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Perquimans County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#39 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.1
County Score
Property Tax 71.7Weather & Climate 66.2Disaster Risk 62.4

County Report Card

About Perquimans County, North Carolina

Approaching National Median Scores

Perquimans County earns a 46.1, placing it slightly under the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid baseline of livability for its region.

Above the State Average

The county's 46.1 score is higher than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This indicates it is a stronger performer than many other rural counties in the state.

Low Taxes and Resilience

A tax score of 71.7 and a risk score of 62.4 are the county's primary strengths. Residents enjoy a low 0.622% tax rate and better environmental stability than many neighbors.

Cost and Income Gaps

The cost score of 26.9 and income score of 42.8 reflect a financial squeeze for some. With a median income of $61,224, the housing market remains a challenge for the local workforce.

A Low-Tax Coastal Retreat

Perquimans is an excellent choice for retirees or those looking to minimize their tax burden in a stable environment. It is a reliable option for people seeking safety from coastal risks.

2040608010071.726.942.54544.842.862.447.266.2Tax71.7Cost26.9Safety42.5Health45Schools44.8Income42.8Risk62.4Water47.2Weather66.246.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Perquimans County DNA

Foverall

How Perquimans County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Perquimans County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (71.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (26.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.7+19.700000000000003
Cost
26.9-21.1
Safety
42.5-12.5
Health
45
Schools
44.8-9.200000000000003
Income
42.8-8.200000000000003
Risk
62.4+15.399999999999999
Water
47.2-10.799999999999997
Weather
66.2+10.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Perquimans County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$211,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,061/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$211,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,224/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.6

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 Perquimans County with Crawford County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Pasquotank County
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45.2
Chowan County
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48.1
Camden County
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Tyrrell County
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Washington County
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Deep Dives

Perquimans County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Perquimans County

via TaxByCounty

Perquimans taxes well below nation

Perquimans County's effective tax rate of 0.622% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.957%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,316 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting more modest home values of $211,600.

Among North Carolina's lowest rates

Perquimans' 0.622% effective rate ranks well below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's most tax-efficient counties. This favorable position supports homeowner affordability.

Lowest taxes in the eight-county region

Perquimans' 0.622% rate edges out all nearby counties, including New Hanover (0.587%) and Pamlico (0.599%), making it among the region's most tax-friendly options. The county offers solid value for property owners.

About $1,316 on median home

On Perquimans' median home value of $211,600, the 0.622% rate translates to roughly $1,316 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay around $1,488, while outright owners pay approximately $945.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even low-tax counties can have assessment errors that disadvantage homeowners, particularly if values have shifted. A review of your assessment ensures you're not overpaying on what should be a fair evaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perquimans County

via CostByCounty

Perquimans rent burden exceeds national norms

Perquimans County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, indicating that renters here dedicate more earnings to housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $61,224—$13,531 below the national median—the housing burden lands significantly harder than it does nationally.

Above state average but moderate rents

Perquimans County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6% by 2.2 percentage points, though its $1,061 median rent sits only 13% above the state median of $938. The affordability squeeze reflects a combination of moderate rents and below-average incomes.

Moderately priced rental in rural context

Perquimans's $1,061 median rent ranks among the lower tier, undercut only by Northampton ($749) and Pamlico ($909), positioning it favorably against Pasquotank ($1,146) and Onslow ($1,198). Despite rural character, Perquimans rents run measurably higher than other inland eastern counties.

Nearly balanced rent and ownership paths

Perquimans renters pay $1,061 monthly while homeowners face $1,004 on a median home value of $211,600, with ownership slightly cheaper—a rare inversion favoring buyers. Housing consumes roughly 21% of a $61,224 median income, leaving limited reserves for emergencies or major expenses.

Rural charm with above-average costs

Perquimans offers a quieter rural setting but with housing burdens exceeding state and national norms, making it best suited for those with stable income or remote work. Compare Perquimans against more affordable rural neighbors like Pamlico or Northampton if cost of living is your primary driver.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perquimans County

via IncomeByCounty

Perquimans falls modestly below national income

Perquimans County's median household income of $61,224 lags the national median of $74,755 by 18%, reflecting typical rural county economics. This places Perquimans in the lower-middle income tier nationally, consistent with northeastern North Carolina.

Matches North Carolina's state average exactly

Perquimans County's $61,224 median household income essentially equals the state average of $61,072, positioning it right at the statewide median. The county's agricultural and small-business economy generates stable, unremarkable income growth.

Nearly indistinguishable from regional peers

Perquimans's $61,224 income clusters tightly with Pamlico County ($61,624) and Pasquotank County ($63,912), making all three eastern counties economically similar. The significant income gap widens dramatically when comparing to New Hanover and Pender counties.

Excellent housing affordability enhances financial stability

Perquimans County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, and the median home value of $211,600 remains well within reach for median-income households. Housing affordability in Perquimans ranks among the region's best, supporting both renters and homeowners.

Leverage low housing costs to build savings

Perquimans households benefit from some of the region's lowest housing cost burdens, making consistent savings contributions achievable even at modest income levels. Starting with small, automated retirement and savings contributions creates momentum toward financial security and generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perquimans County

via CrimeByCounty

Perquimans County Exceeds Safety Norms

Perquimans County enjoys a high safety score of 97.9, well above the national norms. Its total crime rate of 1302.4 per 100K is about 45% lower than the national average.

Outperforming the State Average

The county is safer than the average North Carolina county, which has a safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1302.4 is also significantly better than the state average of 2050.0.

Tranquil Living in the Coastal Region

Perquimans maintains a peaceful profile with a violent crime rate of 291.1, lower than the state average of 330.7. It offers a quieter alternative to more densely populated neighboring counties.

Understanding Local Crime Numbers

Property crime sits at 1011.3 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 291.1. These numbers reflect a community where personal safety is the norm and property concerns are secondary.

Keeping Your Perquimans Home Safe

For residents in this serene county, home security systems provide an extra layer of comfort. Simple habits like locking doors and getting to know your neighbors help keep these crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Perquimans County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate and Personalized Rural Schools

Perquimans County maintains a focused educational system of just 4 public schools serving 1,665 students. This includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single district. The small number of schools ensures that the community remains deeply connected to its students.

Strong Graduation Success in a Small County

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. While per-pupil expenditure is modest at $6,346, the school score of 53.2 remains higher than the state average of 52.4. These results highlight a system that effectively prepares students for the future with efficient use of resources.

A Single Dedicated School District

Perquimans County Schools is the sole educational provider for all 1,665 students in the area. There are no charter schools, which keeps the community's focus and resources entirely within the traditional public school system. This unity fosters a strong sense of pride and shared purpose among local families.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

All four schools in Perquimans County are located in rural settings, offering a peaceful and safe atmosphere for students. The average school size is 416 students, ensuring that every child is more than just a number. Perquimans County High is the largest facility with 518 students, while Perquimans County Middle is the most intimate at 366.

Find Peace and High Standards in Perquimans

If you are looking for a home in a place where everyone knows your name, Perquimans County schools offer the perfect environment. The high graduation rate makes this rural county a smart choice for families seeking long-term stability. Explore the local real estate near these high-performing, close-knit schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perquimans County

via RiskByCounty

Perquimans ranks among the nation's safest

Perquimans County's composite risk score of 37.66 and 'Very Low' rating rank it well below the national average for natural disaster hazard. Inland location in northeastern North Carolina provides substantial protection from multiple threat types.

North Carolina's lowest-risk county profiled

At 37.66, Perquimans County is the safest of this regional group, scoring 29 points below the state average of 66.72. Distance from mountains, coast, and major flood corridors creates a favorable natural hazard profile.

Safest in the northeastern cluster

Perquimans (37.66) is the lowest-risk county among its northeastern peers: Pasquotank (58.68) and Northampton (44.21). Its combination of very low wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks distinguishes it as the region's safest community.

Hurricanes and flooding are the main hazards

Even in Perquimans, hurricane risk of 89.65 reflects exposure to Atlantic storms and tropical system remnants that reach inland areas. Flood risk of 52.20 reflects local creeks and streams that can overflow during heavy precipitation.

Standard precautions provide solid protection

Perquimans residents should maintain homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage for tropical storms and spring thunderstorms. Keep trees trimmed, secure roof attachments, and store important documents safely—the county's low overall risk means comprehensive disaster insurance may not require specialized add-ons for most properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Perquimans County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Below State Average

Perquimans County holds a Water Quality Grade of D, reflecting three health violations over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 20.5 per 100,000 residents is lower than the North Carolina average of 31.7. However, the Grade D indicates that improvements in water system management are needed.

Assessed Water Body Shows Healthy Results

During the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, one water body in Perquimans County was assessed and found to be unimpaired. This results in a 0.0% impairment rate for the portion of the county covered by the assessment. These findings suggest that the local watershed is currently meeting federal health standards.

Limited Monitoring Footprint with Key Data

Two monitoring sites in the county have recorded 761 measurements over the last five years. These sites primarily track physical properties, nutrients, and microbiological health. While the number of sites is small, they provide essential data on the status of the county's environmental waters.

Live Streamflow Gauging Not Available

Perquimans County does not have an active primary USGS streamgage reporting live discharge data. Without this real-time signal, residents should look to compliance and watershed health data to understand their water environment. Monitoring neighboring gauges may offer some insight into regional hydrologic trends.

Exercise Caution with Municipal Water Quality

The Grade D compliance rating suggests that residents should be proactive about water safety and stay informed about local violations. While the watershed appears healthy, the drinking water system shows signs of vulnerability. Consider using basic filtration and monitoring for any updates from local water authorities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Perquimans County

via SoilByCounty

Northeastern North Carolina's Acidic Soil

Perquimans County soils have an average pH of 5.02, making them more acidic than the state average of 5.14. This is substantially below the national median of 6.5. Without specific taxonomic data, the pH remains our primary indicator of the soil's chemical identity.

A Silt-Influenced Sandy Mix

The soil is composed of 61.4% sand, 22.9% silt, and 9.5% clay. The presence of silt helps give the soil more body and nutrient-holding capacity than pure sand. This mixture is generally easy to work and provides a good environment for root expansion.

Solid Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is healthy at 5.48%, slightly exceeding the state average of 5.12%. Available water capacity is 0.137 in/in, which is also just above the state mean. This suggests the soil is quite capable of supporting crops through varied weather conditions.

Steady Moisture in Lowland Soils

While drainage classifications are unavailable, the balanced AWC suggests that the soil holds moisture well without becoming immediately waterlogged. This is beneficial for local agriculture along the Perquimans River. Gardeners should ensure good surface drainage to keep roots healthy.

High Potential in Zone 8a

Zone 8a allows for a long growing season for everything from pecans to sweet potatoes. The soil score of 34.7 is higher than the North Carolina average, indicating a very productive local environment. Now is a great time to get outside and start your own garden plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perquimans County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Perquimans County

Perquimans County holds a lawn difficulty score of 34.0, which is typical for the coastal North Carolina region. Residents in this Zone 8a county find maintenance more taxing than the national median but comparable to neighboring areas.

Balanced Rain with Milder Heat

Annual precipitation of 48.9 inches falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. With 37 extreme heat days—slightly below the state average—turf escapes some of the most punishing temperatures found further south.

Sandy Soil and Low pH Levels

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.02, requiring soil tests and amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A 61.4% sand content helps with drainage, which is crucial for preventing root rot during heavy coastal rain events.

Drought Persistent but Manageable

While the county experienced 31 weeks in drought last year, it currently avoids Severe (D2+) status despite being 100.0% Abnormally Dry (D0). Maintaining a consistent watering schedule during the early morning is the most effective way to manage these dry spells.

Choosing the Best Turf

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the top recommendations for this Zone 8a climate. While local frost dates vary, the region typically supports active growth from late March through mid-November, providing a long window for lawn establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perquimans County's county score?
Perquimans County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 46.1 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 Perquimans County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Perquimans County ranks #39 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 Perquimans County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Perquimans County is $1,316, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Perquimans County a tax score of 71.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perquimans County?
The median household income in Perquimans County, North Carolina is $61,224 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perquimans County earns an income score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perquimans County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Perquimans County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Perquimans 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 Perquimans County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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