Randolph County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#64 in North Carolina
39.8
County Score
Weather & Climate 70.7Property Tax 60.7Lawn Care 53.2

County Report Card

About Randolph County, North Carolina

Slightly Below National Performance

Randolph County earns a composite score of 39.8, which is about ten points below the national median of 50.0. The county faces typical regional challenges that suppress its overall ranking.

Searching for the State Average

At 39.8, Randolph County sits below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It represents a more budget-focused tier of the state's inland counties.

Favorable Taxes and Affordable Housing

The county maintains a solid tax score of 60.7 and a cost score of 49.7. With a median rent of $857 and home values at $171,600, it remains an accessible entry point for North Carolina homeowners.

Environmental Risks and Health Outcomes

Environmental risk and health are significant areas for improvement, scoring 19.4 and 27.9 respectively. Lower income scores of 35.8 further impact the community's overall economic resilience.

Suited for Value-Seeking Commuters

Randolph County is best for families who need affordable housing and manageable taxes within the Piedmont region. It offers a practical lifestyle for those willing to trade some amenities for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax60.7Cost49.7Safety29.5Health27.9Schools32.5Income35.8Risk19.4Water38Weather70.7
🏛60.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠49.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡29.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
27.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓32.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
19.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧38
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤70.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨25.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱53.2
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Randolph County

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

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Randolph County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Randolph County

via TaxByCounty

Randolph County taxes near national average

Randolph County's effective tax rate of 0.720% sits very close to the national median of roughly 0.75%, placing it squarely in the middle of the U.S. tax distribution. The median property tax of $1,236 annually is 54% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the area.

Slightly above North Carolina average

Randolph County's effective rate of 0.720% edges slightly above North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it a moderate-tax county. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,236, which is $197 less than the state median of $1,433.

Middle of the pack locally

Randolph County's 0.720% rate falls between lower-tax Polk (0.579%) and higher-tax Pitt (0.849%), placing it in the middle of the examined region. It's notably cheaper than Rockingham (0.788%) and Richmond (0.929%), but more expensive than Person (0.668%).

Median home tax runs $1,236 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued house in Randolph County ($171,600) pays roughly $1,236 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders pay $1,331 annually, while those without mortgages pay $1,087.

Review your assessment this year

Randolph County homeowners benefit from routine assessment checks, especially those with properties below median value who may be misassessed. Contacting the county assessor about a potential appeal costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill significantly.

Cost of Living in Randolph County

via CostByCounty

Randolph County offers solid rental affordability

Randolph County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits comfortably below the national stress threshold, giving renters breathing room in their budgets. Though the median household income of $59,047 falls short of the national median of $74,755, modest rents of $857 per month keep housing costs manageable.

Better than average for North Carolina

Randolph County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% beats the state average of 18.6%, making it one of North Carolina's more affordable rental markets. This advantage reflects both modest monthly rents of $857 and a rent-to-income burden below state norms.

Competitive rents in the regional landscape

Randolph County's $857 monthly rent falls between Person County's bargain $796 and Rowan County's higher $990, positioning it as a middle-ground option. Compared to Pitt County's $971, Randolph offers renters $114 in monthly savings while maintaining similar income levels.

Rents consume less than one-fifth of income

The typical Randolph County household earning $59,047 allocates 17.4% of income to rent—just under $857 per month. Homeowners face a slightly lower burden at 16.9% ($836 monthly), with median home values of $171,600 making ownership attainable for many households.

Randolph County balances cost and stability

Randolph County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio and $857 monthly rents make it a solid choice for relocators seeking affordability without extreme trade-offs. Compare it against higher-cost Pitt ($971) and Polk ($1,089) to appreciate the $114–$232 monthly savings available here.

Income & Jobs in Randolph County

via IncomeByCounty

Randolph County income lags nationally

Randolph County's median household income of $59,047 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $15,700. This gap reflects regional economic challenges and lower wage structures in the county.

Below North Carolina average

Randolph County ranks below the state median of $61,072, falling short by roughly $2,000 per household. It sits in the lower-middle tier of North Carolina's 100 counties.

Lower earner among Piedmont counties

Randolph County's income trails Person County ($64,927) by about $5,900 and Rowan County ($63,196) by $4,100. It performs similarly to Rockingham County ($55,796) and Pitt County ($58,851).

Housing remains relatively affordable

At 17.4%, Randolph County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% threshold, and the median home value of $171,600 is accessible on the county median income. Housing affordability is one of the county's economic strengths.

Leverage housing affordability advantage

Randolph County residents can capitalize on low housing costs to build equity through homeownership while maintaining aggressive retirement savings. Using the savings from affordable housing to fund long-term investments accelerates wealth building.

Safety in Randolph County

via CrimeByCounty

Randolph County Beats National Averages

Randolph County earns a safety score of 97.3, indicating a high level of security for its residents. Its crime rate of 1,685.5 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A North Carolina Safety Standout

The county's safety score of 97.3 outperforms the state average of 96.8. Six different reporting agencies collaborate to keep the total crime rate significantly lower than the statewide mean.

Regional Safety Comparison

Randolph's total crime rate of 1,685.5 is lower than neighboring Rowan and Rockingham counties. This makes Randolph one of the safer options within the central Piedmont region.

Breaking Down the Crime Data

The violent crime rate of 180.7 is impressively low, coming in at less than half the national average. Property crime accounts for 1,504.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is also below national figures.

Home Security in Randolph County

Visible security cameras are an excellent way to deter the property crimes that do occur locally. Proper outdoor lighting and clear lines of sight around your home provide an added layer of defense.

Health in Randolph County

via HealthByCounty

Randolph County Lags Both Nation and State

At 72.9 years, Randolph County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3.5 years and North Carolina's average by 1.5 years. With 21.2% reporting poor or fair health—well above national benchmarks—the county faces significant health challenges.

Randolph County Ranks Among NC's Worst

Randolph County's 72.9-year life expectancy ranks it near the bottom of North Carolina's 100 counties, and its 13.4% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 12.5%. Both metrics signal systemic health barriers that demand urgent attention.

Struggling Amid Stronger Piedmont Neighbors

Randolph County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls short of Person County (74.8 years), Pitt County (74.9 years), and especially Polk County (76.5 years). At 21.2% poor/fair health, the county matches Person but exceeds all other nearby peers, indicating concentrated health disparities.

Sparse Primary Care, Higher Uninsured Rates

Randolph County has only 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly one-third of Pitt County's density—and 13.4% are uninsured. This combination creates a bottleneck: fewer doctors serving more uninsured patients means delayed care and worse health outcomes.

Randolph County Residents Need Coverage Now

With 13.4% of residents uninsured, Randolph County exceeds the state average and faces real barriers to care. Visit healthcare.gov immediately or call 1-888-453-4647 (N.C. Medicaid) to find affordable coverage options for you and your family.

Schools in Randolph County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network Across Forty-One Schools

Randolph County supports a massive educational footprint with 41 public schools and 21,676 enrolled students. The system is distributed across 23 elementary, 8 middle, and 9 high schools. This infrastructure serves a mix of rural and town communities through three distinct districts.

Outperforming the State in Graduation Rates

Randolph County boasts an impressive 89.6% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 88.0% and the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,157 is lower than the state average of $6,969, the county maintains a solid school score of 51.5. This indicates a high level of efficiency and academic success despite tighter budgets.

A Mix of County, City, and Charter Schools

The Randolph County School System is the largest district, serving 15,383 students across 32 schools. Asheboro City Schools operates an additional eight schools with 4,383 students. Uwharrie Charter Academy also plays a major role, serving 1,910 students as the county's largest individual school campus.

Small Schools Within a Large System

The locale mix is balanced, with 20 rural schools and 15 town-based schools providing various settings for families. Despite the high total enrollment, the average school size is kept to 529 students. Major high schools like Asheboro High host 1,339 students, while local middle schools offer a more moderate 831-student environment.

Buying a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With high graduation rates across the county, Randolph remains a competitive choice for home buyers. Areas near Asheboro or Randleman offer convenient access to the county's most established school systems. Use local school scores as a benchmark when evaluating your next real estate investment in the region.

Disaster Risk in Randolph County

via RiskByCounty

Randolph County exceeds U.S. average risk

Randolph County's composite risk score of 80.63 rates as Relatively Low but still exceeds the national average. This reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazards across the Piedmont region.

Above North Carolina's typical risk level

At 80.63, Randolph County ranks well above the state average of 66.72, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of North Carolina counties. Its Piedmont location contributes to above-average tornado and flood risks.

Moderate risk mirrors central Piedmont counties

Randolph County (80.63) faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Person County (41.54) and Polk County (36.93), but less than Rowan County (82.92). It sits in the moderate-risk band typical of central North Carolina.

Tornadoes and flooding lead local hazards

Tornado risk (87.40) and flood risk (84.83) are Randolph County's dominant concerns, reflecting the county's Piedmont valley topography. Hurricane risk (84.31) adds a secondary layer of concern from distant coastal storms.

Homeowners insurance with flood rider essential

Randolph County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners coverage with explicit tornado and wind protection. Flood insurance is highly recommended, especially for properties in low-lying areas; consult your agent about NFIP or private flood policies.

Weather & Climate in Randolph County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Piedmont Climate

Randolph County's 58.9°F annual average sits right near the national median. This central location offers a stable climate without the extreme heat of the coast or the heavy snow of the mountains.

A Drier Pocket Within North Carolina

The county is slightly cooler than the state average of 59.3°F and significantly drier. Its 46.0 inches of annual rain is over 5 inches below the state average of 51.5 inches.

Cooler and Drier Than Eastern Neighbors

Randolph is over three degrees cooler than Richmond and Robeson counties to the south. It also receives much less rain than Polk County, making it one of the more arid counties in the region.

Stable Summers and Light Winter Snowfall

July averages 78.1°F with 34 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are moderate, featuring a January average of 39.0°F and a yearly snowfall average of 4.6 inches.

Keep Winter Gear Ready for Moderate Snow

With 4.6 inches of snow and a cold January, residents should maintain reliable home heating and snow removal tools. The lower 46-inch rainfall average may require supplemental watering for sensitive landscaping.

Soil Quality in Randolph County

via SoilByCounty

Randolph County's Mildly Acidic Ground

Randolph County soil has a pH of 5.50, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.14 but still well below the national 6.5 median. This mild acidity is a defining trait for local land management and plant selection.

Balanced Texture for Firm Structure

The soil contains 42.4% sand and 38.0% silt, creating a more balanced texture than many neighboring counties. With 17.8% clay added to the mix, the soil offers a firm structure that holds together well during tillage.

Excellent Water Capacity for Farming

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.21%, compared to the North Carolina average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is excellent, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.134 in/in.

Moisture Retention in Silt-Rich Soil

Detailed drainage classifications are not currently available for this area, but the high silt and clay content indicates the soil holds onto moisture longer than sandy coastal soils. This makes it a reliable choice for crops that need a steady water supply.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a wide variety of perennials and southern favorites like crape myrtles. The high water retention in Randolph means your garden will stay hydrated even during dry spells.

Lawn Care in Randolph County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Lawn Potential in Randolph County

Randolph County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 53.2, outperforming the state average of 40.8. This score places the county above the national median, suggesting a relatively favorable environment for residential turf. Gardeners in Zone 8a benefit from conditions that are easier to manage than many neighboring areas.

Consistent Rain and Manageable Heat

The county sees 46.0 inches of rain annually, which falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. With 34 days of extreme heat, it is slightly milder than the typical North Carolina county. This climate supports a steady growing season without the extreme stress seen in coastal regions.

Navigating Clay-Heavy Soils

The soil contains 17.8% clay and 42.4% sand, making it slightly heavier than its neighbors. A pH of 5.50 is below the 6.0-7.0 ideal, requiring core aeration and lime to prevent compaction and nutrient lockout. Proper soil prep is the most important step for long-term lawn health here.

Preparing for Periodic Dryness

Despite consistent annual rain, the county faced 23 weeks of drought last year and is currently 100% under D2 severe conditions. Establishing a drought-resistant lawn involves choosing varieties with deep root systems. Residents should monitor local water restrictions and water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Seeding for Success in Central NC

Tall Fescue and Bermuda grass are both excellent choices for the 4,405 growing degree days in Randolph. The safest planting window begins after April 5 and ends before the first frost on November 6. Start your lawn projects in early autumn to give seeds the best chance to take hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Randolph County's county score?
Randolph County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 39.8 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 Randolph County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Randolph County ranks #64 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 Randolph County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Randolph County is $1,236, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Randolph County a tax score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Randolph County?
The median household income in Randolph County, North Carolina is $59,047 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Randolph County earns an income score of 35.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Randolph County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Randolph County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Randolph 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 Randolph County with other counties side by side.