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Pamlico County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#15 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.8
County Score
Schools 80Property Tax 77Cost of Living 65.3

County Report Card

About Pamlico County, North Carolina

Exceeding the National Median

Pamlico County earns an impressive composite score of 52.6, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This makes it a standout performer for overall livability on the national stage.

Top Performer in North Carolina

At 52.6, Pamlico is well above the state average of 44.7. It ranks as one of the most balanced counties in the state, offering high quality of life across several dimensions.

Elite Schools and Low Taxes

Pamlico shines with a school score of 80.0 and a tax score of 74.7. Families benefit from excellent education and a low effective tax rate of 0.599%.

Risk and Safety Concerns

Despite high scores elsewhere, a risk score of 27.6 and a safety score of 34.3 show room for improvement. These metrics reflect local vulnerabilities to environmental changes and regional safety trends.

Ideal for Educational Excellence

This county is a perfect match for families who prioritize public school quality and low taxes. It offers a rare combination of high livability and manageable housing costs for coastal NC.

204060801007765.334.339.88032.927.662.858.6Tax77Cost65.3Safety34.3Health39.8Schools80Income32.9Risk27.6Water62.8Weather58.655.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Pamlico County DNA

Foverall

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

Pamlico County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (80/100) but notably weak in Safety (34.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77+25
Cost
65.3+17.299999999999997
Safety
34.3-20.700000000000003
Health
39.8-10.200000000000003
Schools
80+26
Income
32.9-18.1
Risk
27.6-19.4
Water
62.8
Weather
58.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$216,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,717/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.5

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

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38
Beaufort County
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Deep Dives

Pamlico County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pamlico County

via TaxByCounty

Pamlico below national tax average

Pamlico County's effective tax rate of 0.599% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.957%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,257 is less than half the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values of $209,800.

Among North Carolina's lowest rates

Pamlico's 0.599% effective rate ranks well below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. This favorable environment supports affordability for homeowners.

Competitive coastal tax position

Pamlico's 0.599% rate rivals New Hanover (0.587%) as one of the region's lowest, while remaining below Pender County (0.696%) and Onslow (0.652%). The county offers solid tax value among coastal alternatives.

About $1,257 on median home

On Pamlico's median home value of $209,800, the 0.599% rate translates to roughly $1,257 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,389, while those without pay approximately $1,149.

Don't assume assessments are correct

Even in favorable tax environments, property assessments can contain errors or overstate values. A periodic review of your assessment ensures you're not paying more than your fair share.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pamlico County

via IncomeByCounty

Pamlico earns below national average

Pamlico County's median household income of $61,624 lags the national median of $74,755 by 17.5%, reflecting modest economic capacity. This positions Pamlico in the lower-middle income range nationally, typical of rural coastal counties.

Slightly edges North Carolina's average

Pamlico County's $61,624 median household income basically matches the state average of $61,072, placing it right at the median statewide. The county's economy relies heavily on fishing, agriculture, and small business, creating stable but limited income growth.

Middle of the pack among eastern peers

Pamlico's $61,624 income places it between Perquimans County ($61,224) and Pasquotank County ($63,912), making it representative of eastern North Carolina's coastal tier. New Hanover and Pender counties substantially outpace Pamlico, creating a clear coastal income gradient.

Housing among the most affordable in region

Pamlico County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio represents the region's best housing affordability, allowing households to dedicate minimal income to shelter. The median home value of $209,800 remains accessible for most working families, supporting homeownership.

Build stability through consistent saving habits

Pamlico households benefit from low housing costs, freeing up resources for emergency funds and retirement savings even at modest income levels. Small, regular contributions to savings accounts and employer retirement plans compound significantly over decades, creating long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pamlico County

via CrimeByCounty

Pamlico County Safety Scores Above Average

Pamlico County earns a safety score of 97.6, which is notably higher than the state average. Its total crime rate of 1526.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Coastal Haven Compared to the State

Compared to the North Carolina average of 2050.0, Pamlico is a very safe haven. Its safety score of 97.6 beats the state benchmark of 96.8.

Low Violent Crime Rates Near the Coast

The county sees a violent crime rate of 284.2, which is lower than both the national and state averages. This coastal community offers a more tranquil environment than its more urban neighbors.

Analyzing Property and Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 1242.2 per 100K, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime is relatively infrequent, meaning the risk to individuals remains low.

Protecting Your Waterfront Property

For those living in this waterfront community, securing outdoor gear and seasonal homes is a top priority. Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights are effective tools for maintaining this level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pamlico County

via WeatherByCounty

Pamlico’s Warm Water-Influenced Climate

The 62.5°F annual average in Pamlico County is roughly 10 degrees higher than the national median. This coastal climate is heavily influenced by the surrounding sounds and ocean.

A Top-Tier Warm County in NC

Pamlico ranks well above the 59.3°F state average, placing it in the warmest quartile of North Carolina counties. Its winter average of 47.0°F is remarkably high for the state.

Milder Winters Than Nearby Pasquotank

Pamlico’s winter average of 47.0°F is warmer than Pasquotank’s 44.9°F. It also receives nearly 10 inches more rain annually than its northern neighbor.

Wet Year-Round with Mildest Winters

Pamlico gets 57.8 inches of rain and almost no snow at 1.1 inches. The 48 days of extreme heat are tempered slightly by coastal breezes compared to inland counties.

Protect Against High Humidity and Rain

Frequent rain and high humidity make dehumidifiers and rain gear essential for residents. The 48 days of 90-degree heat necessitate consistent AC use throughout the long summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pamlico County

via SoilByCounty

Intense Acidity in Coastal Wetlands

Pamlico County has a very low pH of 4.83, making it one of the more acidic areas in the state. This is well below the national median of 6.5 and even trails the state average of 5.14. While taxonomic data is unavailable, these levels are typical for soils rich in decomposed organic matter.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

The composition consists of 65.2% sand, 23.1% silt, and 11.5% clay. This mix provides a good balance between drainage and the ability to hold onto necessary minerals. The presence of silt adds a smoothness to the texture that makes it distinct from pure beach sand.

Extremely High Organic Content

Organic matter is a massive 12.09%, more than double the state average and six times the national average. Available water capacity is also superior at 0.163 in/in. This makes for an incredibly fertile environment, though the high acidity must be managed.

Hydrated and Fertile Lowlands

With no specific drainage class data, we rely on the high 0.163 AWC to understand the hydrology. This soil stays wet much longer than typical North Carolina soils, which is great for moisture-loving plants. Ensure proper grading if you are planning to build or install a foundation.

Wetland Wonders in Zone 8b

Pamlico's Zone 8b climate and rich soils are perfect for blueberries and other bog-friendly crops. The impressive soil score of 46.1 reflects the county's high natural productivity compared to the state average. Dive into gardening and make the most of this nutrient-dense coastal soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pamlico County

via LawnByCounty

The State's Toughest Lawn Terrain

Pamlico County presents a major challenge with a lawn difficulty score of only 24.0, significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 40.8. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 8b environment requires more effort and resources than almost anywhere else in the state.

Sultry Summers and Heavy Rains

The local climate features 48 extreme heat days and a high annual precipitation of 57.8 inches. These 5255 growing degree days create a long, intense season where turf must fight off heat stress and excessive moisture simultaneously.

Extreme Acidity and Sandy Soil

With a soil pH of 4.83, the ground is highly acidic and requires significant amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The 65.2% sand content means nutrients wash away easily, so frequent, low-dose fertilization is often necessary.

Abnormally Dry but Managing Well

While 100.0% of the area is Abnormally Dry (D0), only 0.3% is in Severe (D2+) drought, a much better status than many inland counties. Still, the county recorded 30 weeks in drought over the last year, so consistent irrigation monitoring remains vital.

Resilient Grasses for Pamlico

Bermuda and Centipede grass are the most reliable performers for this coastal 8b climate. Start your lawn after the March 30 last frost to take advantage of the extended growing season that lasts until the first frost on November 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pamlico County's county score?
Pamlico County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 55.8 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 Pamlico County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Pamlico County ranks #15 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 Pamlico County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Pamlico County is $1,218, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Pamlico County a tax score of 77/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pamlico County?
The median household income in Pamlico County, North Carolina is $59,717 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pamlico County earns an income score of 32.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pamlico County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Pamlico County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Pamlico 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 Pamlico 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.