Moore County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#32 in North Carolina
48.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.6Property Tax 78.5Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax78.5Cost18.4Safety38.8Health67.8Schools47.9Income86.6Risk24.4Water27.5Weather62.5
🏛78.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠18.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼86.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡38.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓47.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
24.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧27.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨9.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱37.8
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

Moore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Moore County

via CostByCounty

Moore offers affordable housing for higher earners

Moore County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits below the national affordability strain threshold, supported by the state's second-highest median household income of $82,837. Rents of $1,181 monthly remain manageable for these relatively affluent households.

Moore ranks as North Carolina's second-most affluent

Moore County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6%, but the real story is income: at $82,837, only Mecklenburg County ($83,765) earns more. This income advantage is what makes Moore's higher rents feel affordable relative to other parts of the state.

Moore bridges rural and affluent markets

Moore County's $1,181 rent represents a middle ground: far cheaper than Mecklenburg's $1,521 but substantially pricier than mountain counties like McDowell ($741). The $82,837 median income places Moore squarely in the affluent exurban tier that drives piedmont housing costs.

High income absorbs higher housing costs

Moore County households earning $82,837 annually spend 17.1% on rent ($1,181) and roughly 16.6% on ownership ($1,151) for median homes valued at $315,300. The county demonstrates how strong incomes can sustain higher absolute costs while maintaining affordability ratios.

Moore: affluent living with reasonable ratios

If your income matches Moore County's $82,837 median, you'll find rents of $1,181 and homes worth $315,300 represent genuine value compared to Mecklenburg's premium. However, families earning national or state averages may find Moore's costs stretch paychecks tighter than mountain alternatives.

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.

Health in Moore County

via HealthByCounty

Moore County's excellent health story

Moore County's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 2.5 years, placing it among the nation's healthier counties. With just 14.2% of residents in poor or fair health—well below the national 21%—Moore County residents enjoy sustained wellness that mirrors prosperous suburban areas.

Second healthiest county in state

Moore County's 77.0-year life expectancy ranks second in North Carolina, trailing only Mecklenburg County's 78.8 years and exceeding the state average of 74.4 years by 2.6 years. The county's 14.2% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest statewide, reflecting strong community health management and economic stability.

Clear health leader in region

Moore County's 77.0-year life expectancy significantly outpaces all nearby rural counties: 6.3 years ahead of Nash County (73.5 years), 3.2 years ahead of McDowell County (74.3 years), and 1.5 years ahead of Madison County (74.7 years). With 111 primary care providers and 273 mental health providers per 100K, Moore County has the densest healthcare infrastructure outside of Mecklenburg.

Best coverage, best access

Moore County's 10.2% uninsured rate is the lowest of any county profiled and well below the state average of 12.5%, reflecting high employment and stable incomes. With 111 primary care providers per 100K—second only to Mecklenburg—residents enjoy immediate access to preventive and routine care without long waits or travel.

Keep your coverage strong

Even in Moore County, 1 in 10 residents lack health insurance, risking medical debt and delayed care. Check your coverage status at healthcare.gov or through your employer to ensure uninterrupted access to the quality care that makes Moore County a health leader.

Schools in Moore County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Thriving and Expanding School Network

Moore County supports 26 public schools that serve a large student body of 14,500 across four districts. The system is diverse, featuring 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 2 specialized campuses. This robust infrastructure caters to a wide range of academic and extracurricular needs.

Leading the State in High School Graduation

Moore County boasts a remarkable 93.8% graduation rate, one of the highest in North Carolina and far above the 87.0% national average. The county achieves a school score of 53.5 even with a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,053. This efficiency indicates a highly effective teaching environment and strong community support for education.

Moore County Schools and Diverse Alternatives

Moore County Schools is the central pillar, serving 13,008 students across 23 schools. The county also features three charter schools, including the Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance school which enrolls 809 students. These options provide families with specialized choices in arts and alternative pedagogy alongside traditional schooling.

Substantial Campuses in a Scenic Rural Setting

While 20 of the 26 schools are in rural locales, the average school size is a substantial 558 students. Pinecrest High is a major regional hub with 2,221 students, offering a large-school experience with diverse opportunities. The mix of town and rural schools allows families to choose the environment that best fits their lifestyle.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Moore County is a premier destination for families, combining elite graduation rates with a high quality of life. Whether you prefer the charm of Pinehurst or the rural beauty of the surrounding county, excellent schools are always nearby. Explore local real estate to find a home that grants your children access to these high-performing districts.

Disaster Risk in Moore County

via RiskByCounty

Moore County faces above-average disaster risk

Moore County scores 75.64 on the composite risk scale with a "Relatively Low" rating, about 13% above North Carolina's 66.72 state average, indicating elevated but manageable hazard exposure. The county experiences notably high scores across tornadoes (85.66), hurricanes (88.28), wildfires (81.81), and floods (76.43), creating a compound-threat environment.

Upper-middle risk tier in North Carolina

Moore County ranks in the upper-middle of North Carolina counties, with tornado risk (85.66) and hurricane risk (88.28) among the state's highest. The county's Piedmont location and proximity to both tornado alley pathways and Atlantic storm tracks drive this elevated multi-hazard exposure.

Riskier than Montgomery, similar to Nash

Moore County's 75.64 score substantially exceeds Montgomery County (48.95) but closely mirrors Nash County (80.60), reflecting a shared piedmont vulnerability to severe weather and tropical systems. The county's elevated wildfire risk (81.81) distinguishes it from some neighbors, likely due to forest coverage and seasonal drought conditions.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate threats

Tornado risk (85.66) is Moore County's highest hazard, reflecting the county's position relative to spring and early-summer severe weather systems that traverse the piedmont. Hurricane risk (88.28) ranks nearly as high despite the county's inland location, driven by tropical system rainfall and wind exposure from Atlantic storms reaching the region.

Invest in storm shelters and insurance

Moore County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance including flood coverage, and consider installing a home storm shelter or identifying community safe rooms for tornado events. Maintain an emergency kit, know your evacuation routes for hurricane season, and trim trees regularly to reduce windstorm damage—this county's compound threat profile demands serious preparedness investment.

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 48.6 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 Moore County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Moore County ranks #32 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 $1,784, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Moore County a tax score of 78.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moore County?
The median household income in Moore County, North Carolina is $82,837 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moore County earns an income score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moore County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Moore County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 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.