countyscore

Person County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#54 in North Carolina
43
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 69.3Weather & Climate 68.3

County Report Card

About Person County, North Carolina

Near the National Middle Ground

Person County earns a composite score of 44.5, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that tracks closely with broad national trends in livability.

An Average North Carolina Performer

The county's 44.5 composite score sits almost exactly at the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It serves as a representative snapshot of the typical North Carolina living experience.

Superior Water Quality and Low Taxes

The county excels with a water score of 86.0 and a tax score of 66.6, supported by a low 0.668% effective tax rate. Residents benefit from a median household income of $64,927 and a manageable median home value of $192,800.

Room for Improvement in Public Safety

Safety and school dimensions are the primary areas for growth, scoring 23.0 and 30.4 respectively. Community leaders have opportunities to enhance educational outcomes and local security to bolster the overall index.

Ideal for Practical, Cost-Conscious Families

This county suits families looking for a low-tax environment with reliable infrastructure. The combination of affordable housing and decent income makes it a stable choice for middle-market buyers.

2040608010069.342.62338.630.443.758.58668.3Tax69.3Cost42.6Safety23Health38.6Schools30.4Income43.7Risk58.5Water86Weather68.343/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Person County DNA

Foverall

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

Person County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (23/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.3+17.299999999999997
Cost
42.6
Safety
23-32
Health
38.6-11.399999999999999
Schools
30.4-23.6
Income
43.7
Risk
58.5+11.5
Water
86+28
Weather
68.3+12.299999999999997
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Person County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$213,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$864/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$213,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,300/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Person County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Person County

via TaxByCounty

Person County taxes rank low nationally

Person County's effective tax rate of 0.668% sits well below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.75%, putting it in the bottom half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $1,288 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—less than half what typical American homeowners pay.

Below average in North Carolina

Person County's 0.668% effective rate falls below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, ranking it among the lower-tax counties in the state. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,288 versus the state median of $1,433, saving roughly $145 per year.

Cheaper than most nearby counties

Person County's tax burden is lower than neighboring Pitt County (0.849%) and Rockingham County (0.788%), though Rowan County (0.653%) edges it out as slightly more affordable. Among the region's eight counties studied, Person ranks in the middle—less taxed than higher-burden neighbors but not the lowest overall.

Median home tax runs $1,288 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued house in Person County ($192,800) pays approximately $1,288 in annual property taxes. Mortgage payers in the county pay slightly more at $1,300 annually, while those without mortgages pay $1,246.

Check if you're overassessed today

Many North Carolina homeowners—including those in Person County—discover their properties are assessed above market value. If your tax bill seems high relative to comparable homes, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could reduce your burden at no cost.

Income & Jobs in Person County

via IncomeByCounty

Person County earnings lag nationwide

Person County's median household income of $64,927 falls short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of nearly $10,000 per year. This places the county below the 50th percentile nationally, though the specific national rank requires broader census comparison.

Above average for North Carolina

Person County ranks above the state median of $61,072, earning about $3,900 more per household annually. This positions it in the stronger half of North Carolina's 100 counties.

Strongest earner in its peer group

Person County outpaces neighboring Rockingham County ($55,796) and Randolph County ($59,047) by significant margins. Its $64,927 median places it among the higher-earning counties in the Piedmont region.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 14.7%, Person County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a healthy share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $192,800, homeownership is within reach for many households earning the county median.

Build on earnings momentum

Person County residents earning above the median have room to invest in retirement accounts, home equity, and long-term wealth strategies. Starting an IRA or 401(k) early leverages the county's stable income base into generational financial security.

Safety in Person County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in Person County

Person County maintains a strong safety score of 96.9, surpassing the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 1,962.6 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the U.S. benchmark of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 96.9 is slightly higher than the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement agencies successfully keep total crime rates lower than many other regions in the state.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

With a crime rate of 1,962.6, Person County is safer than neighboring Rockingham County, which reports 2,255.3 incidents per 100,000. It serves as a more secure alternative to many urbanizing areas in the Piedmont.

Understanding Local Crime Types

Property crime accounts for 1,556.3 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 406.3. While violent crime slightly exceeds the national average, the overall risk remains lower than most U.S. counties.

Securing Your Person County Home

Maintaining the county's safety requires personal vigilance and community cooperation. Installing motion-activated lights can effectively deter property crimes like theft or trespassing.

Weather & Climate in Person County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Close to National Medians

Person County averages 58.2°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate regions. It experiences a balanced humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasonal shifts.

Cooler and Drier Than the State Average

The county sits below the North Carolina average temperature of 59.3°F and the state average precipitation of 51.5 inches. Its 47.3 inches of annual rain makes it one of the drier regions in the state.

A Northern Piedmont Profile Shared with Neighbors

Person County is slightly warmer than its neighbor Rockingham but remains cooler than the coastal plain. It shares a similar extreme heat profile with Randolph County, with both seeing 34 days over 90°F.

Mild Summers and Noticeable Winter Snow

July temperatures average 77.8°F while January drops to a crisp 38.8°F. The county receives a modest 3.4 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly more than its neighbors to the south and east.

Plan for Diverse Seasonal Weather Needs

Homeowners should prepare for occasional winter snow and maintain heating systems for the 38.8°F January lows. Outdoor recreation is most comfortable during the spring and fall when extreme heat is infrequent.

Soil Quality in Person County

via SoilByCounty

Person County's Moderately Acidic Soil Profile

Person County soil shows an average pH of 5.57, which sits nearly a full point below the national median of 6.5. While more acidic than national standards, it remains significantly less acidic than the North Carolina state average of 5.14.

A Gritty Mix with Coarse Texture

The soil is predominantly sand at 56.6%, mixed with 27.8% silt and 15.6% clay. This coarse texture ensures the ground is easy to work and resists heavy compaction during the rainy season.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter levels reach 1.28%, falling short of the 5.12% state average and the 2.0% national benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in beats the state average, meaning the soil retains moisture effectively for thirsty crops.

Managing Runoff in Sandy Soil

While specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, the high sand content suggests naturally rapid movement of water through the profile. Farmers and builders should verify local conditions before starting projects to ensure stability and proper runoff management.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7b

Located in hardiness zone 7b, this county provides a stable environment for blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic conditions. Adding lime can help balance the pH for a wider variety of garden vegetables.

Lawn Care in Person County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Person County

Person County earns a lawn difficulty score of 53.7, making it easier to maintain a yard here than the national median of 50.0. This score also outperforms the North Carolina state average of 40.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, the region offers a relatively stable environment for traditional turf.

Ample Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives 47.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for lawn health. With 34 extreme heat days per year, it stays slightly cooler than the state average of 38 days. High growing degree days of 4,273 suggest a vigorous growing season that requires frequent mowing.

Managing Acidic Soils and Clay

The local soil pH of 5.57 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. While drainage data is limited, the mix of 15.6% clay and 56.6% sand provides a solid foundation for root development. Homeowners should focus on balancing this acidity to ensure grass can handle the summer sun.

Navigating Recent Drought Patterns

Person County spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, with the entire area currently classified at the D2 severe level. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep roots during these dry spells. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain moisture when conditions turn harsh.

The Best Grass for Zone 7b

Tall Fescue is the top choice for this climate, though warm-season varieties like Zoysia also thrive. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost around April 15 or before the first fall frost on October 26. These bookend dates provide a clear window for establishing a resilient, green landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Person County's county score?
Person County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 43 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 Person County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Person County ranks #54 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 Person County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Person County is $1,328, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Person County a tax score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Person County?
The median household income in Person County, North Carolina is $63,300 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Person County earns an income score of 43.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Person County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Person County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Person 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 Person 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.