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Nash County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#36 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.4
County Score
Safety 80.5Weather & Climate 63.7Property Tax 55.6

County Report Card

About Nash County, North Carolina

Solid Mid-Range Performance

Nash County’s composite score of 47.4 is just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is fairly representative of many Mid-Atlantic counties.

Above the State Average

Scoring 47.4, Nash performs better than the North Carolina average of 44.7. It sits in the upper half of counties in the state for overall livability metrics.

Safety is the Priority

The county’s biggest asset is its safety score of 80.5, indicating a very secure environment for residents. It also maintains a reasonable tax score of 55.6 and manageable rents at $924 per month.

Schools and Environmental Risks

Environmental risk (19.4) and schools (29.5) are the areas most in need of attention. A health score of 29.1 also suggests that local access to wellness services could be improved.

Best for Safety-Conscious Families

Nash is an excellent choice for families who prioritize a secure community feel and moderate taxes. It offers a solid, middle-of-the-road lifestyle with manageable costs.

Score breakdown

Tax55.6Cost40.3Safety80.5Health29.1Schools29.5Income41.3Risk19.4Water44.7Weather63.7
🏛55.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.3
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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Nearby counties

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Edgecombe County
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Deep Dives

Nash County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nash County

via TaxByCounty

Nash County's tax rate ranks above national norm

Nash County's effective tax rate of 0.771% exceeds the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the upper 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,320 remains well below the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values in the county.

Nash edges above North Carolina's state average

At 0.771%, Nash's effective rate surpasses North Carolina's 0.701% average, ranking it in the upper portion of the state's counties. The median tax of $1,320 is $113 below the state median, reflecting Nash's more modest home values.

Nash represents upper-tier eastern NC rates

Nash's 0.771% rate exceeds nearby Martin County's extraordinary 1.070% but trails most mountain counties significantly. Within eastern North Carolina, Nash represents a higher-tax locale compared to peers like Martin, though the relationship is complex.

On a Nash median home, your annual tax bill

A $171,100 home—Nash's median value—generates approximately $1,320 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage face $1,489 when additional county fees are factored in.

Appeal your assessment and explore exemptions

Nash County homeowners, particularly those with modest incomes or qualifying exemptions, should request an assessment review from the county assessor. The appeal process is free and can unlock significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nash County

via CostByCounty

Nash edges toward national affordability strain

Nash County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% approaches the national affordability strain threshold, with median households earning $60,704 and paying $924 monthly in rent. Housing costs claim a substantial share of paychecks, leaving less room for savings and other expenses.

Nash sits exactly at state affordability average

At 18.3%, Nash County's rent-to-income ratio nearly matches North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, positioning it as a middle-ground county statewide. Both rents ($924) and incomes ($60,704) run slightly above rural averages, reflecting Nash's role as a regional hub.

Nash rents exceed affordable mountain counties

Nash County's $924 monthly rent significantly exceeds mountain alternatives like McDowell ($741), Madison ($764), and Mitchell ($744), despite incomes that don't proportionally justify the difference. Renters in Nash face tighter affordability than these nearby rural peers.

Renters bear more burden than owners in Nash

Nash County renters earning $60,704 spend 18.3% of income on $924 monthly rent, while homeowners with a $171,100 median home pay roughly 17.5% for $884 monthly costs. The differential suggests that building equity through ownership provides more financial relief than renting in this county.

Nash: reasonable rents, but compare eastward carefully

At $924 monthly rent, Nash County runs nearly $200 above mountain counties while earning only $2,600 more annually—a math that favors relocating westward. If your income supports it, communities like McDowell or Mitchell offer better housing value with similar earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nash County

via IncomeByCounty

Nash County slightly below national average

Nash County's median household income of $60,704 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $14,051, a gap of 19%. The county's income level is typical of many mid-South rural and small industrial communities.

Slightly above North Carolina average

Nash County's $60,704 median household income sits just below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, ranking it slightly below the state median. Per capita income of $33,336 is close to state average, reflecting fairly typical individual earning levels.

Mid-range earner among profiled counties

Nash County's $60,704 income positions it above rural Appalachian counties like McDowell ($55,527) and Montgomery ($55,849), while trailing prosperous Piedmont regions like Mecklenburg ($83,765) and Moore County ($82,837). The county occupies the economic middle ground of the sample.

Housing costs moderate relative to income

Nash County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates good housing affordability, though slightly elevated compared to mountain counties. The median home value of $171,100 is moderate, making homeownership achievable for households earning the county median.

Build steady wealth through consistent investing

Nash County households earning $60,704 have solid income to support both housing and savings goals, particularly with modest rent-to-income ratios. Establishing automatic contributions to retirement plans and gradually building investment portfolios can create meaningful long-term wealth despite modest annual income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nash County

via CrimeByCounty

Nash County offers superior safety rankings

Nash County reports a total crime rate of 463.0 per 100,000, which is 80% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance results in a safety score of 99.3. Six reporting agencies keep the county's incident levels very low.

A standout performer in North Carolina

The county's crime rate of 463.0 is a fraction of the North Carolina average of 2,050.0. With a safety score of 99.3, Nash County is significantly safer than the typical North Carolina county. It is a premier region for safety within the state.

Exceeding safety expectations in the East

Nash County significantly outperforms its eastern neighbors in terms of reported crime per capita. Its data shows a highly secure environment that deviates positively from state trends. Six agencies effectively manage what is a very low volume of criminal reports.

Violent crime is exceptionally rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 58.9 per 100,000, compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also remarkably low at 404.1, which is about five times lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Residents enjoy a very peaceful local environment.

Preserving a very safe community

With a safety score of 99.3, Nash County is extremely secure, but residents should still use standard precautions. Simple locks and neighbor awareness are effective tools to maintain these low property crime rates. The six reporting agencies are valuable resources for continued community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nash County

via HealthByCounty

Nash County's health falls short

At 73.5 years, Nash County's life expectancy is 1.0 year below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, indicating persistent health disadvantages. With 20.9% of residents in poor or fair health—exceeding the national 21% rate—the county struggles with chronic disease burden that shortens lives.

Below average across North Carolina

Nash County's 73.5-year life expectancy trails the North Carolina average of 74.4 years by 0.9 years, positioning it in the lower half of state rankings. The 20.9% poor/fair health rate reflects persistent economic and healthcare access challenges common to rural eastern North Carolina.

Middle performer in region

Nash County's 73.5-year life expectancy exceeds Martin County's 71.1 years but falls short of McDowell County's 74.3 years and Madison County's 74.7 years. With 50 primary care providers per 100K, Nash County offers better access than Martin County's 41 but less than Mitchell County's 47, creating uneven care distribution across the region.

Uninsured rate spikes access gaps

Nash County's 14.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 12.5%, leaving 1 in 7 residents without coverage and unable to afford routine care. With 50 primary care providers and 155 mental health providers per 100K, provider availability is moderate, but uninsured patients often forgo preventive care, driving emergency room overuse.

Insurance closes the access gap

About 1 in 7 Nash County residents lack health insurance, forcing them to choose between medical debt and untreated illness. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan—coverage unlocks affordable access to the doctors and services that prevent health crises.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nash County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Dynamic School System in Nash

Nash County is home to 27 public schools that serve a total of 14,281 students. The infrastructure includes a wide range of levels: 13 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 7 high schools. This system provides comprehensive coverage for both urban and rural residents throughout the county.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Value-Driven Spending

Nash County maintains a graduation rate of 86.7%, which sits just below the national average but remains competitive within the state. The county spends $6,609 per pupil, focusing its resources on maintaining a school score of 50.9. These metrics reflect a system that is actively working to meet state standards while managing a large student population.

Comprehensive Districts and Preparatory Options

Nash County Public Schools manages the majority of local campuses, while Rocky Mount Preparatory serves as a significant charter option with 1,022 students. The presence of charter schools, representing nearly 4% of local institutions, offers families alternative curriculum choices. Large high schools like Rocky Mount High and Southern Nash High anchor the traditional district.

A Balanced Mix of City and Rural Schools

The county offers a unique geographic balance with 14 rural schools and 12 schools located in the city. Average school size is 529 students, but the high schools often exceed 1,000 students, providing a bustling and energetic atmosphere. This variety ensures that families can find either a quiet rural campus or a more traditional city-center school.

Find Your Ideal Home in Nash County

With a wide variety of school sizes and locations, Nash County is perfect for families who value choice and accessibility. From the vibrant streets of Rocky Mount to the quiet outskirts, there is a home and a school to match every preference. Discover the residential opportunities waiting for you in this diverse North Carolina county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nash County

via RiskByCounty

Nash County faces high disaster risk overall

Nash County scores 80.60 on the composite risk scale with a "Relatively Low" rating, about 21% above North Carolina's 66.72 state average and indicating elevated hazard exposure. The county shows exceptionally high scores for hurricanes (89.74), tornadoes (84.86), and floods (82.54), making it one of the state's more vulnerable regions.

Upper-tier risk among North Carolina counties

Nash County ranks in the upper tier of North Carolina's 100 counties by composite risk, with hurricane (89.74) and tornado (84.86) scores among the state's highest. The county's coastal plain location and proximity to Atlantic weather systems position it as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities.

Comparable risk to Moore, higher than Montgomery

Nash County's 80.60 score closely parallels Moore County (75.64) and significantly exceeds Montgomery County (48.95), placing it firmly in the upper-risk category for the piedmont and eastern regions. The county's hurricane risk (89.74) is notably higher than Moore County's, reflecting its closer proximity to Atlantic tropical systems.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods are critical threats

Hurricane risk (89.74) leads Nash County's hazard profile, driven by Atlantic exposure and the county's coastal plain terrain that funnels tropical system rainfall inland. Tornado risk (84.86) and flood risk (82.54) rank nearly as high, creating a triple threat of severe weather that makes Nash County among North Carolina's most disaster-prone communities.

Comprehensive insurance and evacuation planning essential

Nash County residents must secure flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage with hurricane protections, as the county's extreme risk across multiple hazards makes these coverages mandatory for financial security. Develop a household evacuation plan, maintain a 30-day emergency kit, and review your insurance annually—this county's hazard profile demands active, informed preparation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nash County

via WeatherByCounty

Nash County Outpaces National Temperature Median

With an annual average of 60.5°F, Nash County is much warmer than the typical American county. This subtropical environment delivers consistent warmth throughout most of the year.

A Warmer Tier in North Carolina

Nash County ranks above the state average of 59.3°F by over a full degree. It represents the warmer climate found in the North Carolina coastal plain compared to the cooler mountains.

Matching the Warmth of Moore County

Nash County shares a July average of 79.7°F with Moore County, making them nearly identical in summer intensity. It is significantly warmer than Northampton County, which averages only 59.0°F.

Intense Summer Heat and Trace Snowfall

The county experiences 54 days of temperatures at or above 90°F annually. Snow is rare, with an average of only 0.7 inches falling each year.

Optimize Homes for Significant Summer Cooling

Heavy-duty HVAC maintenance is essential for the 54 days of extreme heat each year. With less than an inch of snow, residents rarely need specialized winter driving equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nash County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Coastal Plain Acidity

Nash County features an average pH of 5.24, which is slightly less acidic than the state average but lower than the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 20.6 reflects the sandy nature of the eastern plains.

Gritty Textures and Low Clay Levels

The soil is 62.3% sand, 24.6% silt, and 13.1% clay. This texture allows for excellent drainage and makes the land very easy to till for agricultural purposes.

Standard Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.68%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing a reliable moisture level for plants.

Fast-Moving Water in Sandy Fields

Drainage class data is limited, but the 62.3% sand content points toward rapid permeability. Farmers and gardeners here should monitor nutrient levels closely, as they can wash away more easily in sandy profiles.

Prospering in Hardiness Zone 8a

Nash County's 8a zone is excellent for cotton, tobacco, and summer vegetables. Start a garden today and focus on adding organic matter to help these sandy soils reach their full potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nash County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Heat in Nash County

Nash County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.3, slightly more challenging than the state average of 40.8. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 8a region must work harder than the national average to keep a lawn looking its best.

Fifty-Four Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Nash County experiences 54 days of 90°F+ temperatures, far exceeding the state average of 38 days. While the 45.1 inches of annual precipitation is solid, it is often not enough to offset the stress caused by these high temperatures.

Sandy Soil Requires Nutrient Support

The soil is 62.3% sand and has a pH of 5.24, meaning it drains well but is too acidic for most grasses. Adding lime and choosing slow-release fertilizers can help bridge the gap to the ideal pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Preparing for Frequent Severe Drought

The county spent 30 weeks in drought over the past year and remains under 100% severe drought today. Deep watering and raising your mower blade can help protect grass crowns from the intense 8a zone sun.

Warm-Season Success in the Coastal Plain

Centipede or Bermuda grass are the best picks for Nash County's sandy soil and high heat. Start your lawn establishment after the last frost on April 1 to give your grass a full season to mature.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nash County's county score?
Nash County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Nash County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Nash County ranks #36 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 Nash County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Nash County is $1,320, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Nash County a tax score of 55.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nash County?
The median household income in Nash County, North Carolina is $60,704 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nash County earns an income score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nash County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Nash County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Nash 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 Nash County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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