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Northampton County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#47 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
45
County Score
Cost of Living 69.8Weather & Climate 66.6Disaster Risk 55.8

County Report Card

About Northampton County, North Carolina

Competitive Rural Livability

Northampton County scores a 45.0, placing it within striking distance of the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile for a rural setting despite being slightly below the national center.

Above the State Average

With a composite score of 45.0, Northampton performs slightly better than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands out as a more resilient option among its regional peers.

Affordable Housing and Low Risk

Housing affordability is a major win here with a cost score of 69.8 and median home values of $102,200. Residents also benefit from a risk score of 55.8, indicating better environmental resilience than coastal neighbors.

Low Incomes and Higher Taxes

The income score is a low 10.9, reflecting a median household income of $47,935. A tax score of 25.4 also indicates a higher tax burden compared to other North Carolina counties.

Best for Budget-Conscious Stability

Northampton is an excellent fit for those seeking very affordable homeownership and a safe, low-risk environment. It appeals most to retirees or remote workers who do not rely on the local job market for high wages.

Score breakdown

Tax25.4Cost69.8Safety55.4Health29.8Schools38.2Income10.9Risk55.8Water39.4Weather66.6
🏛25.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨12.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.7
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

Northampton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Northampton County

via TaxByCounty

Northampton has highest regional tax rate

Northampton County's effective tax rate of 1.206% is significantly above the national median of 0.957%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. Despite this higher rate, the median property tax of $1,232 remains below the national median of $2,690 because home values are considerably lower.

Among North Carolina's highest rates

Northampton's 1.206% effective rate far exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's most heavily taxed counties. The median home value of $102,200 reflects the rural character of the county.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Northampton's 1.206% rate towers over nearby Pasquotank County (0.693%) and Perquimans County (0.622%), making it a regional outlier. This elevated rate substantially increases the tax burden on comparable properties across the region.

About $1,232 on median home

On Northampton's median home value of $102,200, residents pay roughly $1,232 in annual property taxes at the 1.206% rate. Those with mortgages typically pay around $1,396, while outright owners pay approximately $1,066.

Explore your assessment options

Given Northampton's elevated tax rate, a professional assessment review could prove valuable in reducing your tax liability. Many homeowners don't realize they can appeal their property assessments if values have declined or assessments appear inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northampton County

via CostByCounty

Northampton's bargain housing meets tight income

Northampton County achieves an impressive 18.8% rent-to-income ratio—nearly matching the national standard—despite having one of North Carolina's lowest median household incomes at $47,935, well below the national median of $74,755. This paradox reflects genuinely affordable rents ($749/month) in a county where wages lag significantly behind the national average.

Among North Carolina's most affordable rentals

Northampton County ranks among the state's most affordable by rent-to-income ratio at 18.8%, matching the state average of 18.6% despite a median rent of just $749—about 20% below the state median of $938. For budget-conscious renters, this county offers some of the most accessible housing in North Carolina.

Deepest discount in the eastern counties

Northampton's $749 median rent is the lowest among all eight surveyed counties, 44% cheaper than New Hanover and 18% below Pamlico County, the next-most affordable. This advantage comes with trade-offs: median income trails most neighbors, meaning the affordability gain depends on job availability.

Renting the cheapest way in the region

Northampton renters pay $749 monthly while homeowners face $736—an unusual reversal where owning slightly edges out renting on monthly costs for a $102,200 median home. At a $47,935 annual income, housing accounts for roughly 19% of earnings, leaving limited cushion for emergencies or savings.

Affordability here requires stable employment

Northampton delivers North Carolina's cheapest rents, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees with outside income. Local job seekers should research opportunities carefully, as the county's lower median income reflects limited wage growth compared to coastal and urban alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northampton County

via IncomeByCounty

Northampton's income gaps below national baseline

Northampton County's median household income of $47,935 trails the national median of $74,755 by 36%, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This significant gap reflects economic challenges common to rural northeastern North Carolina.

Ranks among North Carolina's lowest earners

Northampton County's $47,935 median household income falls 21% below the state average of $61,072, ranking it among the bottom tier of North Carolina's 100 counties. This income gap signals limited job opportunities and economic diversification in the area.

Struggles against all neighboring counties

Northampton's $47,935 income lags significantly behind nearby Edgecombe, Halifax, and Hertford counties, making it the weakest earner in its regional cluster. Even rural Perquimans County ($61,224) and Pasquotank County ($63,912) exceed Northampton by $13,000–$16,000 per household.

Housing remains manageable despite low incomes

Northampton County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing is proportionally affordable, though the median home value of $102,200 reflects lower property valuations overall. Low-income households still face budget pressures despite affordable housing, leaving limited resources for savings and emergencies.

Prioritize emergency savings and skill development

Northampton households should focus on building emergency funds and exploring income-growth opportunities through workforce training and education programs. Even small monthly savings contributions compound significantly over time, creating a financial safety net and path toward wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Northampton County

via CrimeByCounty

Northampton Boasts High National Safety Scores

Northampton County earns a remarkable safety score of 98.4, far surpassing the national average. Its total crime rate of 1015.5 per 100K is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5.

Among North Carolina’s Safest Counties

This county is exceptionally safe compared to its peers, with a total crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 2050.0. Its 98.4 safety score outperforms the North Carolina average of 96.8.

Low Crime Rates Define the Local Region

Northampton's total crime rate of 1015.5 is much lower than many surrounding regions in the state. Even with seven agencies reporting, the county maintains a level of safety envied by more populous areas.

A Closer Look at Local Offenses

Violent crime sits at 319.5 per 100K, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Property crime makes up 696.0 per 100K, reflecting a quiet rural landscape where serious incidents are rare.

Maintaining Safety in a Quiet Community

While the numbers are low, maintaining property security remains a smart habit for rural homeowners. Simple locks and neighborly vigilance go a long way in this high-safety environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Northampton County

via HealthByCounty

Northampton faces significant life expectancy gap

At 72.0 years, Northampton County's life expectancy falls 4.4 years below the national average of 76.4 years and trails North Carolina's state average by 2.4 years. More than one in five residents (22.5%) report poor or fair health—well above the national rate of 17.1%. These metrics signal persistent health challenges that demand targeted attention.

Among North Carolina's lowest life expectancy counties

Northampton ranks near the bottom of North Carolina counties for life expectancy, sitting 2.4 years below the state average of 74.4 years. Its 22.5% poor/fair health rate represents one of the state's highest disease burden rates. Despite these challenges, the uninsured rate of 10.2% is slightly better than the state average, suggesting coverage access alone doesn't explain the health disparities.

Severe provider shortage limits care access

Northampton has just 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—fewer than one-sixth the state's strong counties and a critical gap for a county of its size. Mental health provider availability at 96 per 100,000 is similarly constrained compared to regional centers like New Hanover (592 per 100K) or even smaller peers like Pasquotank (263 per 100K). These shortages force many residents to travel long distances for basic health services.

Healthcare desert limits daily health choices

Residents in Northampton often travel 30+ miles to reach specialists, delaying diagnosis and treatment for serious conditions. The combination of few primary care doctors and high rates of poor health suggests that even insured residents struggle to access quality preventive care. Emergency departments become the default care setting when prevention fails, driving worse outcomes.

Nearly all Northampton residents should have coverage

With only 10.2% uninsured, most Northampton residents have health plans—but coverage means little without accessible providers. If you lack coverage, visit ncdhhs.gov or call 211 to explore Medicaid or marketplace plans. Combined with local health departments and federally qualified health centers, coverage ensures you can access the healthcare that Northampton needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Northampton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small, Focused Rural School System

Northampton County operates 6 public schools that serve a total of 2,406 students. The landscape consists of 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 2 specialized learning centers. This compact infrastructure ensures a localized approach to education across the county's two districts.

Higher Per-Pupil Investment in Local Students

The county invests $7,824 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the North Carolina state average of $6,969. Although the graduation rate of 82.9% trails the state average of 88.0%, the school score of 51.6 remains close to the state median. These figures reflect a dedicated financial commitment to improving student outcomes in a rural setting.

A Balance of Traditional and Charter Education

The student population is split almost evenly between Northampton County Schools and the KIPP Gaston College Preparatory charter. KIPP Gaston serves 1,286 students in a single K-12 facility, representing nearly 17% of the county's school options. This dual-district structure provides families with distinct paths for their children’s education.

The Quiet Charm of Rural Classrooms

Education here feels personal, with four rural schools and two schools in town settings. While KIPP Gaston is the largest at 1,286 students, traditional schools like Northampton County High are much smaller, serving just 240 students. The average school size across the county is 401 students, fostering a close-knit community feel.

Invest in a Community Focused on Growth

Northampton County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking a rural lifestyle with significant per-pupil educational investment. Consider how the local schools and the KIPP Gaston charter impact your home search. Finding the right home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northampton County

via RiskByCounty

Northampton's risk is below the nation's

Northampton County's composite risk score of 44.21 and 'Relatively Low' rating place it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This positioning reflects the county's inland location, away from the most severe Atlantic hurricane and coastal flood zones.

Safer than most North Carolina counties

At 44.21, Northampton County scores substantially below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking among the lower-risk counties in the state. Geographic distance from the coast and mountains limits exposure to hurricanes, high-wind tornadoes, and major flooding events.

Safer than Pasquotank and Perquimans

Northampton (44.21) is safer than neighboring Pasquotank County (58.68) but comparable to Perquimans County (37.66), the region's lowest-risk jurisdiction. These inland northeastern counties collectively face fewer compound hazards than their coastal counterparts.

Hurricanes and tornadoes remain concerns

Although inland, Northampton still faces hurricane risk of 84.61, the remnants of Atlantic storms reaching inland areas with flooding and damaging winds. Tornado risk of 54.74 reflects typical springtime severe weather patterns common across eastern North Carolina.

Maintain baseline hurricane and storm readiness

While overall risk is lower, Northampton residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers wind and hail from thunderstorms and tropical system remnants. A basic emergency preparedness kit, secure roof attachments, and trimmed trees near structures provide practical protection against spring and summer storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Northampton County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth with a Cooler Edge

Northampton County averages 59.0°F, remaining warmer than the national median but cooler than its coastal neighbors. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with more distinct seasonal shifts.

Slightly Below the North Carolina Average

Northampton is a rare example of a coastal plain county that sits below the state average of 59.3°F. It represents the cooler, northern boundary of North Carolina's climate zones.

Cooler Winters Than Coastal Pasquotank

The county's January average of 39.5°F is colder than Pasquotank’s 43.0°F. While neighbors to the south see almost no snow, Northampton averages a notable 5.0 inches.

The Region’s Snow Capital with Steady Heat

Northampton leads this group with 5.0 inches of annual snow, though it still sees 43 days of 90-degree heat. July temperatures average a warm 78.7°F.

Prepare for Both Heat and Occasional Snow

Unlike its neighbors, Northampton requires snow removal tools for its 5-inch annual average. Dual-season HVAC systems are critical to handle the wide swing between winter lows and summer peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Northampton County

via SoilByCounty

Northampton's Highly Acidic Soil Profile

Northampton County features a pH of 5.05, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.14 and far below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, this high acidity level characterizes much of the local landscape. Farmers often need lime treatments to balance the soil for traditional crops.

A Sandy Loam Foundation

The soil composition is 63.8% sand, 21.5% silt, and 14.8% clay. This mix provides a decent balance of workability and structural integrity. The clay content is higher than some coastal neighbors, offering slightly better nutrient retention.

Below Average Organic Matter

Organic matter levels sit at 1.53%, falling below both the state average of 5.12% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is also slightly lower than the state mean. This suggests a need for soil amendments to boost long-term productivity.

Moderate Drainage Potential

Though specific drainage classifications are not in the current dataset, the 63.8% sand content typically allows for moderate water movement. This texture helps prevent surface ponding but may require careful nitrogen management to prevent leaching. It provides a stable base for most rural construction projects.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, Northampton is well-suited for cotton, peanuts, and various hardwood trees. While the overall soil score of 12.9 is low, focused fertilization can yield impressive results. Start your garden today and watch these resilient coastal plain plants thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Northampton County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Northampton's Lawn Hurdles

Northampton County scores a 36.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, indicating a tougher maintenance environment than the state average of 40.8. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 8a, the area presents unique challenges compared to the national median score of 50.0.

Optimal Rainfall with Significant Heat

The county averages 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns perfectly with the upper end of the ideal 30-50 inch range. However, 43 extreme heat days and 4479 growing degree days mean turf must be resilient enough to handle temperatures consistently above 90°F.

Highly Acidic Soil Needs Care

A soil pH of 5.05 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock essential nutrients. The soil is composed of 63.8% sand and 14.8% clay, creating a foundation that balances drainage with some moisture retention.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

The county has spent 29 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area currently experiences Severe (D2+) drought levels. Prioritize watering deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to grow deeper where the soil remains cooler.

Planting for the 8a Zone

Centipede and Zoysia are excellent choices for Northampton's climate, offering a balance of heat tolerance and winter hardiness. Plan your seeding or sodding projects between the last spring frost on April 5 and the first fall frost on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northampton County's county score?
Northampton County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45 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 Northampton County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Northampton County ranks #47 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 Northampton County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Northampton County is $1,232, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Northampton County a tax score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northampton County?
The median household income in Northampton County, North Carolina is $47,935 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northampton County earns an income score of 10.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northampton County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Northampton County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Northampton 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 Northampton County with other counties side by side.

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