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Jones County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#7 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
59.8
County Score
Schools 83.5Cost of Living 73.4Safety 72.3

County Report Card

About Jones County, North Carolina

Strong National Standing

Jones County impresses with a composite score of 59.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests it offers a superior quality of life compared to most American counties.

Exceeding North Carolina Norms

With a score of 59.8, Jones County far exceeds the North Carolina average of 44.7. It ranks as one of the more livable rural options in the state, outperforming many more populous urban centers.

Safe Schools and Affordable Living

The county excels with a school score of 83.5 and a safety score of 72.3, making it a secure place for families. It is also exceptionally affordable, with a cost score of 73.4 and a median home value of $122,600.

Health Access and Income Limits

Prospective residents should note the health score of 24.6 and the income score of 26.8. With a median household income of $55,659, local career opportunities are more limited than in neighboring metro areas.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Jones County is a hidden gem for families prioritizing safety and excellent schools on a modest budget. It is the quintessential choice for those seeking a quiet, secure, and highly affordable lifestyle.

2040608010057.173.472.324.683.526.835.542.660.1Tax57.1Cost73.4Safety72.3Health24.6Schools83.5Income26.8Risk35.5Water42.6Weather60.159.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Jones County DNA

Foverall

How Jones County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jones County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (83.5/100) but notably weak in Health (24.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.1
Cost
73.4+25.400000000000006
Safety
72.3+17.299999999999997
Health
24.6-25.4
Schools
83.5+29.5
Income
26.8-24.2
Risk
35.5-11.5
Water
42.6-15.399999999999999
Weather
60.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$725/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,659/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

108.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Compare Jones County with Custer County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Onslow County
North Carolina
39.3
Craven County
North Carolina
37.8
Lenoir County
North Carolina
38.1
Duplin County
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Pamlico County
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Pitt County
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Greene County
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Carteret County
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Deep Dives

Jones County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jones County

via TaxByCounty

Jones County has the state's highest rate

Jones County's effective tax rate of 0.755% exceeds the national median and ranks among the highest in North Carolina. Despite this elevated rate, the median property tax is only $926 annually because median home values are notably low at $122,600—58% below the national median.

Jones has North Carolina's steepest rates

At 0.755%, Jones County's effective tax rate stands 8% above the state average of 0.701%, ranking it among the top tier for tax burden in North Carolina. The median tax of $926 falls below state average due to lower property values, not lower rates.

Jones taxes exceed most regional peers

Jones County's 0.755% rate significantly outpaces neighbors Jackson (0.369%) and Lenoir County (0.884%), with only Lenoir taxing more heavily. Home values in Jones are the region's lowest, so the tax rate's true burden becomes clear when comparing similar-valued properties elsewhere.

Jones homeowners face high effective burden

A median Jones County home valued at $122,600 carries an annual property tax of $926. With mortgage-related assessments, bills can reach $1,109, representing a substantial rate burden even though the absolute dollar figure remains modest due to lower valuations.

Jones homeowners should contest assessments

Given Jones County's high effective rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessments for potential overvaluation. Filing an appeal with supporting documentation could yield meaningful relief, especially important in a county where rates are among the state's steepest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jones County

via CostByCounty

Jones offers exceptional value on tight budgets

Jones County renters spend just 15.6% of income on housing—about 3 percentage points below the national median of 18.6%—thanks to some of the lowest rents in the state at $725 monthly. While median household income of $55,659 lags the national average, the ultra-low housing costs offset this income disadvantage.

Jones ranks among the state's most affordable counties

Jones's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats the state average of 18.6%, placing it in North Carolina's affordability elite despite below-average incomes. The county's $725 median rent—the state's lowest—is the defining factor that makes housing costs manageable here.

Jones delivers the region's cheapest housing

Jones leads nearby counties with the lowest median rent of $725, beating Lenoir County ($814), Macon County ($791), and Jackson County ($855) by substantial margins. Even with lower incomes, this rent advantage gives Jones residents the region's easiest affordability picture.

Minimal housing costs stretch limited incomes

Jones renters pay just $725 monthly while homeowners pay $726, and with a median home value of only $122,600, housing is genuinely affordable across tenure types. On a median income of $55,659, these costs consume just 15.6% of income—among the lowest burdens in the state.

Jones maximizes affordability in rural North Carolina

If you're relocating on a modest budget or seeking maximum housing affordability, Jones County's $725 rents and $122,600 home values offer unmatched value. The tradeoff is rural character and potentially fewer job options, but for remote workers or retirees, the savings are substantial.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jones County

via IncomeByCounty

Jones County incomes fall significantly below national

Jones County's median household income of $55,659 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,096, placing it in the bottom 25% nationally. This 26% shortfall reflects limited employment opportunities and a smaller tax base.

Among North Carolina's lower-income counties

Jones County's $55,659 median income runs 9% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, indicating above-average economic stress. Per capita income of $28,699 falls 15% short of the state average, signaling limited wealth per resident.

Jones County struggles regionally

Jones County's $55,659 median income exceeds Lenoir County ($44,795) but falls well behind Jackson County ($53,479) and other surrounding areas. The gap to top earners like Johnston County ($79,838) exceeds $24,000, reflecting stark local disparities.

Affordable housing masks income challenges

Jones County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio appears strong, but the low denominator reflects modest household earnings, not abundant resources. Median home values of just $122,600 indicate limited equity-building potential compared to higher-income counties.

Every dollar counts in Jones County

Jones County residents must prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction before investing aggressively, given below-average incomes. Low-cost index funds and employer retirement matches offer accessible paths to long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jones County

via CrimeByCounty

Jones County Safety Scores Near Perfect

Jones County is exceptionally safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 658.5 per 100,000 is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of North Carolina's Safest

This county is one of the safest in the state, with a safety score far exceeding the North Carolina average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is nearly 68% lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

Setting the Standard for Safety

Jones County sets a high bar for its neighbors with a violent crime rate of only 129.5 per 100,000. It is significantly safer than larger coastal neighbors, benefiting from its quiet, rural landscape.

Remarkably Low Incident Counts

Property crime is remarkably low here at just 529.0 per 100,000 residents. Combined with an extremely low violent crime rate, the data shows that Jones County experiences very few criminal incidents annually.

Maintain the Local Safety Standard

In such a low-crime area, simple neighborly awareness remains the best defense. Standard locks and basic alarm systems are more than enough to maintain the county's exceptional safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jones County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-scale schools with a personal touch

Jones County offers a streamlined educational landscape with just five public schools serving 1,067 students. All five schools operate under a single unified district, focusing primarily on elementary education with four primary campuses. This small infrastructure fosters an environment where every student is part of a close-knit community.

Elite graduation rates and high investment

Jones County leads the region with an extraordinary 97% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national benchmarks. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $8,393, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. The resulting school score of 60.2 is one of the highest in the area.

Unified district focus in Jones County

Jones County Schools is the sole provider for the county, ensuring a singular educational vision for all 1,067 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning the public district serves 100% of the local student body. This centralized approach allows for direct investment into the specific needs of the local community.

Quiet rural campuses and small classes

Every school in Jones County is situated in a rural locale, offering a peaceful and focused learning environment. With an average school size of only 213 students, the county provides an incredibly intimate classroom experience. Jones Senior High is the largest campus, yet it remains relatively small with 557 students.

The perfect place for personalized education

Homebuyers seeking the highest graduation rates and smallest school sizes will find Jones County unmatched. The high per-pupil investment ensures that students receive significant attention and resources. Look for homes in Trenton or Maysville to join this high-achieving, rural school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jones County

via RiskByCounty

Jones County's risk is below the national norm

Jones County scores 64.50 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and below the national average. However, the county faces a concentrated hurricane threat that masks otherwise manageable risks in other hazard categories.

Jones ranks below the North Carolina average

At 64.50, Jones County's composite score falls slightly below the state average of 66.72, positioning it among North Carolina's lower-risk counties. This favorable profile is tempered by a singular, severe vulnerability to Atlantic hurricanes.

Jones is the safest county in its peer group

Jones County (64.50) ranks notably lower than neighboring Lenoir County (84.61) and Lee County (67.49), making it the relatively safest in the region. This advantage stems from dramatically lower flood, tornado, and earthquake risks, though hurricane exposure remains consistently high across all three.

Hurricanes dominate Jones County's hazard profile

Hurricane risk reaches 94.49 in Jones, towering above all other hazards and driving the county's overall exposure. By contrast, tornado risk sits at just 21.76, flood risk at 33.20, and earthquake risk at 32.03—all well below state and national averages.

Hurricane preparedness is your top priority

Jones residents should focus insurance and evacuation planning specifically on hurricane season, ensuring your policy covers wind damage and storm surge where applicable. Maintain a 30-day emergency kit, know your evacuation route, and stay informed through the National Hurricane Center during Atlantic storm season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jones County

via WaterByCounty

Jones County Maintains Near-Average Compliance Record

Jones County holds a D grade for water quality compliance with 3 health violations over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 27.4 per 100,000 residents is slightly lower than the North Carolina state average of 31.7. While violations are infrequent, the D grade reflects the severity of the specific health-based exceedances.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable Locally

No water bodies in Jones County are currently included in the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment records. This lack of ATTAINS data means there is no formal state or federal grade for the health of local rivers and streams. Monitoring remains the primary way for local officials to track raw water conditions.

Strong Monitoring Records Despite Limited Site Count

Despite having only 8 monitoring sites, the county has generated 5,062 measurements over five years. The Water Quality Portal shows a heavy emphasis on organic compounds, physical properties, and pesticides. This robust dataset allows for a detailed understanding of chemical trends in the local environment.

Trent River Reaches Critically Low Flow Levels

Current flow in the Trent River near Trenton is a mere 11 cubic feet per second, representing only 6% of its typical volume. This extreme low flow is a significant deviation from the long-term mean for this 168 square mile drainage area. Such low levels can lead to stagnant water conditions and higher temperatures.

Monitor Water Quality Closely During Extreme Drought

The Trent River's flow at 6% of its typical level is a critical signal for potential source water quality shifts. Low volume can increase the concentration of pesticides and organic matter that the 5,062 local measurements frequently track. Residents should stay alert for taste or odor changes and follow any local conservation mandates.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jones County

via WeatherByCounty

High rainfall defines the local climate

While temperature data is limited, Jones County receives 55.9 inches of rain annually. This is significantly higher than the national average, supporting its dense wetlands and forests.

Wetter than the North Carolina average

The county's 55.9 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the state average of 51.5 inches. This makes it one of the more moisture-rich counties in the eastern part of the state.

Minimal snow compared to inland counties

Jones County averages just 2.5 inches of snow per year. This low total is typical for the coastal plain, where winter precipitation usually falls as rain.

A rainy environment with mild winters

Though specific summer averages are unavailable, the county's low snowfall suggests mild winter conditions. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, totaling nearly 56 inches.

Invest in moisture control and drainage

Given the high 55.9-inch rainfall, homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and crawlspace encapsulation. Keep light winter gear on hand for the occasional 2.5-inch snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jones County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Coastal Soil

Jones County has a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.78. This measurement is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14, impacting nutrient availability.

Coarse Sand and Silt Mix

The composition is dominated by 62.3% sand and 21.1% silt, with a relatively low clay content of 10.8%. This sandy mix provides excellent drainage but requires careful fertilizer management to prevent nutrient loss.

Healthy Carbon and Water Capacity

Organic matter measures a healthy 5.06%, which aligns closely with the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable moisture buffer.

Resilient Hydrologic Properties

Formal drainage class data is unavailable, but the high sand content naturally promotes quick infiltration. Combined with high water capacity, this soil stays moist without becoming easily waterlogged.

Warm Winters in Zone 8b

In Hardiness Zone 8b, the county enjoys a warm climate suitable for long-season crops like peanuts and melons. The respectable organic matter provides a great foundation for any new gardening project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jones County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Zone 8b

Jones County is one of the most challenging places for a lawn, with a difficulty score of just 18.6. This is far below the state average of 40.8, requiring residents to use highly specialized coastal growing strategies.

High Precipitation and Coastal Humidity

The county receives a heavy 55.9 inches of annual precipitation, which can lead to disease issues in traditional turf. While temperature data is limited for this area, the high moisture levels in zone 8b demand excellent drainage and fungus-resistant grass types.

Highly Acidic and Sandy Base

The soil pH is a very low 4.78, which is far from the ideal 6.0 range and requires consistent lime treatment. With 62.3% sand, your lawn will drain quickly but will struggle to keep the fertilizers you apply from washing away.

Enduring Lengthy Drought Periods

The county has faced 34 weeks of drought in the past year, with over 80% currently in severe conditions. During these times, it is better to let your grass go dormant than to water shallowly and frequently, which weakens the root system.

Selecting Bahiagrass or Centipede

The best grasses for Jones County are those that tolerate poor, acidic soil, such as Bahiagrass or Centipede. These varieties handle the zone 8b climate and the high annual rainfall better than most ornamental turf types.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jones County's county score?
Jones County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Jones County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Jones County ranks #7 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 Jones County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Jones County is $926, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Jones County a tax score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jones County?
The median household income in Jones County, North Carolina is $55,659 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jones County earns an income score of 26.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jones County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Jones County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Jones 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 Jones County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.