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Person County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#49 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 68.3Property Tax 66.6

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.

Score breakdown

Tax66.6Cost49.3Safety23Health38.6Schools30.4Income54.1Risk58.5Water86Weather68.3
🏛66.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.7
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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Deep Dives

Person County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Person County

via CostByCounty

Person County beats national affordability

Person County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits well below the national sweet spot of roughly 28%, meaning renters here spend significantly less of their paychecks on housing than the typical American. With a median household income of $64,927—slightly below the national median of $74,755—residents still manage strong housing affordability through modest rental costs of just $796 per month.

Best rental affordability in North Carolina

Person County ranks among North Carolina's most affordable places to rent, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage stems partly from lower-than-average rents ($796 vs. the state median of $938) paired with incomes that approach state norms.

Cheaper rents than surrounding counties

Person County's $796 monthly rent undercuts nearby Pitt County ($971) and Rockingham County ($789) by a meaningful margin. Renters here pay nearly $140 less per month than those in Pitt County, making Person a standout option for budget-conscious households in the region.

Where Person County incomes go

Person County residents allocate roughly 14.7% of their $64,927 median income to rent, leaving substantial room in household budgets. Homeowners pay $961 monthly, translating to about 17.8% of income—a reasonable burden that reflects the county's median home value of $192,800.

Consider Person for affordability

If housing costs are your primary concern, Person County delivers North Carolina's most affordable rental market without sacrificing income levels. Compare its $796 rents and 14.7% rent-to-income ratio against higher-cost neighbors to see why this county attracts cost-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Person County

via HealthByCounty

Person County's Life Expectancy Edges Above Average

Person County residents live to 74.8 years on average, slightly outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years and matching the state at 74.4 years. However, 21.7% of the county reports poor or fair health—well above the national benchmark of about 17%—suggesting that extra years don't always mean healthier years.

Person County Ranks Mid-Pack in North Carolina

Person County's 74.8-year life expectancy places it slightly above the state average of 74.4 years, and its 10.9% uninsured rate beats the state's 12.5% average. This positions the county as a relative bright spot in the Piedmont region, though health disparities remain.

Healthier Than Rockingham, Behind Polk County

Person County's 74.8-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Rockingham County (71.9 years) but lags Polk County's 76.5 years. The county's 21.7% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with Randolph County's 21.2%, suggesting similar underlying health challenges across the Piedmont.

Primary Care Access Remains a Gap

With 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Person County has fewer doctors than Pitt County's 114 per 100K but solid mental health support at 108 providers per 100K. The county's 10.9% uninsured rate means most residents can see a doctor, but finding one nearby may require a drive.

Check Your Coverage Options Today

Person County's uninsured rate of 10.9% is among the state's better rates, but nearly 11 of every 100 residents still lack health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-855-889-4325 to explore coverage options and ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Person County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Network of Fifteen Schools

Person County manages an education infrastructure consisting of 15 public schools, including nine elementary, two middle, and three high schools. The system serves 5,446 students across four distinct districts. This rural-leaning network provides a focused learning environment for the county's youth.

Evaluating Local Graduation and Spending Trends

The county's graduation rate sits at 84.4%, trailing the North Carolina state average of 88.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,009, which slightly exceeds the state average of $6,969 but remains well below the national median of $13,000. Despite lower funding than national levels, the county maintains a school score of 50.6, nearly matching the national median.

Major Districts and Charter School Options

Person County Schools is the primary district, educating 4,374 students across 12 different schools. Choice is available through two charter schools, including Roxboro Community School, which serves 688 students in grades 6–12. These charter options represent over 13% of the total school landscape in the county.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Learning Environments

School life here is predominantly rural, with 10 of the 15 schools located in countryside settings and five in town. The average school size is 363 students, ranging from smaller primary centers to Person High, which is the largest with 1,079 students. This mix offers a personalized feel compared to larger urban districts.

Finding Your Home Near Person County Schools

As you search for a home, consider how these smaller, rural school settings fit your family's lifestyle. Use school proximity and district performance data to guide your local real estate decisions. Explore neighborhoods near Helena Elementary or Southern Middle to find the right environment for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Person County

via RiskByCounty

Person County's risk: well below U.S. average

With a composite risk score of 41.54, Person County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively contained exposure to multiple hazard types across the county.

North Carolina's safest counties

Person County's 41.54 score places it well below the North Carolina state average of 66.72, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This advantage stems from moderate exposure across most hazard categories.

Safer than nearby Granville, similar to Polk

Person County's Very Low risk profile mirrors nearby Polk County (36.93), while outperforming the state average by 25 points. Both northern Piedmont counties enjoy significantly lower composite scores than eastern and southeastern neighbors.

Earthquakes and hurricanes pose modest threats

Earthquake risk (58.81) and hurricane risk (72.47) represent Person County's highest individual hazards, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornadoes (54.87) and flooding (54.52) round out secondary concerns, none requiring emergency-level precautions.

Standard homeowners insurance covers your needs

Person County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners coverage, which typically includes wind and hail protection. Consider a separate umbrella policy if you have significant assets, but catastrophic disaster insurance is not critical here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Person County's county score?
Person County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 44.5 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 #49 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 $1,288, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Person County a tax score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Person County?
The median household income in Person County, North Carolina is $64,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Person County earns an income score of 54.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Person County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Person County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 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.

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