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New Hanover County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#66 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40
County Score
Property Tax 79.2Income & Jobs 73.6Health 69.4

County Report Card

About New Hanover County, North Carolina

Below the National Median

New Hanover County earns a composite score of 39.6, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. While it offers coastal appeal, its overall livability ranking is weighed down by environmental and affordability factors.

Trailing the North Carolina Average

The county's overall score of 39.6 sits below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It struggles to keep pace with the rest of the state due to specific challenges in housing costs and safety.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

Tax and income are bright spots, with scores of 75.8 and 73.7 respectively. Residents enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.587% and a strong median household income of $72,892.

Housing Costs and Coastal Risks

The cost score of 10.7 reflects expensive housing, with median rents reaching $1,343. Additionally, a risk score of 3.9 indicates high vulnerability to environmental hazards that impact long-term stability.

A Coastal Hub for High Earners

This county best suits high-earning professionals or retirees who can afford premium housing and value low property taxes. It is ideal for those who prioritize health services and water quality over absolute affordability.

2040608010079.210.312.969.437.173.63.969.353.6Tax79.2Cost10.3Safety12.9Health69.4Schools37.1Income73.6Risk3.9Water69.3Weather53.640/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

New Hanover County DNA

Foverall

How New Hanover County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

New Hanover County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (79.2/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (3.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.2+27.200000000000003
Cost
10.3-37.7
Safety
12.9-42.1
Health
69.4+19.400000000000006
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
73.6+22.599999999999994
Risk
3.9-43.1
Water
69.3+11.299999999999997
Weather
53.6
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Compare mortgage rates in New Hanover County

Whether buying or refinancing in New Hanover County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$387,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,417/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$387,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,166/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Pender County
North Carolina
45.8
Brunswick County
North Carolina
46
Columbus County
North Carolina
40.7
Onslow County
North Carolina
39.3
Bladen County
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39.3
Duplin County
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36.5
Jones County
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59.8
Sampson County
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Deep Dives

New Hanover County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in New Hanover County

via CrimeByCounty

New Hanover’s Safety Profile in National Perspective

New Hanover County maintains a safety score of 96.0, which reflects a secure environment despite local challenges. Its total crime rate of 2542.8 per 100K sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Coastal Safety to the State Average

The county's total crime rate exceeds the North Carolina average of 2050.0 per 100K. Its safety score of 96.0 falls just below the state average of 96.8, characterizing its status as a busy coastal hub.

New Hanover Leads Neighbors in Activity

Compared to neighboring Pender County's low rate of 1164.1, New Hanover sees more frequent law enforcement activity. However, its violent crime rate of 348.5 remains lower than the national average of 369.8.

Understanding Property vs. Violent Crime Trends

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 2194.3 per 100K. Violent crime remains relatively low at 348.5, meaning residents primarily deal with non-violent offenses like theft.

Securing Your Home in the Coastal Hub

Since property crime drives the local numbers, simple measures like outdoor lighting and alarm systems provide significant peace of mind. Staying informed about local trends helps residents keep their homes and belongings secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in New Hanover County

via WeatherByCounty

A Hot Coastal Exception to National Norms

New Hanover's annual average of 63.6°F is roughly 10 degrees higher than the national median. This maritime climate is defined by high humidity and significant annual rainfall.

One of North Carolina’s Warmest Counties

New Hanover sits far above the state average of 59.3°F, ranking it among the warmest locations in North Carolina. Its coastal position keeps winters much milder than the inland state average.

Warmer and Wetter Than Onslow Neighbors

The county is nearly two degrees warmer than neighboring Onslow County on average. It also receives 62.9 inches of rain, significantly outpacing the state average of 51.5 inches.

Tropical Summers and Virtually No Snow

July averages a sweltering 81.1°F, and the county sees 52 days of extreme heat annually. Snow is almost non-existent, with a yearly average of just 0.6 inches.

Manage High Humidity and Frequent Rain

Residents must plan for 62.9 inches of annual rain with reliable drainage and moisture control. Air conditioning is a necessity for the 52 days of 90-degree heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in New Hanover County

via SoilByCounty

New Hanover's Balanced Coastal pH

New Hanover's soils average a pH of 6.05, placing them much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.14. While taxonomic data is currently limited for this coastal area, the acidity levels are relatively mild for the region. This makes the soil versatile for a variety of landscaping and agricultural uses.

High Sand Content Drives Drainage

The soil is comprised of 72.9% sand, with 18.5% silt and only 8.7% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability and aeration for root systems. However, such a sandy mix typically loses nutrients faster than heavier clay soils.

Strong Organic Matter, Low Water Retention

Organic matter reaches 4.51%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.067 in/in, significantly trailing the state average of 0.134 in/in. Gardeners must prioritize consistent irrigation to keep plants hydrated.

Fast-Moving Coastal Hydrology

Standard drainage classes are not currently recorded, but the 72.9% sand profile suggests rapid drainage. This composition is ideal for avoiding root rot but requires careful management of runoff. Homebuilders should find the soil stable, provided they account for the rapid water movement.

Lush Gardening in Zone 8b

With a hardiness zone of 8b, New Hanover is perfect for growing heat-tolerant species like oleander, palmettos, and camellias. The soil score of 45.7 sits well above the state average of 29.4, indicating high relative potential. Grab your shovel and take advantage of this coastal growing environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in New Hanover County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Create Lawn Challenges

New Hanover County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.8, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, local homeowners face a environment that is more demanding than the North Carolina state average of 40.8.

High Humidity and Extreme Heat

The county receives 62.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal 30-50 inch range and often fuels fungal growth. With 52 extreme heat days and 5598 growing degree days, lawns require aggressive mowing and careful moisture management during the long summer.

Ideal pH Meets Sandy Ground

The soil pH of 6.05 hits the sweet spot for nutrient absorption, falling right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Because the soil is 72.9% sand, it drains rapidly, requiring residents to monitor moisture closely despite the high annual rainfall.

Severe Drought Despite High Rainfall

New Hanover has endured 26 weeks in drought over the past year, with 100.0% of the county currently facing Severe (D2+) conditions. To protect turf, use smart irrigation controllers and maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Seize the Coastal Growing Season

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda are best suited for this 8b climate and long growing window. Aim to establish new sod or seed after the last spring frost on March 20, ensuring deep roots take hold before the November 15 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Hanover County's county score?
New Hanover County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 40 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 New Hanover County rank among counties in North Carolina?
New Hanover County ranks #66 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 New Hanover County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in New Hanover County is $2,105, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns New Hanover County a tax score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in New Hanover County?
The median household income in New Hanover County, North Carolina is $75,166 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. New Hanover County earns an income score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is New Hanover County, North Carolina a good place to live?
New Hanover County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate New Hanover 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 New Hanover County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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