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Martin County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#86 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 67.3Cost of Living 66.2Water Quality 43.8

County Report Card

About Martin County, North Carolina

Affordable Rural Living

Martin County’s composite score of 34.3 sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the economic and infrastructure challenges common in rural inland communities.

Trailing the State Average

The county’s score of 34.3 falls below the North Carolina average of 44.7. While it offers a quiet lifestyle, it faces a steeper climb in service provision than many Piedmont neighbors.

Deep Housing Affordability

Living here is remarkably affordable, as evidenced by a cost score of 66.2 and a median home value of just $109,900. Renters also find great value with a median gross rent of $729 per month.

Boosting Incomes and Safety

Low scores in income (9.1) and safety (13.3) represent the county's most significant hurdles. A higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.070% also impacts the overall financial profile for residents.

Best for Low-Cost Living

Martin County is best suited for individuals with stable external income who prioritize low housing costs above all else. It offers an accessible entry point to homeownership in a quiet setting.

Score breakdown

Tax33.1Cost66.2Safety13.3Health20.8Schools34Income9.1Risk34.6Water43.8Weather67.3
🏛33.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.5
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

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Martin County

via TaxByCounty

Martin County taxes rank among America's highest

Martin County's effective tax rate of 1.070% places it in the top 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Though the median property tax bill ($1,176) stays below the national median of $2,690, the effective rate tells a different story: Martin's homes are assessed at lower values.

Martin leads North Carolina in tax rates

At 1.070%, Martin County's effective rate is the highest in the state—53% above North Carolina's 0.701% average. This means Martin residents pay a steeper percentage of home value in taxes than virtually any other county in the state.

Martin stands apart in eastern NC

Martin's 1.070% rate dwarfs nearby Nash County (0.771%) and exceeds the statewide average by a wide margin. The difference reflects Martin's reliance on property tax revenue and distinct county fiscal priorities.

On Martin's median home, the annual tax

A $109,900 home—Martin's median value—generates $1,176 in annual property taxes at the current rate. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,361 when additional county fees are factored in.

Assessment appeals can yield real relief

Martin County homeowners facing the state's highest effective tax rate should review their assessments closely—errors and missed exemptions are prevalent. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can uncover opportunities for reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martin County

via CostByCounty

Martin struggles with housing affordability nationally

Martin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% slightly exceeds the national affordability strain point, and the burden falls on households earning just $46,793 annually. At $729 monthly rent, Martin residents spend a larger percentage of smaller paychecks on housing than the typical American household.

Martin ranks among North Carolina's most strained

With an 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, Martin County matches the state average of 18.6%, placing it at the edge of affordability stress for renters. The real squeeze comes from median household income ($46,793) that lags both the state and national figures, limiting housing options.

Eastern counties face similar pressures

Martin County's $729 rent mirrors nearby McDowell County's $741, but Martin's households earn significantly less ($46,793 vs. $55,527), creating sharper affordability pressure. Nash County to the west offers slightly higher incomes ($60,704) and similar rents ($924), suggesting a broader income challenge in the eastern region.

Income matters more than rent here

Martin County's median home value of just $109,900 offers affordable homeownership at $822 monthly, yet renters paying $729 still face strain on $46,793 annual income. The affordability challenge is fundamentally an income story: even modest rents consume nearly one-fifth of household earnings.

Martin County: lowest home values, tightest budgets

If you're relocating for rural living and low home prices, Martin's $109,900 median home value is unbeatable in the state. However, be realistic about income potential—you'll need stable, above-average earnings to avoid housing cost strain in this county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martin County

via IncomeByCounty

Martin County significantly lags national income

Martin County's median household income of $46,793 ranks among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $28,000 annually. This 37% income gap reflects the county's rural, economically challenged status within the broader American landscape.

Lowest earnings in North Carolina

Martin County ranks among the bottom counties in North Carolina by household income, earning $46,793 against the state average of $61,072—a shortfall of $14,279. The per capita income of $27,007 is also the lowest among the profiled counties, indicating widespread economic constraints.

Struggles most among peer counties

Martin County earns substantially less than every other county profiled, including McDowell County ($55,527) and Montgomery County ($55,849). The gap reflects deeper structural economic challenges in the county's labor market and job base.

Housing takes larger share of income

At an 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, Martin County still maintains reasonable housing affordability, though it's noticeably higher than wealthier counties. The median home value of $109,900 is the lowest among the eight counties, reflecting limited property appreciation and weaker overall wealth-building opportunities.

Prioritize income growth and skill-building

With median household income at $46,793, Martin County residents face tighter budgets and should prioritize career development and skill-building to increase earning potential. Even modest income improvements through education or job training can unlock significant savings capacity for emergency funds and long-term investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Martin County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates track slightly above national figures

Martin County reports a total crime rate of 2,505.5 per 100,000 residents, roughly 5% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.0 out of 100. Local agencies face a higher volume of incidents compared to many rural peers.

Higher incident rates than the state average

Martin County's total crime rate of 2,505.5 exceeds the North Carolina average of 2,050.0. Its safety score of 96.0 also falls slightly below the state benchmark of 96.8. Three reporting agencies manage the public safety needs for the county's residents.

Regional pressures affect local safety scores

While Martin County sits above the state average for crime, it remains competitive with similar eastern North Carolina counties. The total crime rate reflects challenges that are common in agricultural hubs transitioning toward more diverse economies. Local law enforcement reports more activity per capita than the state's most secure regions.

Violent crime exceeds state and national averages

The violent crime rate in Martin County is 595.7 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crimes occur at a rate of 1,909.8, which is slightly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. This indicates that while theft is standard, personal safety is a more localized concern.

Strengthening home and community security

With a property crime rate near 1,910, residents should prioritize basic home security like deadbolts and alarm systems. Community watch programs can help address the elevated violent crime rate by increasing local visibility. Working closely with the three reporting agencies helps build a safer environment for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Martin County

via HealthByCounty

Martin County faces health gaps

Life expectancy in Martin County is 71.1 years, nearly 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a striking gap that reflects deeper health challenges. With 23.3% of residents in poor or fair health, the county sits above the national average of 21%, indicating widespread chronic illness and preventable disease.

Among lowest life expectancy in state

Martin County's 71.1-year life expectancy ranks it in the lower tier of North Carolina counties, trailing the state average by 3.3 years. This gap suggests that residents face compounding barriers—from healthcare access to economic opportunity—that impact how long people live.

Worst outcomes in this region

Martin County's 71.1-year life expectancy is notably lower than Nash County (73.5 years) and McDowell County (74.3 years), making it a health priority area. The county also struggles with primary care access at just 41 providers per 100K, the lowest ratio among its neighbors.

Underinsured and underserved

Martin County's 12.6% uninsured rate is near the state average, but the real challenge is provider scarcity: only 41 primary care doctors per 100K and 121 mental health providers per 100K leave many residents traveling far for care. This geographic and financial isolation makes routine treatment harder to access and affording it tougher without coverage.

Coverage can save your life

More than 1 in 8 Martin County residents lack health insurance, delaying care and driving up emergency room use. Check healthcare.gov or call your local health department to enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan—early detection prevents costly crises.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Martin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mix of Traditional and Charter Schools

Martin County manages 11 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 3,192 students. The system is comprised of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools distributed across three distinct districts. This layout offers families a variety of educational pathways in both town and rural environments.

Competitive Local Investment Despite Performance Gaps

The county spends $7,441 per student, which is well above the North Carolina average of $6,969 but below the national average of $13,000. While the school score of 50.8 remains competitive with the national median, the graduation rate of 83.1% trails the state average of 88.0%. Local leaders continue to focus on bridge programs to close these achievement gaps.

Martin County Schools and Choice Options

Martin County Schools is the largest provider, educating 2,636 students across nine campuses. Families also utilize Bear Grass Charter School, which enrolls 433 students and represents roughly 9% of the county's school options. A specialized regional biotech and agriculture school further diversifies the local academic landscape.

Rural Schooling with Specialized Town Hubs

The educational experience is primarily rural, though three schools are located in town centers to serve as community hubs. Average school size is small at 290 students, ranging from Riverside High with 447 students to the tiny Northeast Regional School with just 123. These small environments allow for significant individual attention for every learner.

Build Your Future in Martin County Schools

Prospective residents can choose between the convenience of Williamston or the quiet charm of the surrounding rural areas. With a mix of traditional and charter options, families have the flexibility to find the right fit for their children's needs. Consider Martin County for its accessible housing and diverse school choice environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martin County

via RiskByCounty

Martin County faces moderate coastal risks

Martin County scores 65.46 on the composite risk scale with a "Relatively Low" rating, tracking just below North Carolina's 66.72 state average. However, this modest score masks extreme vulnerability to hurricanes (92.41), which dominates the county's risk profile and reflects its exposed coastal location.

Mid-range risk within North Carolina

Martin County ranks in the middle tier of North Carolina's 100 counties by overall risk, but its hurricane vulnerability (92.41) places it among the state's most exposed coastal communities. The county's relatively balanced risk across other hazards keeps its composite score moderate, but hurricane preparedness remains critical.

Comparable to other eastern plains counties

Martin County's 65.46 composite risk aligns closely with Montgomery County (48.95) and other inland peers, but its hurricane score (92.41) far exceeds neighboring agricultural counties. This coastal-specific vulnerability makes Martin County distinct from its western and piedmont neighbors in terms of storm surge and wind exposure.

Hurricanes dominate; tornadoes secondary threat

Hurricane risk (92.41) is Martin County's overwhelming hazard, driven by Atlantic exposure and the county's low elevation and open terrain. Tornado risk (60.24) poses a secondary but meaningful threat, while flood risk (55.03) reflects both coastal storm surge potential and inland precipitation from tropical systems.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here

Martin County residents must secure comprehensive hurricane and flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude both wind and water damage from tropical storms. Retrofit your home with storm shutters, reinforce your roof, and maintain a 30-day emergency supply kit—hurricanes are not a matter of if, but when.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Martin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Coastal Plain Climate

Martin County's 61.4°F annual average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. This region experiences the high humidity and long growing seasons of the Atlantic coastal plain.

Consistently Above State Norms

The county stays warmer than the state average of 59.3°F by more than two degrees. Its 53.2 inches of annual rain also exceeds the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches.

Similar to Southern Neighbors

Martin's weather is nearly identical to Lenoir County, though it averages slightly fewer extreme heat days at 38 per year. Both counties see negligible snowfall, with Martin averaging just 0.5 inches.

Long Summers and Rare Snow

July averages reach a sweltering 79.9°F, and residents should expect 38 days above 90°F. Snow is a rare event, with the annual average sitting at just half an inch.

Beat the Coastal Humidity

Dehumidifiers and efficient air conditioning are vital for managing the 53.2 inches of annual rainfall and summer heat. Outdoor activities are best planned for the 44.5°F average winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Martin County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

Martin County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.80, falling well below the national median of 6.5. Though taxonomic order data is currently unavailable, the county holds a soil score of 31.6, which is slightly better than the North Carolina average.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile

The soil composition is 66.6% sand, 21.1% silt, and 12.2% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the ground is easy to till but may require more frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.

Moderate Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 4.60%, slightly trailing the state average of 5.12%. However, an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.134, providing a decent reservoir for growing crops.

Rapid Drainage for Coastal Plain Farming

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the 66.6% sand content indicates high permeability and rapid drainage. This profile is excellent for avoiding root rot but requires careful management of mobile nutrients.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Warm-season crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes thrive in Martin County's sandy 8a environment. The long growing season provides a perfect opportunity for both commercial farmers and backyard gardeners to succeed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Martin County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Martin County Lawns

Martin County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 27.5, well below the state average of 40.8. Maintaining a lush lawn in this Hardiness Zone 8a region requires more effort than in half the counties across the nation.

Heavy Rainfall and Coastal Plain Heat

The county receives 53.2 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the ideal range and potentially increasing fungal risks. With 38 extreme heat days per year, your mowing schedule must account for rapid growth followed by high-temperature stress.

Sandy Soils Require Consistent Nutrient Management

The soil is 66.6% sand, leading to fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. Combined with a very acidic pH of 4.80, your lawn likely needs regular lime and fertilizer to reach the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Enduring Chronic Drought Conditions

Martin County spent 36 weeks in drought over the last year, with the entire county currently under severe drought levels. Utilizing mulch-mowing can help retain precious soil moisture during these persistent dry spells.

Warm-Season Grasses Thrive in Zone 8a

Bermuda or Zoysia grass are the best fits for this climate as they handle the heat and sandy soil better than cool-season types. Aim to establish new sod after the last frost on March 20 for the longest possible growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martin County's county score?
Martin County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 34.3 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 Martin County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Martin County ranks #86 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 Martin County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Martin County is $1,176, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Martin County a tax score of 33.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Martin County?
The median household income in Martin County, North Carolina is $46,793 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Martin County earns an income score of 9.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Martin County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Martin County scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Martin 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 Martin 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.