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Onslow County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#68 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.3
County Score
Property Tax 67.9Weather & Climate 59.9Income & Jobs 57.8

County Report Card

About Onslow County, North Carolina

Livability Below National Median

Onslow County carries a composite score of 39.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. High environmental risks and costs relative to income pull the overall ranking downward.

Ranks Below State Average

The county's 39.3 score is lower than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It faces steeper challenges than many of its neighbors, particularly in safety and risk categories.

Tax Breaks and Water Quality

The county excels in tax policy with a score of 68.3 and an effective tax rate of only 0.652%. It also maintains a respectable water score of 55.7, ensuring reliable utility quality for residents.

Coastal Risks and High Costs

A risk score of 5.0 highlights significant vulnerability to natural disasters and coastal hazards. Affordable housing is also a struggle, as shown by a cost score of 16.8 and median rents of $1,198.

Suits Military Families and Low-Tax Seekers

Onslow is best for military families or residents who value low property taxes and good water infrastructure. It requires a lifestyle that can tolerate higher environmental risks and a more expensive rental market.

2040608010067.915.925.251.644.257.8555.759.9Tax67.9Cost15.9Safety25.2Health51.6Schools44.2Income57.8Risk5Water55.7Weather59.939.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Onslow County DNA

Foverall

How Onslow County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Onslow County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (5/100), though Property Tax (67.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.9+15.900000000000006
Cost
15.9-32.1
Safety
25.2-29.8
Health
51.6
Schools
44.2-9.799999999999997
Income
57.8
Risk
5-42
Water
55.7
Weather
59.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Onslow County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$236,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,265/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$236,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,148/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Compare Onslow County with Bent County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Jones County
North Carolina
59.8
Craven County
North Carolina
38
Duplin County
North Carolina
36.5
Pender County
North Carolina
45.8
Lenoir County
North Carolina
38.2
Carteret County
North Carolina
44.1
New Hanover County
North Carolina
40
Pamlico County
North Carolina
55.8

Deep Dives

Onslow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Onslow County

via TaxByCounty

Onslow slightly below national average

Onslow County's effective tax rate of 0.652% sits marginally below the national median of 0.957%, landing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,431 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, reflecting more modest home values of $219,500.

Moderate North Carolina tax burden

Onslow's 0.652% effective rate is slightly below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county within the state. This balance keeps costs reasonable relative to property values.

Middle ground among coastal peers

Onslow's 0.652% rate sits between New Hanover (0.587%) and Pender County (0.696%), making it a reasonable option in the coastal region. The county offers competitive property taxes compared to nearby alternatives.

About $1,431 on median home

On Onslow's median home value of $219,500, the 0.652% rate yields roughly $1,431 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,451, while those without pay approximately $1,358.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Even moderate-tax counties can have assessment errors—homes may be overvalued relative to current market conditions. An assessment appeal could identify savings if your property's value has dropped or was initially overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Onslow County

via IncomeByCounty

Onslow's income moderately trails national average

Onslow County's median household income of $64,568 falls 13.7% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a below-average but not severely struggling economic position. The county's income profile places it in the lower-middle range of American counties.

Ranks in North Carolina's middle-lower tier

Onslow County's $64,568 median household income exceeds the state average of $61,072 by about 6%, ranking it slightly above the state median. However, this modest advantage masks uneven income distribution across the county's military and civilian sectors.

Trails wealthier coastal peers

Onslow County's $64,568 income falls short of New Hanover County ($72,892) and Pender County ($76,838), though it exceeds inland peers like Pamlico County ($61,624). The military presence in Jacksonville influences the county's overall income profile, creating distinct economic zones.

Housing costs edge toward affordability concerns

At a 22.3% rent-to-income ratio, Onslow County sits at the threshold of housing affordability stress, just above recommended limits. The median home value of $219,500 remains relatively accessible, but renters face tighter margins in their household budgets.

Leverage military and civilian employment benefits

Onslow households, particularly those with military connections, should maximize retirement savings options like TSP accounts and veterans' benefits programs. Diversifying income sources and investing in homeownership can build equity and long-term wealth despite moderate median incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Onslow County

via CrimeByCounty

Onslow Outperforms National Safety Standards

Onslow County presents a strong safety score of 97.1, indicating a secure environment for residents and visitors. Its total crime rate of 1848.4 per 100K remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the State Safety Benchmark

The county outperforms the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1848.4 is also notably lower than the state's typical 2050.0 per 100K.

A Safer Alternative in the Coastal Region

Onslow's violent crime rate of 226.8 is significantly lower than New Hanover’s 348.5. This makes the county one of the safer coastal-adjacent options for families and military personnel alike.

Focusing on Property Crime Data

Property crime is the main contributor to the local rate at 1621.6 per 100K. Violent crime is notably low, representing a much safer profile than the national average of 369.8.

Smart Security for Onslow Residents

Securing windows and doors is the best defense against property theft, the county's primary concern. Modern security cameras can provide an extra layer of protection for residents in this growing area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Onslow County

via WeatherByCounty

Onslow County’s Warm Maritime Environment

Onslow's 61.9°F average temperature puts it well above the national median for comfort. The county enjoys a maritime climate with moderated but humid conditions.

Exceeding North Carolina’s Temperature Baseline

At 61.9°F, Onslow is significantly warmer than the state average of 59.3°F. It ranks as one of the state's prime coastal climate zones.

Drier but Similar Temperature to New Hanover

Onslow averages 57.8 inches of rain, which is high but still less than New Hanover's 62.9 inches. Both counties experience 52 days of extreme heat per year.

Rainy Summers and Mild Coastal Winters

Onslow receives 57.8 inches of annual precipitation, largely during the hot summer months. Snow is a rarity, averaging only 0.6 inches while January stays mild at 44.0°F.

Invest in High-Volume Storm Drainage

With nearly 58 inches of rain, gutter maintenance and drainage are top priorities for homeowners. Prepare for 52 days of 90-degree weather with efficient home cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Onslow County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Coastal Acidity Levels

Onslow's average pH of 5.17 is almost identical to the North Carolina average of 5.14. While taxonomic data remains unspecified, this level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the pine-heavy ecosystems found along the coast.

Dominated by Coastal Sands

The soil is highly sandy at 73.7%, with 14.8% silt and 9.0% clay making up the rest. This creates a loose, easy-to-dig texture that is common in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Such high sand content allows for excellent air circulation around plant roots.

Rich in Organic Matter

Onslow boasts an organic matter content of 6.10%, surpassing the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.110 in/in is lower than the state mean of 0.134 in/in. This means the soil is fertile but loses moisture relatively quickly during the summer heat.

Managing Rapid Water Flow

Official drainage classes are currently missing from the data, but a 73.7% sand ratio generally implies rapid drainage. Gardeners should watch for quick drying, while builders generally enjoy the stability of these sandy deposits. Proper drainage planning is essential for any local development.

Coastal Blooms in Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, Onslow County is ideal for blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving species. The soil score of 33.3 indicates a solid foundation that outperforms the state average. Now is the perfect time to plant your coastal garden and enjoy the long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Onslow County

via LawnByCounty

Onslow's High-Difficulty Lawn Landscape

With a lawn difficulty score of 27.6, Onslow County is one of the more challenging places in North Carolina to maintain a lush yard. This Zone 8b county falls well short of the state average score of 40.8 and the national benchmark of 50.0.

Intense Heat and Heavy Precipitation

The region sees 52 extreme heat days and 57.8 inches of rain annually, creating a steamy environment that stresses many grass varieties. These conditions favor rapid growth during the summer, requiring a frequent mowing schedule to prevent the turf from becoming unmanageable.

Acidic Sands Demand Amendments

The soil pH of 5.17 is quite acidic, suggesting most lawns will need regular lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. With a high sand content of 73.7%, nutrients can leach away quickly, so homeowners should consider slow-release fertilizers.

Responding to Severe Water Stress

Despite high annual rain, 91.4% of Onslow County currently sits in Severe (D2+) drought, with 29 weeks of drought recorded this past year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture and provide a small buffer against these dry spells.

Summer Favorites for Onslow Lawns

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass thrive in the intense heat and humidity of Zone 8b. Wait until the soil warms after the April 5 last frost to plant, ensuring your lawn is established before the first frost arrives on November 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Onslow County's county score?
Onslow County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Onslow County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Onslow County ranks #68 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 Onslow County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Onslow County is $1,502, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Onslow County a tax score of 67.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Onslow County?
The median household income in Onslow County, North Carolina is $68,148 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Onslow County earns an income score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Onslow County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Onslow County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Onslow 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 Onslow 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.