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Hoke County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#84 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
35.5
County Score
Weather & Climate 64Property Tax 63.9Water Quality 62.2

County Report Card

About Hoke County, North Carolina

Performance Lags the National Median

Hoke County receives a composite score of 35.4, placing it well below the 50.0 national median. This indicates that Hoke faces more socioeconomic challenges than roughly 65% of the country.

Below the North Carolina Average

The county's overall score of 35.4 falls short of the North Carolina average of 44.7. Despite a growing population, the county's infrastructure and income metrics lag behind the state's pace.

Low Taxes and Safe Water

Hoke County performs well in tax and water metrics, scoring 64.1 and 62.2 respectively. The effective tax rate of 0.692% provides financial relief to residents earning a median household income of $60,095.

High Risk and Low Safety

The county's biggest hurdles are its safety score of 16.3 and a cost score of 25.0, influenced by rising housing costs. Environmental risks score at 49.9, which is moderate but still requires local attention.

Best for Commuter Families

Hoke County is a viable option for families seeking lower property taxes and decent water quality within North Carolina. It suits those who can commute to higher-wage areas while taking advantage of the local tax structure.

2040608010063.923.516.332.832.547.849.962.264Tax63.9Cost23.5Safety16.3Health32.8Schools32.5Income47.8Risk49.9Water62.2Weather6435.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Hoke County DNA

Foverall

How Hoke County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hoke County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (63.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (16.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.9+11.899999999999999
Cost
23.5-24.5
Safety
16.3-38.7
Health
32.8-17.200000000000003
Schools
32.5-21.5
Income
47.8
Risk
49.9
Water
62.2
Weather
64+8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$219,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,089/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$219,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,912/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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37.4
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Robeson County
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Deep Dives

Hoke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hoke County

via TaxByCounty

Hoke taxes slightly below national norm

Hoke County's 0.692% effective rate sits just below the national median of 0.703%, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. At $1,357 annually on a median home worth $196,000, Hoke residents enjoy moderate tax treatment compared to the US average.

Hoke slightly favors NC homeowners

Hoke's 0.692% effective rate trails the state average of 0.701%, positioning the county in the lower half of North Carolina's 100 counties by tax burden. The county offers slightly better-than-average tax positioning statewide.

Hoke balanced within Piedmont region

Hoke's 0.692% rate sits between lower-burden Harnett (0.744%) and higher-burden Guilford (0.883%), and well below eastern counties like Halifax and Hertford. The Piedmont shows more consistent tax rates than the stark regional divide between mountain and eastern areas.

Typical Hoke County tax payment

On the median home valued at $196,000, Hoke residents pay approximately $1,357 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the amount typically rises to about $1,527.

Assessment appeals work in any county

Even in moderate-rate counties, individual properties can be overvalued relative to the market, especially if homes haven't sold recently. Hoke homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent arm's-length sales of similar properties and appeal if a gap exists.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hoke County

via IncomeByCounty

Hoke trails nation by $14,600

Hoke County's median household income of $60,095 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $14,600, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of American counties. The county earns slightly below state average, reflecting a rural economy with limited access to major metropolitan wage centers.

Hoke slightly below state average

At $60,095, Hoke County's median household income trails North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by just under $1,000, placing it near the state median. The county's per capita income of $29,575 falls below the state average of $33,920, suggesting concentration of earnings among fewer households.

Hoke mid-tier among peer counties

Hoke's $60,095 median household income ranks below Harnett ($69,012) and Henderson ($67,623) but slightly above Haywood ($61,001) and rivals Guilford. The county represents a typical small rural economy with modest earning capacity, neither among the strongest nor most challenged in the region.

Rent at upper limit, homes modestly priced

At 20.9% of income, Hoke's rent-to-income ratio approaches the threshold of affordability strain, leaving tight household budgets after rent is paid. The median home value of $196,000 requires substantial down payment relative to median income, making homeownership a stretch for many Hoke households.

Small savings steps, long-term thinking

Hoke households should start with $500–$1,000 emergency savings, then commit to automatic contributions of $30–$75 monthly to employer retirement plans or IRAs. Over 30 years, consistent modest investing at 6–7% returns can grow to $75,000–$100,000, providing meaningful retirement security despite current modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hoke County

via CrimeByCounty

Hoke County Safety Near National Average

Hoke County's total crime rate of 2298.0 per 100,000 residents is just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.4, indicating a generally secure community. While crime exists, it remains slightly less frequent than the typical American experience.

Hoke Ranks Close to State Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 96.4 is just below the North Carolina average of 96.8. However, its total crime rate of 2298.0 is higher than the state average of 2,050.0. This suggests that while individual safety is high, the overall frequency of incidents is elevated compared to other NC counties.

Local Comparisons with Nearby Counties

Hoke County experiences more frequent crime than Hertford County, which reports a lower rate of 1470.0. It also shows a higher crime volume than Harnett County, where the rate is 2051.0. These differences reflect the unique law enforcement challenges facing Hoke County.

Violent Crime Elevated Above National Rate

Hoke County reports a violent crime rate of 710.9 per 100,000, which is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 1587.1 is lower than the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that while theft is less common, violent incidents are a more significant concern for local safety.

Prioritizing Personal and Home Security

Given the elevated violent crime rate, residents should focus on comprehensive home security and personal awareness. Motion sensors and monitored alarm systems provide an extra layer of protection for your family and property. Staying connected with neighbors can help build a safer and more vigilant community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hoke County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Sandhills weather exceeds national norms

Hoke County records a 60.4°F annual average temperature, placing it well above the 55°F national median. The region's sandy soil and inland position contribute to this warm subtropical profile.

Outpacing the North Carolina temperature average

At 60.4°F, the county is notably warmer than the statewide average of 59.3°F. This makes Hoke one of the toastier regions in the North Carolina Sandhills.

Dryer and hotter than its neighbors

The county receives 48.6 inches of rain annually, which is nearly three inches less than the state average of 51.5 inches. This combination of heat and lower precipitation defines the local agricultural landscape.

Expect significant summer heat and rare snow

Hoke endures 54 days above 90°F annually, nearly double the frequency of counties further north. Winter remains gentle with only 2.8 inches of average annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and efficient irrigation

With 54 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity for health and comfort. Gardeners should plan for the drier 48.6-inch annual rainfall by choosing drought-tolerant plants.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hoke County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Sandhill Soils

Hoke County has a soil pH of 5.02, falling below both the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is paired with a soil score of 15.8, indicating significant natural limitations for standard agriculture. Most growers will need to actively manage soil chemistry to find success.

Extreme Sand-Dominant Profile

At 75.3% sand, Hoke has one of the highest sand concentrations in the state, with only 9.1% clay and 15.6% silt. This texture is very loose and offers excellent aeration but struggles to provide structural support or nutrient storage. It is essentially an inland beach environment for plant roots.

Low Moisture Holding Potential

The organic matter content is 2.05%, which beats the national average but is less than half of the state average. Most critically, the available water capacity is very low at 0.097 in/in, significantly under the state average of 0.134. This soil dries out extremely fast, making irrigation a necessity for most crops.

Fastest Drainage in the Region

Water moves through Hoke’s 75.3% sand almost instantly, creating a very dry hydrologic environment. While this means you will almost never see a puddle, it also means nutrients leach away quickly after rain. Builders appreciate the stability of these dry sands, but farmers must work hard to keep plants hydrated.

Zone 8a Heat and Sand

Hoke's Zone 8a climate and sandy soil are ideal for native Longleaf Pines and drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary. Watermelons and grapes also tend to favor these well-drained, sandy conditions. With a bit of mulch and regular watering, you can turn this sandy terrain into a thriving landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hoke County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Challenges in Hoke

Hoke County is a challenging environment for lawns, scoring just 34.6 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 8a county requires a strategic approach to handle intense summer conditions that are much tougher than the national average.

Searing Summers and Long Seasons

Hoke faces 54 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 38, putting extreme stress on any turf. The 4,813 growing degree days ensure a very long active period that demands high water and nutrient inputs.

Sandy Soil and Acidic Roots

At 75.3% sand, Hoke's soil drains incredibly fast, which can lead to rapid dehydration of grass roots. The low pH of 5.02 means essential nutrients are often locked away, requiring lime to balance the chemistry for growth.

Facing 100% Severe Drought

The county spent 28 weeks in drought last year and currently sits entirely under severe drought conditions. Selecting drought-hardy Bermuda grass and leaving clippings on the lawn can help provide shade for the soil surface.

Planting for High Heat

Only the most heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Bahia should be considered for this climate. Your primary growing window starts after the April 3 frost and ends when the first freeze arrives around November 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hoke County's county score?
Hoke County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 35.5 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 Hoke County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Hoke County ranks #84 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 Hoke County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Hoke County is $1,465, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Hoke County a tax score of 63.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hoke County?
The median household income in Hoke County, North Carolina is $64,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hoke County earns an income score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hoke County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Hoke County scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Hoke 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 Hoke County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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