates that the county offers a quality of life consistent with the typical North Carolina experience.

Exceptionally Low Property Taxes

Haywood excels with a tax score of 74.3, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.601%. Moderate health scores of 50.3 and a water score of 50.2 support a stable living environment for the local population.

Low Safety and Risk Scores

The county sees its lowest performance in safety and environmental risk, scoring 22.5 and 22.8 respectively. A median home value of $254,900 results in a cost score of 38.1, showing housing is less affordable than in many rural North Carolina areas.

Best for Retirees and Tax-Savers

Haywood County is a prime choice for those looking to maximize their income through low taxes while staying in a health-conscious community. It appeals to residents who prefer the North Carolina average lifestyle over expensive urban centers.

Score breakdown

Tax74.3Cost38.1Safety22.5Health50.3Schools40.6Income42Risk22.8Water50.2Weather74.2
🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.4
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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43.9
Jackson County
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Madison County
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Swain County
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Sevier County
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Buncombe County
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Transylvania County
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Deep Dives

Haywood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Haywood County

via TaxByCounty

Haywood offers light tax load nationally

Haywood County's 0.601% effective rate ranks in the 25th percentile nationally, well below both the US median (0.703%) and North Carolina average (0.701%). Residents of this mountain county enjoy one of the nation's lower property tax burdens, paying just $1,532 annually on a median home valued at $254,900.

Haywood among NC's tax-friendly counties

At 0.601%, Haywood ranks in the lower quartile of North Carolina's 100 counties for effective tax rate, sitting 14% below the state average. The county positions itself as a tax-advantaged community within the state.

Haywood rivals Henderson for lowest rates

Haywood's 0.601% rate nearly matches Henderson County's 0.524%—the two lowest effective rates in this eight-county sample. Both mountain counties offer significantly lighter tax burdens than their Piedmont and eastern counterparts.

Haywood tax bill on median home

The median Haywood home, valued at $254,900, generates approximately $1,532 in annual property taxes. This translates to roughly $1,543 when mortgage escrow is included.

Low rates don't mean skip assessments

Even in tax-friendly counties, overassessment happens—appraisals may not reflect local market conditions or recent renovations. Haywood homeowners should still request a formal assessment review if their valuation seems out of step with comparable properties selling nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haywood County

via CostByCounty

Haywood's mountain rental squeeze

Haywood County renters spend 20.7% of median household income ($61,001) on rent at $1,052/month, matching the threshold where affordability tightens. The county runs above the national norm by a thin margin.

Above-average rent burden statewide

Haywood's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio sits 2.1 points above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing the county among the less affordable regions. Median rent of $1,052 runs $114 above the state median of $938.

Western mountain premium pricing

Haywood's $1,052 rent exceeds most comparison counties, reflecting western North Carolina's mountain tourism and residential desirability. Henderson County ($1,120) and Guilford ($1,108) command higher rents, but Haywood ranks third-priciest in our analysis.

Renters pay double homeowner costs

Renters shoulder $1,052/month while homeowners spend just $820/month—a striking $232 gap revealing Haywood's heated rental market. Median home value of $254,900 reflects mountain-area appeal that pushes rents higher than mortgages.

Haywood: mountain living at a price

Haywood's scenery and outdoor recreation attract remote workers and retirees, driving up rents faster than incomes. If relocating here, prioritize homeownership or substantial remote income to avoid being priced into rental instability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haywood County

via IncomeByCounty

Haywood slightly exceeds state, trails nation

Haywood County's median household income of $61,001 is nearly flat with North Carolina's state average of $61,072, but falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $13,700. The county represents a typical rural North Carolina experience, neither outperforming nor significantly lagging regional peers.

Haywood near middle of state rankings

At $61,001, Haywood County's median household income sits virtually at the state average of $61,072, placing it near the middle of North Carolina's 100 counties. The county's per capita income of $35,580 exceeds the state average of $33,920, showing solid individual earning potential.

Haywood competitive with rural peers

Haywood's $61,001 median household income trails Harnett ($69,012) and Henderson ($67,623) but outperforms Hoke ($60,095) and matches state-level stability. The county offers a middle-ground income profile among its peer group, neither struggling nor prospering exceptionally.

Rent manageable, housing quite pricey

At 20.7% of income, Haywood's rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, though households must budget carefully for other costs. The median home value of $254,900 is notably high relative to the $61,001 median household income, requiring substantial down payments and limiting homeownership accessibility for median-income families.

Balance housing costs with investing

Haywood households should prioritize building a 3–6 month emergency fund given the county's elevated home values and housing pressures. Once basic security is established, contributing 5–8% to tax-advantaged retirement accounts can help offset the challenge of achieving homeownership while building long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haywood County

via CrimeByCounty

Haywood County Beats National Safety Trends

Haywood County reports a total crime rate of 1983.9 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 2,385.5. With a high safety score of 96.9, the county offers a secure environment for its population. These numbers indicate that Haywood is safer than many regions across the United States.

Performing Above the State Average

The safety score of 96.9 in Haywood County is slightly higher than the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1983.9 is also lower than the state average of 2,050.0. This places Haywood among the safer counties in the state based on recent reporting.

Comparing Haywood to Regional Neighbors

Haywood County is safer than Harnett County, which has a higher crime rate of 2051.0. However, it lags behind Henderson County, where the crime rate is significantly lower at 1498.2. These local variations show that Haywood occupies a middle ground for safety in Western North Carolina.

Violent Crime Remains Low Locally

The local violent crime rate is just 214.0 per 100,000, which is nearly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most incidents at a rate of 1769.9, still below the national average of 2,015.7. Residents are statistically less likely to experience violent incidents here than in other parts of the state.

Protecting Property in Haywood

While crime rates are low, property theft still occurs more often than violent crime in the county. Simple steps like keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles can prevent opportunistic crimes. Installing outdoor lighting is another effective way to maintain the security of your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Haywood County

via HealthByCounty

Haywood performs well nationally

At 74.6 years, Haywood County's life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With just 15.7% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 18% average—residents enjoy relatively good wellness.

Haywood ranks above state median

Haywood's 74.6-year life expectancy marginally exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year state average. The 12.2% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, suggesting typical insurance coverage patterns.

Strong mental health provider network

Haywood stands out with 407 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—one of the highest rates in the region. Primary care is well-represented too at 69 providers per 100,000, ensuring accessible healthcare.

12.2% of Haywood residents uninsured

About 1 in 8 Haywood residents lack insurance despite the county's strong provider availability. Those without coverage miss out on preventive care and may delay treatment due to cost.

Get insured to stay healthy

Use the NC health marketplace to explore plans at nchealthplans.gov or contact a local navigator. With excellent providers nearby, insurance connects you to care that works.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Haywood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Foundations in the Mountains

Haywood County operates 16 public schools for 7,209 students across two districts. The system includes a balanced mix of 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools, plus one alternative learning center.

Beating State and National Graduation Averages

Haywood County boasts a strong 89.0% graduation rate, exceeding both the North Carolina and national benchmarks. With a school score of 52.9, the county outperforms the state average while maintaining a per-pupil spend of $6,938.

Haywood County Schools Leads the Way

Haywood County Schools serves the vast majority of local families, managing 15 schools and 6,605 students. Shining Rock Classical Academy provides the county’s only charter school option, enrolling 604 students.

Suburban Comfort with Mountain Views

Over half of the county's schools are in suburban settings, offering a community feel with an average school size of 451 students. Pisgah High and Tuscola High are the largest local schools, each enrolling over 900 students.

Elevate Your Living Near Haywood Schools

The high graduation rate and respectable school scores make Haywood County a premier choice for mountain living. Search for properties in Waynesville or Canton to stay close to the county's top-rated secondary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haywood County

via RiskByCounty

Haywood's risk slightly exceeds national norm

Haywood County's composite score of 77.19 places it marginally above the national average with a Relatively Low overall rating. While not exceptionally hazardous, the county's mountain setting introduces distinct flood and earthquake considerations.

Below-average risk for North Carolina

Haywood scores 77.19 against the state average of 66.72, ranking it in the lower-to-middle tier of North Carolina's 100 counties. The county faces more moderate exposure compared to the state's highest-risk regions.

Risk varies across mountain region

Haywood (77.19) sits between Henderson County (83.78) to the south and lower-risk western mountain counties. The variation reflects different topography and proximity to hazard zones within the Appalachian region.

Flash flooding threatens mountain communities

Haywood's flood risk score of 83.56 is the primary concern, driven by steep terrain and rapid runoff during heavy rain. Earthquake risk (71.82) and wildfire risk (58.75) present secondary but meaningful threats to residents.

Flood insurance critical for Haywood residents

With flood risk at 83.56, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient; securing a separate flood policy is essential for mountain and valley properties. Consider structural improvements like elevated utilities and reinforced drainage around your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Haywood County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool mountain temperate climate

Haywood County’s 54.6°F annual average is right at the national median, making it much cooler than the typical North Carolina profile. This is driven by its significant elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains.

One of the state's coolest counties

The county is nearly five degrees cooler than the state average of 59.3°F. It also sees 52.1 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches.

A sanctuary from the heat

While nearby Henderson and Graham see 35+ days of extreme heat, Haywood only experiences 8 days above 90°F. It also records 8.3 inches of snow, roughly double what is seen in the Piedmont neighbors.

Cold winters and mild summers

Summer is pleasant with an average of 70.5°F and very few truly hot days. Winters are more rigorous than the rest of the state, with a January average of 36.2°F and 8.3 inches of annual snow.

Winterize your lifestyle

Focus on winter preparedness, as the 8.3 inches of snow and cold January temps are the primary climate challenges. Air conditioning is rarely a priority here, given there are only 8 extreme heat days per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Haywood County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Mountain Soil Profiles

Detailed soil survey data for pH and taxonomy is currently limited for Haywood County. As a mountainous region, its soils typically differ significantly from the sandy plains of the east. Gardeners should expect the acidic conditions common throughout the Appalachian range.

Rock and Silt Variability

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current datasets for this area. Mountain soils like these often feature higher concentrations of rock fragments and varying silt levels depending on the slope. Local site testing is highly recommended before starting any major agricultural project.

Potentially Rich Mountain Organic Matter

While specific organic matter and water capacity numbers are not documented, mountain valleys often accumulate rich pockets of fertility. These areas can vary wildly from the state average of 5.12% organic matter depending on elevation and forest cover. Testing your specific plot is the only way to gauge its true potential.

Topography Drives Water Movement

Formal hydrologic groups are not listed, but the steep terrain of Haywood ensures that drainage is largely dictated by slope. Water moves quickly off ridges and can settle in valley floors, creating distinct microclimates for different plants. Builders must prioritize erosion control in this high-relief landscape.

Cool Weather Crops in Zone 7a

Haywood's Zone 7a climate is significantly cooler than the coast, making it a paradise for apples and leafy greens. The shorter growing season and cooler nights are perfect for kale, cabbage, and hardy perennials. Embrace the mountain air and start a garden tailored to these refreshing heights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Haywood County

via LawnByCounty

A Mountain Haven for Greenery

Haywood County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 68.4, far surpassing the state average of 40.8. Its Zone 7a classification and cooler mountain air make it one of the easiest places in North Carolina to maintain a lush lawn.

Cool Summers and Abundant Rain

The county enjoys 52.1 inches of rain annually and only 8 days of extreme heat, providing ideal conditions for cool-season turf. A lower growing degree day count of 3,300 means grass grows at a more manageable pace than in the sweltering lowlands.

Local Testing is the Best Bet

While specific county-wide soil data is limited for this region, mountain soils typically lean acidic and rocky. Homeowners should perform a local soil test to determine the exact lime and phosphorus needs for their specific plot.

Navigating Current Severe Dryness

Despite having only 21 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county is currently in a severe drought stage. Even in this cooler climate, supplementary watering is necessary during these unusual dry peaks to prevent dormant turf from dying.

Cool-Season Grasses Rule the Peaks

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the best performers in this 7a zone. Wait until after the late spring frost on April 30 to begin your seeding projects, as the mountain spring can be unpredictable.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haywood County's county score?
Haywood County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Haywood County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Haywood County ranks #51 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 Haywood County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Haywood County is $1,532, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Haywood County a tax score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haywood County?
The median household income in Haywood County, North Carolina is $61,001 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haywood County earns an income score of 42/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haywood County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Haywood County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Haywood 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 Haywood 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.