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Pitt County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#90 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.6
County Score
Water Quality 62Weather & Climate 58.5Health 49.6

County Report Card

About Pitt County, North Carolina

Trailing the National Median Score

Pitt County registers a 33.6 composite score, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces more livability hurdles than the average American county.

Falling Below the State Average

With a score of 33.6, Pitt County ranks well below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. The county struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing regional hubs.

Strong Water Infrastructure and Healthcare

Water quality is a highlight with a score of 62.0, followed by a health score of 49.6. These figures indicate a relatively robust medical and utility framework for its $58,851 median household income.

Addressing Environmental Risks and Safety

Environmental risk factors and safety are major concerns, scoring just 10.2 and 14.1 respectively. High housing costs also weigh on the profile, as reflected in the cost score of 27.5.

Best for Healthcare-Oriented Residents

Pitt County is a viable option for those who prioritize access to medical services over general environmental safety. It appeals most to individuals working in specialized sectors who can navigate its specific regional risks.

Score breakdown

Tax49Cost27.5Safety14.1Health49.6Schools31.5Income35Risk10.2Water62Weather58.5
🏛49
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.1
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

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Lenoir County
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Martin County
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Edgecombe County
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Beaufort County
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Deep Dives

Pitt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pitt County

via TaxByCounty

Pitt County taxes exceed national average

Pitt County's effective tax rate of 0.849% surpasses the national median of roughly 0.75%, placing it in the higher half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,649 annually is 39% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values rather than lower rates.

Above average across North Carolina

Pitt County ranks above North Carolina's state average with an effective rate of 0.849% versus the state's 0.701%. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,649—$216 more annually than the state median of $1,433.

Among the highest-taxed in the region

Pitt County has the highest effective tax rate among the eight counties examined, significantly outpacing Polk County (0.579%) and Person County (0.668%). Only Richmond County (0.929%) and Robeson County (0.902%) come close to Pitt's rate.

Median home tax costs $1,649 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued house in Pitt County ($194,300) pays roughly $1,649 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,761 annually, while those without mortgages pay $1,399.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Pitt County's higher tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for budget-conscious homeowners. Many find success challenging inflated assessments through the county's appeals process—a free step that can yield significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pitt County

via CostByCounty

Pitt County's rent challenge exceeds national norms

Pitt County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% sits above the national comfort zone, signaling that renters here dedicate a larger share of income to housing than typical Americans. The median household income of $58,851 falls notably short of the national median of $74,755, while monthly rents of $971 are among the highest in the state.

Above-average housing burden in North Carolina

Pitt County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier statewide. Despite median rents of $971—above the state median of $938—the county's lower-than-average incomes of $58,851 create the crunch.

Pitt among the priciest in region

Pitt County renters pay $971 monthly—$175 more than Person County ($796) and $182 more than Rockingham County ($789). This makes Pitt's rental market notably tighter compared to nearby alternatives, despite similar or lower household incomes.

Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent

The typical Pitt County household earning $58,851 annually spends 19.8% of income on rent, consuming roughly $950 per month. Homeownership carries a $1,102 monthly cost, representing about 22.4% of median income—one of the highest homeownership burdens in the region.

Pitt County: weigh affordability carefully

Pitt County's relatively high rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% suggests renters should carefully compare budgets before relocating here. Though home values ($194,300) remain modest, the combination of lower incomes and higher rents makes this county less affordable than neighboring alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pitt County

via IncomeByCounty

Pitt County trails national income levels

Pitt County's median household income of $58,851 sits nearly $16,000 below the national median of $74,755. This represents a meaningful earnings gap that reflects broader economic challenges in the region.

Below North Carolina's state average

Pitt County ranks below the state median of $61,072, trailing by approximately $2,200 per household. It ranks in the lower half of North Carolina's income distribution.

Comparable to regional peers

Pitt County's income closely mirrors Randolph County ($59,047) and Rockingham County ($55,796), placing it in a middle tier regionally. These three counties share similar economic profiles and workforce dynamics.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

At 19.8%, Pitt County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 20% mark, indicating rising housing pressure on residents. While still manageable, the trend suggests renters need to prioritize affordability in housing choices.

Strategic saving builds stability

Pitt County households benefit from intentional budgeting to redirect savings toward emergency funds and retirement. Even modest monthly contributions to a Roth IRA or employer 401(k) compound into meaningful long-term wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pitt County

via CrimeByCounty

Pitt County Safety Overview

Pitt County reports a total crime rate of 2,444.6 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score stands at 96.1, indicating a need for continued public safety focus.

Safety Relative to North Carolina

The county's safety score of 96.1 is below the state average of 96.8. Six reporting agencies work across the county to manage crime levels that exceed the statewide average total crime rate.

Evaluating Eastern NC Neighbors

Pitt’s crime rate of 2,444.6 is significantly higher than Person County’s 1,962.6, but much lower than the rates seen in Robeson. It represents a typical profile for a regional hub with high population density.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 1,992.5 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 452.1 also trends higher than the national average of 369.8.

Protecting Your Pitt County Property

Residents should consider high-quality deadbolts and window locks to prevent property-related incidents. Staying informed about local crime trends through neighborhood apps can further enhance personal safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pitt County

via HealthByCounty

Pitt County Lives Slightly Longer Than America

Pitt County residents average 74.9 years of life—above the national average of 76.4 years and in line with North Carolina's 74.4 years. Yet 17.7% report poor or fair health, slightly better than the national rate, reflecting a county with solid overall wellness metrics.

Pitt County Is Among NC's Healthiest

At 74.9 years, Pitt County's life expectancy tops the state average of 74.4 years, and its 10.5% uninsured rate beats North Carolina's 12.5%. The county ranks among the state's leaders in healthcare access, driven largely by its robust provider network.

Clear Winner in the Eastern Piedmont

Pitt County's 74.9-year life expectancy and 17.7% poor/fair health rate outshine all neighboring counties—including Person (74.8 years, 21.7%) and Richmond (68.8 years, 21.7%). The county's access advantage shows: 114 primary care providers per 100K far exceed nearby counties.

Healthcare Hub With Dense Provider Network

Pitt County boasts 114 primary care providers and 487 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest densities in the state and triple the national median for primary care. With only 10.5% uninsured, residents have both access and coverage, making healthcare largely within reach.

Pitt County's Strong Coverage Makes Care Easy

Pitt County's low 10.5% uninsured rate is one of North Carolina's best, but the remaining uninsured should act fast. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Pitt County Health Department to sign up for coverage before the next enrollment deadline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pitt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Expansive Education System

Pitt County operates a large-scale network of 41 public schools serving 24,806 students across three districts. The infrastructure includes 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools, plus a specialized education center. This robust system accommodates a high volume of students in both urban and rural settings.

Graduation Rates and Regional Investment Levels

The county achieves an 86.0% graduation rate, which is just below the national average of 87.0%. Pitt County spends $6,882 per pupil, a figure slightly lower than the North Carolina state average of $6,969. While spending lags national benchmarks, the county's school score of 51.2 remains competitive with the national median.

Centralized Districts and Growing Charter Presence

Pitt County Schools dominates the landscape, managing 39 schools and 24,091 students. Alternative options include the Winterville Charter Academy, which serves 592 students. While charter schools make up only 2.4% of total schools, they provide localized alternatives to the large central district.

From Urban Centers to Country Classrooms

Students experience a variety of locales, with 17 schools in city settings and 13 in rural areas. Schools are relatively large, averaging 605 students per campus. Major institutions like D H Conley High serve over 1,700 students, while local middle schools like Hope Middle maintain a smaller feel with 877 students.

Navigating Real Estate Near Pitt Schools

For families looking to move, Pitt County offers everything from suburban clusters near Winterville to city homes near top-rated high schools. School quality is a major driver of local property values in Greenville and surrounding areas. Research specific attendance zones to ensure your new home aligns with your educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pitt County

via RiskByCounty

Pitt County faces above-average U.S. disaster risk

Pitt County's composite risk score of 89.82 places it in the Relatively Moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes.

Eastern North Carolina's riskier counties

At 89.82, Pitt County ranks substantially above North Carolina's 66.72 state average, placing it among the state's higher-risk areas. Its location in eastern North Carolina's coastal plain contributes to above-average hurricane and flood exposure.

One of the riskiest in the eastern region

Pitt County (89.82) faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Person County (41.54) and Randolph County (80.63). It trails only Robeson County (91.09) among this group, reflecting its coastal plain vulnerability.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate Pitt's hazards

Hurricane risk (96.29) and tornado risk (94.27) are exceptionally high, while flooding (87.72) represents a third major threat from the county's low-lying terrain. Together, these three hazards account for the bulk of Pitt County's disaster exposure.

Wind and flood coverage are essential

Pitt County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wind coverage for hurricanes and tornadoes. Flood insurance is strongly recommended; contact your agent about separate flood policies or NFIP coverage, as standard policies exclude water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pitt County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures Exceeding the National Average

Pitt County's 62.1°F annual average is notably higher than the national median. This eastern NC region experiences the consistent warmth and humidity typical of the South Atlantic coastal plain.

Hotter and Wetter Than Most of North Carolina

At 62.1°F, Pitt is nearly three degrees warmer than the state average of 59.3°F. It also receives 53.4 inches of annual precipitation, outpacing the state average of 51.5 inches.

High Heat Relative to Central Neighbors

Pitt matches Pender County’s 62.1°F average but experiences a higher July average of 80.8°F. It is significantly hotter than Piedmont counties like Randolph, which averages nearly four degrees cooler.

Intense Summer Heat and Minimal Winter Chill

Summers are long with 53 days reaching at least 90°F and a summer average of 79.0°F. Winters are brief and mild, featuring 3.3 inches of snow and a January average of 43.1°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Stormwater Management

Residents need robust HVAC systems to handle the 53 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Property owners should also plan for heavy rainfall, as the county receives over 53 inches of rain annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pitt County

via SoilByCounty

Pitt County's Sharp Acidic Soils

Pitt County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.65, making it much sharper than the national median of 6.5. This measurement even falls below the state average of 5.14, signaling a need for soil amendments in most gardens.

Sandy Terrain Dominates the Landscape

A high sand concentration of 62.2% dominates the landscape, supported by 23.9% silt and 11.5% clay. This gritty mix provides excellent aeration but requires frequent watering due to how quickly it lets moisture escape.

Nutrient Management in the Coastal Plain

Organic matter stands at 2.67%, which is higher than the national average but below the North Carolina average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.130 in/in, the soil holds slightly less water than the typical state plot.

Naturally Fast Drainage Patterns

Local classification data is currently limited, though the heavy sand profile typically suggests quick drainage across the county. This characteristic makes the land resilient against pooling but necessitates careful nutrient management to prevent leaching.

Lush Ornamentals in Zone 8a

The warm climate of zone 8a paired with acidic soil creates the perfect home for camellias and gardenias. Start your garden with acid-loving ornamentals or use compost to boost the fertility of this sandy terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pitt County

via LawnByCounty

Stark Challenges for Pitt County Lawns

Pitt County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of only 23.1. This is roughly half the national median of 50.0 and far below the state average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, the environment demands high maintenance and constant attention.

Intense Heat Drives High Water Needs

With 53 extreme heat days annually, the county is much hotter than the state average of 38 days. While 53.4 inches of precipitation exceeds the ideal range, the 5,265 growing degree days signal an aggressive growing cycle. This combination of heat and rapid growth makes watering and mowing schedules difficult to balance.

Overcoming Very Acidic, Sandy Soils

The soil pH in Pitt County is a very low 4.65, meaning heavy lime treatments are necessary for most grass types. The soil composition is 62.2% sand, which drains quickly but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular organic amendments are vital to improve the structure of this sandy base.

Battling Prolonged Dry Spells

The county endured 36 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area currently faces D2 severe drought conditions. Because sandy soils lose water fast, residents must prioritize water conservation and drought-tolerant cultivars. Smart irrigation systems can help manage the high 53.4-inch annual rainfall efficiently.

Choosing Heat-Hardy Grass Varieties

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or Bermuda are best suited for the Zone 8a heat and acidic soil. Plan your planting between the last frost on March 27 and the first frost on November 8. This long window gives heat-loving turf plenty of time to establish before the winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pitt County's county score?
Pitt County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 33.6 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 Pitt County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Pitt County ranks #90 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 Pitt County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Pitt County is $1,649, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Pitt County a tax score of 49/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pitt County?
The median household income in Pitt County, North Carolina is $58,851 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pitt County earns an income score of 35/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pitt County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Pitt County scores 33.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Pitt 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 Pitt 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.