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Pender County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#48 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.7Property Tax 63.7Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax63.7Cost20.1Safety48Health49.5Schools49.8Income79.7Risk13.1Water19.8Weather58.8
🏛63.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.8
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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Nearby counties

New Hanover County
North Carolina
39.6
Bladen County
North Carolina
39.2
Brunswick County
North Carolina
45.9
Duplin County
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Columbus County
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Onslow County
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Sampson County
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Jones County
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Deep Dives

Pender County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pender County

via CostByCounty

Pender County delivers best regional affordability

Pender County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and nearly every peer in the region, delivering genuine housing relief despite a median household income of $76,838—just above the national median. With median rents of $1,072, Pender offers a rare combination of strong income and modest housing burden.

Below state average, strong income profile

Pender County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, and its $1,072 median rent is only 14% above the state median of $938. The county's median income of $76,838 exceeds most state peers, making Pender one of the region's most balanced markets.

Best value between coastal premium and rural discount

Pender's $1,072 median rent undercuts Orange ($1,387) and New Hanover ($1,343) by double digits while exceeding only Northampton ($749) and Pamlico ($909) among eight surveyed counties. With a median income exceeding most peers, Pender offers superior value for those seeking coastal proximity without premium pricing.

Ownership edge in Pender's balanced market

Pender renters spend $1,072 monthly while homeowners pay $1,215 on a median home value of $267,100, making ownership a long-term investment that builds equity faster. Housing consumes approximately 17% of a $76,838 median income, leaving substantial room for savings and financial flexibility.

Pender: the region's sweet spot

Pender County delivers the region's best combination of affordable rents, strong median income, and reasonable ownership costs, making it ideal for families and remote workers. If you're weighing coastal living against affordability, Pender offers the most balanced option in this eight-county comparison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pender County

via HealthByCounty

Pender's life expectancy approaches national average

At 75.7 years, Pender County's life expectancy sits 0.7 years below the national average of 76.4 years, placing it near the national middle. About 17.7% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 17.1%. Pender shows mixed health performance relative to national benchmarks.

Pender slightly outperforms the state average

At 75.7 years, Pender's life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's state average by 1.3 years, though its 17.7% poor/fair health rate sits just above the state midpoint. The uninsured rate of 11.7% is better than the state average of 12.5%, indicating residents have reasonable coverage access. Pender ranks in the state's upper-middle tier on health outcomes.

Limited primary care constrains growth

Pender has 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, similar to other eastern North Carolina rural counties but far below strong performers like New Hanover (92 per 100K). Mental health capacity at 164 per 100,000 offers moderate access but lags state leaders. Many residents must travel to New Hanover or other regional centers for specialty care.

Coverage exists, but provider access limits impact

Pender's 11.7% uninsured rate leaves about 88% of residents with some form of coverage, yet 17.7% still report poor health—suggesting access to available providers may be constrained. Rural location and limited specialists require residents to plan ahead for non-emergency care. Strengthening primary care and mental health infrastructure would amplify the benefit of existing coverage.

Insurance access supports Pender's progress

If you're among Pender's 11.7% uninsured residents, coverage is accessible through Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options. Visit ncdhhs.gov or call 211 to explore your eligibility and enroll. With coverage in place, work with local providers to establish preventive care and help lift Pender's health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pender County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Rural School District

Pender County operates a single, unified district with 19 public schools serving 10,941 students. The system is comprised of 9 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools, along with one specialized center. This streamlined structure ensures consistent educational standards from the coast to the inland countryside.

High Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

Pender County achieves an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. They reach this milestone with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,402, well below the state average. A school score of 53.8 further indicates that the county is delivering strong value for its educational investment.

One District, Ten Thousand Students

Pender County Schools manages all 10,941 students in the county, with no charter schools currently in operation. This single-district model allows for a centralized focus on student achievement and resource allocation. All students benefit from the same district-wide programs and community support.

Spacious Campuses in a Rural Setting

With 18 of its 19 schools located in rural areas, Pender County offers a truly scenic educational experience. The average school size is 576 students, but Topsail High stands out as a major hub with 1,777 students. This contrast provides both a large-school experience at the high school level and smaller, community-focused elementary schools.

Coastal Living and Strong School Success

Families looking for high graduation rates and a rural atmosphere will find Pender County highly attractive. Homes located near the Topsail and Surf City schools are especially popular due to their proximity to both quality education and the coast. Invest in a community where school performance is a proven priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pender County

via RiskByCounty

Pender County faces elevated disaster risk

Pender County's composite risk score of 86.93 and 'Relatively Moderate' rating indicate substantial natural disaster exposure above the national average. Coastal geography creates compounded hazards across multiple disaster types.

High-risk coastal county in North Carolina

Pender's 86.93 score exceeds the state average of 66.72 by 20 points, reflecting its position as one of North Carolina's most hazard-prone counties. Coastal and low-elevation locations amplify vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, and wildfire.

Slightly lower risk than New Hanover and Onslow

Pender County (86.93) forms part of the coastal high-risk corridor with New Hanover (96.12) and Onslow (94.97), though it ranks slightly lower overall. All three counties share nearly identical hurricane exposure and similar flood and wildfire vulnerabilities.

Hurricanes and wildfires drive Pender's risk

Pender's hurricane risk of 97.16 is near maximum, with coastal storm surge and inland wind damage affecting properties throughout the county. Wildfire risk of 86.93 creates additional seasonal danger, especially during dry periods.

Ensure comprehensive multi-hazard insurance

Pender County homeowners should obtain both flood insurance and confirm that standard policies include hurricane wind coverage with appropriate deductibles. Reinforce roof attachments, consider impact-resistant windows, and maintain defensible space to reduce wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pender County's county score?
Pender County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 44.9 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 #48 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 $1,858, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Pender County a tax score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pender County?
The median household income in Pender County, North Carolina is $76,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pender County earns an income score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pender County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Pender County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 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.

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