CountyScore

New Hanover County

North Carolina · NC

#89 in North Carolina
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About New Hanover County, North Carolina

New Hanover punches above the national average

With a composite score of 67.2, New Hanover County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 34 percentage points, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects particularly low tax burden and relatively affordable housing compared to national standards, though income levels remain modest.

Slightly below North Carolina's median

New Hanover's 67.2 score trails the state average of 72.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. Despite this, the county remains solidly livable, held back primarily by lower median household income ($72,892) relative to other areas in the state.

Tax efficiency and coastal appeal

New Hanover's greatest strength is its tax score of 85.8, with an effective rate of just 0.587%—among the lowest in the state. The county also offers reasonable housing costs at a median value of $353,700 and median rent of $1,343/month, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents seeking coastal access.

Income growth lags behind state peers

The income score of 31.0 is the county's most significant weakness, with median household income at $72,892 trailing many comparable North Carolina communities. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, limiting a fuller livability assessment.

Ideal for tax-conscious coastal seekers

New Hanover suits retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a coastal lifestyle without steep tax bills. If you prioritize low taxes and beach access over maximum earning potential, this county delivers solid value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.8Cost62.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk3.9WaterComing Soon
🏛85.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare New Hanover County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390

Deep Dives

New Hanover County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in New Hanover County

via TaxByCounty

New Hanover taxes below the nation

New Hanover County's effective tax rate of 0.587% sits well below the national median of 0.957%, putting it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Residents here pay a median of $2,075 annually—about 23% less than the national median of $2,690 despite homes being worth more.

Lower than most North Carolina counties

New Hanover's 0.587% effective rate ranks among North Carolina's lowest, well below the state average of 0.701%. This favorable position means homeowners keep more of their property values, even as median home prices ($353,700) exceed most of the state.

Competitive with coastal neighbors

New Hanover compares favorably to nearby Pender County (0.696%) and Onslow County (0.652%), offering lower effective rates despite higher home values. Among the region's eight-county cluster, New Hanover ranks among the most tax-friendly.

About $2,075 on median home

On New Hanover's median home value of $353,700, the 0.587% rate translates to roughly $2,075 in annual property taxes. A homeowner with a mortgage typically pays around $2,093, while those without pay approximately $2,033.

Challenge your assessment today

Even in lower-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. If your property has declined in value or you believe the assessment is inflated, filing an appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in New Hanover County

via CostByCounty

New Hanover rents bite harder than average

New Hanover County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than typical Americans do. With a median household income of $72,892—just below the national median of $74,755—housing costs consume more of the paycheck here than they do nationwide.

Above average rents for North Carolina

New Hanover's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio places it above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, signaling tighter affordability than most peers statewide. The county's median rent of $1,343 per month far outpaces the state average of $938, reflecting coastal demand and limited supply.

Pricier than inland neighbors but not extreme

New Hanover's $1,343 median rent sits between nearby Onslow County ($1,198) and Orange County ($1,387), placing it squarely in the mid-to-upper tier of the region. Compared to more rural neighbors like Pamlico ($909) and Northampton ($749), New Hanover runs 48–79% higher, reflecting its status as the state's most populous coastal county.

Renting vs. buying in New Hanover

Renters spend $1,343 monthly while homeowners face $1,410 in monthly costs on a median home value of $353,700—nearly identical burdens despite vastly different asset outcomes. Combined, housing consumes about 22% of a median household's $72,892 annual income, leaving 78% for utilities, food, childcare, and savings.

Weighing a move to the coast?

New Hanover offers coastal lifestyle and strong median income, but expect to spend 4% more of your paycheck on rent than the national average. Job seekers and retirees should compare New Hanover's beach amenities against pricier peers like Orange County or seek better value in inland neighbors like Pender or Pamlico.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in New Hanover County

via IncomeByCounty

New Hanover earns slightly below the nation

New Hanover County's median household income of $72,892 falls just 2.5% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. This means a typical New Hanover household earns roughly what you'd expect in mid-tier American counties, reflecting a stable economic foundation.

Ranks among North Carolina's top earners

New Hanover County significantly outperforms the state average, with its $72,892 median household income exceeding North Carolina's $61,072 by nearly 20%. This positions the county in the state's upper income bracket, driven largely by its role as a regional economic hub.

Leads the coastal county income race

New Hanover's $72,892 income outpaces nearby Onslow County ($64,568) and Pender County ($76,838), though Pender edges ahead by about $4,000. Among its eastern NC peers, only Orange County's research-driven economy yields higher median incomes in the region.

Housing remains affordable for most households

At a 22.1% rent-to-income ratio, New Hanover County sits just above the national affordability threshold, meaning most households comfortably cover housing costs. The median home value of $353,700 remains accessible relative to local incomes, supporting both renters and homeowners.

Build long-term wealth through strategic planning

With solid median incomes and manageable housing costs, New Hanover households have room to invest in retirement accounts, education, and property ownership. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize employer benefits and investment opportunities unique to the county's growing sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in New Hanover County

via HealthByCounty

New Hanover leads the state on longevity

At 77.6 years, New Hanover County's life expectancy outpaces the national average of 76.4 years and significantly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years. Just 13.5% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.1%. These numbers suggest New Hanover residents are living longer, healthier lives than most of their peers nationwide.

Ranked among North Carolina's healthiest counties

New Hanover ranks in the top tier for life expectancy within North Carolina, beating the state average by 3.2 years. Its uninsured rate of 10.9% sits just below the state average of 12.5%, giving most residents access to healthcare coverage. This combination of strong health outcomes and broad coverage reflects consistent investment in health infrastructure.

Primary care far exceeds regional peers

New Hanover boasts 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the regional average and among the highest in the state. Mental health capacity is equally strong at 592 providers per 100,000, offering residents robust access to both preventive and behavioral health services. Nearby counties like Pender (33 primary care providers per 100K) and Onslow (31 per 100K) lag significantly behind.

Strong provider network supports high access

With one of the state's highest concentrations of healthcare professionals, New Hanover residents can typically access both primary and mental health care without long delays or travel burdens. The 10.9% uninsured rate means roughly 89% of residents have coverage, reducing barriers to routine and emergency care. This infrastructure supports the county's standout health outcomes.

Nine out of ten New Hanover residents have coverage

If you're among the 10.9% of New Hanover residents without health insurance, coverage options exist—from employer plans to marketplace options on HealthCare.gov. Visit ncdhhs.gov or call 211 to learn about Medicaid eligibility, tax credits, and local enrollment assistance. Taking this step connects you to the strong healthcare network that makes New Hanover a health leader.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in New Hanover County

via RiskByCounty

New Hanover's disaster risk ranks high nationally

With a composite risk score of 96.12, New Hanover County faces significantly elevated natural disaster risk compared to the nation's average. This 'Relatively High' rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that threaten homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the county.

Top-tier risk in North Carolina

New Hanover's score of 96.12 towers above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it among the highest-risk counties in the state. Coastal location and low elevation expose the county to hazards that most inland North Carolina communities rarely face.

Riskier than nearby Pender and Onslow

New Hanover (96.12) carries slightly more total risk than neighboring Onslow County (94.97) and Pender County (86.93), though all three coastal counties share similar hurricane and flood vulnerabilities. These three form a high-risk coastal corridor where storm surge and flooding pose persistent threats.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats

New Hanover's hurricane risk score of 99.12 is among the highest possible, with tropical storms regularly bringing dangerous winds and storm surge to the coast. Tornado risk of 90.36 and flood risk of 89.89 add additional layers of hazard that can strike with little warning.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood and wind damage; New Hanover residents should secure standalone flood insurance and verify hurricane deductibles (often 5–10% of home value) with their insurer. Consider reinforcing doors, windows, and roof attachments to withstand high winds while keeping emergency supplies accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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