countyscore

Pender County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#43 in North Carolina
45.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.9Property Tax 68.4Weather & Climate 58.8

County Report Card

About Pender County, North Carolina

Below the National Benchmark

Pender County scores a 44.9, which is about five points lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong earning potential and significant infrastructure needs.

Matches the State Average

Pender County's 44.9 score is nearly identical to the North Carolina average of 44.7. It serves as a representative example of a typical coastal-adjacent North Carolina community.

High Incomes and Moderate Taxes

Pender excels in income with a score of 79.7, driven by a $76,838 median household income. It also maintains a tax score of 63.7, keeping more money in residents' pockets.

Environmental and Water Risks

The county struggles with a water score of 19.8 and a risk score of 13.1. These low numbers suggest that residents face higher environmental vulnerabilities and infrastructure challenges.

Best for Coastal Earners

This county suits professionals who work in nearby urban hubs but want a home with high earning potential and lower taxes. It is best for those prepared to navigate coastal environmental risks.

2040608010068.420.54849.549.881.913.119.858.8Tax68.4Cost20.5Safety48Health49.5Schools49.8Income81.9Risk13.1Water19.8Weather58.845.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Pender County DNA

Foverall

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

Pender County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (19.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.4+16.400000000000006
Cost
20.5-27.5
Safety
48
Health
49.5
Schools
49.8
Income
81.9+30.900000000000006
Risk
13.1-33.9
Water
19.8-38.2
Weather
58.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Pender County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$299,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,106/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$299,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,396/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.1

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Pender County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pender County

via TaxByCounty

Pender below national tax median

Pender County's effective tax rate of 0.696% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.957%, landing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,858 represents about 31% below the national median of $2,690, despite home values of $267,100 being closer to the national average.

Slightly below state average

Pender's 0.696% effective rate is virtually aligned with North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it representative of statewide tax conditions. The rate offers reasonable value for property owners.

Moderate taxes among coastal counties

Pender's 0.696% rate sits comfortably between Onslow County (0.652%) and Pasquotank (0.693%), making it competitive within the coastal region. The county maintains a balanced position among its neighbors.

About $1,858 on median home

On Pender's median home value of $267,100, the 0.696% rate yields roughly $1,858 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $2,105, while those without pay approximately $1,395.

Challenge inflated assessments

Many Pender County homeowners may be overpaying due to outdated or inaccurate assessments, particularly if property values have declined. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could recover hundreds in annual tax savings.

Income & Jobs in Pender County

via IncomeByCounty

Pender's income matches national standards

Pender County's median household income of $76,838 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 2.8%, placing it slightly above the American average. This positions Pender among the upper-middle tier of counties nationally.

Ranks among North Carolina's top earners

Pender County's $76,838 median household income surpasses the state average of $61,072 by 26%, making it one of North Carolina's stronger-earning counties. The county's proximity to Wilmington and growing suburban development drive above-average incomes.

Leads eastern counties outside Chapel Hill region

Pender County's $76,838 income edges out New Hanover County ($72,892) and substantially exceeds all other eastern NC peers tracked here. Only Orange County's research economy surpasses Pender's income levels in this regional comparison.

Housing remains affordable despite strong incomes

Pender County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio represents the region's best affordability-to-income balance, among the lowest in the eight-county comparison. The median home value of $267,100 remains accessible, allowing households to build homeownership equity.

Invest surplus income in long-term security

Pender County households enjoy both solid incomes and exceptional housing affordability, creating substantial opportunity for wealth building beyond basic needs. Consider expanding investment portfolios, pursuing homeownership, and maximizing retirement contributions to leverage this favorable economic position.

Safety in Pender County

via CrimeByCounty

Pender County’s Strong National Standing

Pender County's safety score of 98.2 reflects a very secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1164.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in North Carolina

The county outperforms the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8 by a healthy margin. Its total crime rate is also nearly 900 points lower than the state average of 2050.0.

Pender Offers a Secure Regional Alternative

Pender is significantly safer than neighboring New Hanover, which has a total crime rate of 2542.8. Residents here enjoy a violent crime rate of only 180.2, well below the national mark.

Low Risk for Serious Incidents

Property crime accounts for 983.9 per 100K, while violent crime remains quite rare at 180.2. In practical terms, this means most residents will never experience a serious crime.

Simple Habits for Pender Homeowners

Maintaining this safe environment is easy with basic property upkeep and home security. Using smart locks and keeping valuables out of sight helps deter the low-level property crimes that occur.

Weather & Climate in Pender County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Coastal Climate Above National Norms

Pender County maintains an annual average temperature of 62.1°F, placing it well above the national median. This subtropical climate reflects the consistent warmth found across the American Southeast.

Warmer and Wetter Than the North Carolina Average

The county's 62.1°F average temperature exceeds the state average of 59.3°F. With 55.9 inches of annual rainfall, Pender is significantly wetter than the typical North Carolina county average of 51.5 inches.

Coastal Humidity Shared with Eastern Neighbors

Pender matches Pitt County's 62.1°F average temperature but receives more rain than its inland neighbor. Its 55.9-inch precipitation total highlights the high-moisture environment characteristic of the coastal plain.

Hot Humid Summers and Barely Any Snow

Summers bring 51 days of extreme heat over 90°F and a July average of 79.7°F. Winters stay very mild with a January average of 44.0°F and less than an inch of annual snowfall.

Prepare for High Humidity and Heavy Rainfall

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the 51 days of extreme summer heat. Given the 55.9 inches of annual rain, reliable drainage and moisture control are essential for home maintenance.

Soil Quality in Pender County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Coastal Plain Acidity

Pender County has a pH of 5.24, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.14. Taxonomic data is currently missing, but the acidity level is typical for this part of the country. It remains significantly more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5.

Sandy Soil for Easy Working

The county's soil is 65.8% sand, 20.4% silt, and 8.8% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground very easy to till and work with by hand. However, the low clay content means the soil has less natural ability to store nutrients over time.

Moderate Organic Matter and Retention

Organic matter levels sit at 4.90%, which is very close to the state average but much higher than the national 2.0%. Available water capacity is 0.119 in/in, indicating moderate drought resistance. It is a solid, productive soil that benefits from regular mulching.

Permeable Coastal Hydrology

While the specific drainage class is not available, the high sand content ensures that water moves through the profile efficiently. This helps prevent standing water after the heavy rains common in coastal North Carolina. Proper irrigation planning will help maintain moisture during dry periods.

Coastal Versatility in Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, Pender County is a prime location for strawberries, blueberries, and coastal pines. The soil score of 33.5 is comfortably above the state average, showing good relative health. Whether you're farming or gardening, this soil provides a great start for your green thumb.

Lawn Care in Pender County

via LawnByCounty

Pender County's Demanding Turf Scene

Pender County presents a tough environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 27.8. This Zone 8b county is considerably more challenging for homeowners than the state average of 40.8 or the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Plenty of Rain

The county endures 51 extreme heat days annually, coupled with 55.9 inches of rain that exceeds the ideal range. With 5182 growing degree days, the climate pushes grass to grow rapidly while simultaneously testing its heat tolerance.

Acidic Sand Requires Attention

A soil pH of 5.24 is well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning nutrient uptake will be limited without lime. The 65.8% sand and 8.8% clay composition ensures fast drainage but may require more frequent watering during the height of summer.

100% Severe Drought Coverage

The county is currently entirely under Severe (D2+) drought conditions and has faced 31 weeks of drought over the past year. Use drought-resistant practices, such as leaving grass clippings to act as a natural mulch, to protect your lawn's root system.

Coastal Favorites for 8b Success

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are the most resilient options for Pender's specific climate conditions. The best time to start your lawn is after the March 27 last frost, giving it months to establish before the November 8 first frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pender County's county score?
Pender County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Pender County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Pender County ranks #43 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 Pender County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Pender County is $1,883, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Pender County a tax score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pender County?
The median household income in Pender County, North Carolina is $80,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pender County earns an income score of 81.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pender County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Pender County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Pender 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 Pender County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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