Pitt County surpasses national livability baseline
Pitt County's score of 69.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 39%, reflecting solid overall livability despite ranking below its state average. The county offers meaningful advantages in affordability and tax efficiency compared to the typical U.S. county.
2 / 5
Slightly below state performance
Pitt County scores 69.2 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This gap reflects particular challenges in income levels relative to peers in the state.
3 / 5
Moderate tax burden and affordable housing
Pitt County maintains a reasonable tax score of 78.4 and cost score of 74.1, with an effective tax rate of 0.849% and median rent of $971 per month. These factors make it accessible for working families and those seeking moderate cost of living.
4 / 5
Low income levels constrain opportunities
The county's income score of just 21.8 reflects a median household income of $58,851, among the lowest in the state and limiting economic growth potential. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable.
5 / 5
Suits young professionals and service workers
Pitt County appeals to those prioritizing low housing costs and manageable taxes over high wages or competitive job markets. It works well for service industry employees, students, and those building careers in affordable communities.
Pitt County surpasses national livability baseline
Pitt County's score of 69.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 39%, reflecting solid overall livability despite ranking below its state average. The county offers meaningful advantages in affordability and tax efficiency compared to the typical U.S. county.
Slightly below state performance
Pitt County scores 69.2 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This gap reflects particular challenges in income levels relative to peers in the state.
Moderate tax burden and affordable housing
Pitt County maintains a reasonable tax score of 78.4 and cost score of 74.1, with an effective tax rate of 0.849% and median rent of $971 per month. These factors make it accessible for working families and those seeking moderate cost of living.
Low income levels constrain opportunities
The county's income score of just 21.8 reflects a median household income of $58,851, among the lowest in the state and limiting economic growth potential. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable.
Suits young professionals and service workers
Pitt County appeals to those prioritizing low housing costs and manageable taxes over high wages or competitive job markets. It works well for service industry employees, students, and those building careers in affordable communities.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.