CountyScore

Northampton County

North Carolina · NC

#56 in North Carolina
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Northampton County, North Carolina

Northampton far exceeds national livability baseline

Northampton County's composite score of 69.4 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing counties across the country. The county's strength lies in exceptional housing affordability, with median home values under $105,000 and rents at just $749/month—far below national norms.

Slightly below state average, with trade-offs

At 69.4, Northampton ranks below North Carolina's 72.7 state average, positioning it in the middle range of the state's 100 counties. This score reflects a classic rural trade-off: rock-bottom housing costs offset by lower median incomes ($47,935) and higher effective tax rates (1.206%).

Unmatched affordability in the state

Northampton's cost score of 83.8 is exceptional, with the lowest median home value ($102,200) and lowest median rent ($749/month) among these eight counties. For budget-constrained families and retirees living on fixed incomes, these prices are a game-changer.

Income and tax burdens need attention

The income score of 14.7 is critically low, and the effective tax rate of 1.206% is the highest among these counties, eating into already modest household earnings. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available to paint a complete picture.

Best for retirees and minimal-budget living

Northampton is perfect for retirees, fixed-income households, and anyone prioritizing maximum housing affordability over job opportunities or services. If you can work remotely or are leaving the workforce, this county stretches dollars further than almost anywhere else.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.4Cost83.8SafetyComing SoonHealth62SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.7Risk55.8WaterComing Soon
🏛68.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.8
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 Northampton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407

Deep Dives

Northampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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