countyscore

Moore County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#30 in North Carolina
49.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.2Property Tax 81.2Health 67.8

County Report Card

About Moore County, North Carolina

A Prosperous Community Profile

Moore County earns a composite score of 48.6, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It balances high prosperity and health with the higher costs typical of desirable regions.

Exceeding the State Average

The county outperforms the North Carolina average of 44.7, marking it as a preferred destination in the state. It maintains a strong reputation for high quality of life despite some urban-style cost pressures.

Wealth and Wellness Lead

Income (86.6) and health (67.8) are major strengths, supported by a median household income of $82,837. Residents also benefit from a favorable tax score of 78.5 and a low effective tax rate of 0.566%.

Managing High Living Costs

Affordability is the main constraint, shown by a cost score of 18.4 and home values exceeding $315,000. Environmental risk (24.4) and water quality (27.5) also rank lower than the county's other metrics.

Suited for Affluent Lifestyles

Moore is perfect for high-earning professionals and retirees who value health services and a prosperous community. It offers an upscale lifestyle for those with the budget to support it.

2040608010081.219.938.867.847.987.224.427.562.5Tax81.2Cost19.9Safety38.8Health67.8Schools47.9Income87.2Risk24.4Water27.5Weather62.549.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Moore County DNA

Foverall

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

Moore County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (87.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (27.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.2+29.200000000000003
Cost
19.9-28.1
Safety
38.8-16.200000000000003
Health
67.8+17.799999999999997
Schools
47.9
Income
87.2+36.2
Risk
24.4-22.6
Water
27.5-30.5
Weather
62.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$351,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,254/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$351,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,080/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Moore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Moore County

via TaxByCounty

Moore County taxes fall below national average

Moore County's effective tax rate of 0.566% ranks in the lowest 35% of U.S. counties. Despite higher home values ($315,300 median), the median property tax of $1,784 remains below the national median of $2,690.

Moore ranks below state average statewide

At 0.566%, Moore's effective rate trails North Carolina's 0.701% average, placing it in the lower-tax tier. The median property tax of $1,784 is $351 above the state median, reflecting Moore's higher home valuations in a low-rate environment.

Moore's pleasant hybrid status in NC tax map

Moore's 0.566% rate sits between mountain lows like Madison (0.496%) and urban rates like Mecklenburg (0.749%), offering a middle path. The county attracts residents seeking moderately valued homes with reasonable tax rates.

On a Moore median home, the annual tax due

A $315,300 home—Moore's median value—incurs approximately $1,784 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $1,857 when county fees are included.

Assessment accuracy matters for every homeowner

Moore County residents should verify their assessments are current and correct, as inaccuracies can add up quickly on higher-value homes. The assessor's office handles appeals at no charge and can identify potential savings.

Income & Jobs in Moore County

via IncomeByCounty

Moore County exceeds national income

Moore County's median household income of $82,837 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $8,082, positioning it among wealthier American counties. This prosperity reflects the county's blend of retirees, golf industry workers, and commuters to larger markets.

Second-highest income in North Carolina

Moore County's $82,837 median household income ranks second in North Carolina after Mecklenburg County, exceeding the state average of $61,072 by 36%. The per capita income of $44,318 is also among the state's highest, indicating strong individual earning power and wealth concentration.

Rivals Mecklenburg for regional prosperity

Moore County's $82,837 income nearly matches Mecklenburg County's $83,765, creating a prosperous corridor in the Piedmont region. Both counties significantly outpace rural Appalachian neighbors, illustrating the urban-rural income divide in North Carolina.

Housing costs proportional to income

Moore County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is reasonable despite the elevated housing market, with a median home value of $315,300. The strong median income makes homeownership and property investment accessible for most county households.

Invest strategically for long-term growth

Moore County residents earning $82,837 have substantial capacity for diversified investing beyond homeownership, including retirement accounts and market-based assets. Regular contributions to investment accounts, combined with the county's economic stability, position residents well for retirement security and wealth accumulation.

Safety in Moore County

via CrimeByCounty

Moore County is much safer than the national average

The total crime rate of 1,396.4 per 100,000 is roughly 40% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. Moore County earns a strong safety score of 97.8 out of 100. It is a highly secure area compared to many parts of the country.

Outperforming the North Carolina state average

The county's crime rate of 1,396.4 is significantly better than the state average of 2,050.0. With a safety score of 97.8, it also surpasses the statewide average of 96.8. Law enforcement is handled by a robust network of 13 reporting agencies.

A regional leader in public safety

Moore County maintains a high safety profile even as it grows in population. The presence of 13 separate agencies across its towns and villages ensures high visibility and responsive policing. It remains one of the more secure counties in the Sandhills region.

Violent and property crimes are notably low

Violent crime is 144.9 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also significantly lower than national trends, sitting at 1,251.5 per 100,000. These numbers point to a peaceful community with low overall risk.

Stay safe in a secure environment

Despite the strong 97.8 safety score, property theft remains the most common issue at 1,251.5 incidents per 100,000. Implementing basic security measures can help keep these numbers trending downward. The 13 reporting agencies offer various programs to help residents secure their homes.

Weather & Climate in Moore County

via WeatherByCounty

Moore’s Subtropical Climate Surpasses National Averages

Moore County maintains an average annual temperature of 60.7°F, significantly higher than the U.S. median of approximately 53°F. This humid subtropical climate ensures long, warm growing seasons for the region.

Warmer Than the North Carolina Average

The county's 60.7°F annual average exceeds the state baseline of 59.3°F. This makes Moore one of the warmer inland counties in the state's central region.

Similar Heat to Neighboring Nash County

Moore closely mirrors Nash County’s climate, with only a 0.2°F difference in their annual averages. However, it remains notably warmer than Orange County to the north, which averages just 59.8°F.

Hot Summers and Very Little Snow

Summer dominates the calendar with 55 extreme heat days over 90°F and a July average of 79.7°F. Winters are mild and dry, averaging only 1.3 inches of snow per year.

Prepare for Extended Periods of High Heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the two months of 90-degree weather. Winter gear requirements are minimal, as temperatures rarely stay below freezing for long.

Soil Quality in Moore County

via SoilByCounty

Sandhills Soil Challenges in Moore County

Moore County has a soil score of 9.5, reflecting the unique challenges of the Sandhills region. The average pH of 5.07 is typical for North Carolina but remains far more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

High Sand Content and Low Clay

With 57.6% sand and only 12.1% clay, this soil is highly permeable and loosely structured. It is very easy to dig and work, but it lacks the natural density to hold onto nutrients.

Low Organic Matter and Limited Water

The organic matter content is just 1.38%, well below the state average of 5.12%. Combined with a low available water capacity of 0.113 in/in, this soil requires regular amendments and irrigation for success.

Rapid Drainage Across the Sandhills

Although specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high sand and low water capacity indicate very fast drainage. Water moves through this soil quickly, which prevents standing water but demands careful irrigation management.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

Despite the sandy soil, Moore County's 8a climate is ideal for longleaf pines and drought-tolerant blueberries. With a little extra compost and water, you can transform these sandy plots into a thriving oasis.

Lawn Care in Moore County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges in the Sandhills

Moore County has a lawn difficulty score of 37.8, reflecting the unique struggles of the Sandhills region. This Hardiness Zone 8a area is tougher than the state average and requires specialized care to maintain healthy turf.

Intense Sun and High Heat Days

With 55 extreme heat days per year, Moore County is one of the hottest spots for lawns in the state. While the 47.8 inches of annual rain is nearly ideal, the extreme temperatures can quickly evaporate moisture before it reaches the roots.

Sandy Foundations and High Acidity

At 57.6% sand, the soil drains very quickly, making it hard to keep grass hydrated and fed. The pH of 5.07 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring consistent lime applications to counteract the natural acidity.

Water Conservation in the Sandhills

The county is currently in 100% severe drought, having spent 24 weeks in drought conditions over the last year. In these sandy conditions, adding organic compost can help the soil hold onto water longer during heat waves.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Moore County

Zoysia and Bermuda are the champions of Moore County, thriving in the 8a zone and handling the 55 heat days with ease. Wait until after April 1 to seed or sod to avoid any late spring frost damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moore County's county score?
Moore County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Moore County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Moore County ranks #30 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 Moore County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Moore County is $1,849, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Moore County a tax score of 81.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moore County?
The median household income in Moore County, North Carolina is $86,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moore County earns an income score of 87.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moore County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Moore County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Moore 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 Moore County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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