countyscore

Richmond County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#93 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
32.8
County Score
Cost of Living 71.3Weather & Climate 51Property Tax 43.3

County Report Card

About Richmond County, North Carolina

Struggling Against National Averages

Richmond County's composite score of 32.8 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates substantial economic and social headwinds relative to the rest of the country.

Trailing North Carolina's Growth

The county's score of 32.8 falls well short of the 44.7 North Carolina state average. It ranks in the lower tier of counties as the state continues to see uneven regional development.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Richmond County shines in cost of living with a score of 71.3, fueled by a median rent of only $744. Median home values are among the lowest in the state at just $120,800.

Significant Safety and Economic Hurdles

Safety and income dimensions are very low, scoring 3.0 and 5.7 respectively. A high 0.929% effective tax rate further complicates the financial outlook for a population with a $43,626 median income.

Choice for the Budget-Constrained

Richmond County is best suited for individuals where low-cost housing is the absolute priority. It offers the most affordable real estate in the region for those comfortable with its socioeconomic profile.

2040608010043.371.3321.228.15.739.322.151Tax43.3Cost71.3Safety3Health21.2Schools28.1Income5.7Risk39.3Water22.1Weather5132.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Richmond County DNA

Foverall

How Richmond County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Richmond County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (3/100), though Cost of Living (71.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.3-8.700000000000003
Cost
71.3+23.299999999999997
Safety
3-52
Health
21.2-28.8
Schools
28.1-25.9
Income
5.7-45.3
Risk
39.3
Water
22.1-35.9
Weather
51
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$120,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$120,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,626/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

per 100K

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

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Counties with similar scores

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Grayson County
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Polk County
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Grant County
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Berrien County
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Coryell County
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Median income: $68,904
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Nearby counties

Scotland County
North Carolina
37.4
Anson County
North Carolina
34.8
Montgomery County
North Carolina
46.5
Marlboro County
South Carolina
39.8
Moore County
North Carolina
48.6
Hoke County
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35.4
Stanly County
North Carolina
45.1
Chesterfield County
South Carolina
43.2

Deep Dives

Richmond County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richmond County

via TaxByCounty

Richmond County has highest tax rate

Richmond County's effective tax rate of 0.929% ranks among the highest in the nation, far exceeding the national median of roughly 0.75%. However, median home values are significantly lower at $120,800, resulting in a median property tax of $1,122—still 58% below the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest tax rate in state

Richmond County's effective rate of 0.929% ranks second-highest among the eight counties examined and well above North Carolina's state average of 0.701%. Residents here pay $1,122 in median property taxes, close to the state median of $1,433 despite much lower home values.

Only Robeson taxes higher in region

Richmond County's 0.929% rate is the second-highest in the examined region, behind only Robeson County (0.902%). It substantially exceeds Pitt (0.849%), Rockingham (0.788%), and all other neighbors, making it the region's second-heaviest tax burden.

Median home tax is $1,122 annually

A homeowner with a median-valued house in Richmond County ($120,800) pays approximately $1,122 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders pay $1,287 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $890.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

Richmond County's elevated effective rate means even small assessment errors compound significantly for homeowners. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can yield meaningful savings on your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richmond County

via CostByCounty

Richmond County has lowest incomes, moderate rents

Richmond County's median household income of $43,626 ranks lowest among the eight counties and falls far below the national median of $74,755, creating affordability challenges despite relatively low rents of $744 per month. The rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% reflects the income squeeze facing residents.

Strained affordability despite low rents

Richmond County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, even though monthly rents of $744 fall below the state median of $938. The mismatch stems from incomes that fall significantly below state norms, making Richmond one of the state's least affordable counties despite cheap rents.

Cheapest rents, but lowest incomes too

Richmond County rents of $744 are the region's lowest, undercutting Person County ($796) by $52 monthly. However, this advantage vanishes when considering incomes: Richmond's $43,626 median income trails all neighboring counties, making the 20.5% rent-to-income burden feel heavier despite lower nominal rents.

Income crisis drives housing affordability gap

Richmond County households earning just $43,626 spend 20.5% of income on rent, consuming roughly $744 monthly. Homeownership offers modest cost relief at 19.9% of income ($723 monthly), but with median home values of only $120,800, ownership remains the better long-term path for residents.

Richmond County: consider income stability first

Richmond County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio reflects an income crisis rather than excessive housing costs. While rents are the region's cheapest at $744, relocating here requires securing employment that matches or exceeds the area's $43,626 median income to ensure genuine affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richmond County

via IncomeByCounty

Richmond County faces significant income gap

Richmond County's median household income of $43,626 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $31,000 annually. This represents one of the steepest income gaps among North Carolina counties.

Well below North Carolina average

Richmond County ranks significantly below the state median of $61,072, trailing by $17,446 per household. It ranks among the lowest-earning counties in North Carolina.

Economic challenge among peer counties

Richmond County's $43,626 income falls behind all major regional neighbors, including Robeson County ($40,318), which has lower per-capita income. The county faces more severe income challenges than surrounding Piedmont and eastern NC regions.

Housing costs strain household finances

At 20.5%, Richmond County's rent-to-income ratio indicates housing consumes a fifth of median income, leaving limited resources for other essentials. The median home value of $120,800 requires households to stretch limited earnings.

Focus on income stability and skills

Richmond County residents should prioritize job training and skill development to increase earning potential and reduce economic vulnerability. Even modest income gains through education or career advancement compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richmond County

via CrimeByCounty

Richmond County Public Safety Challenges

Richmond County faces safety challenges with a total crime rate of 4,078.9 per 100,000, nearly double the national average. This results in a safety score of 93.6, highlighting areas for improvement.

Safety Trends vs North Carolina

The county's safety score of 93.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 96.8. Local officials manage crime levels that are roughly double the typical North Carolina total crime rate.

Richmond vs Neighboring Counties

While Richmond’s crime rate is high, it remains lower than the 5,778.5 rate found in neighboring Robeson County. It reflects a regional trend of higher incident rates in the southern border counties.

High Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 713.8 per 100,000, which is double the national rate. Property crime is also elevated at 3,365.1, requiring residents to be proactive about personal security.

Enhanced Home Protection Strategies

Upgrading to a monitored alarm system is a wise investment for Richmond County homeowners. Ensuring that all entry points are reinforced can significantly reduce the risk of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Richmond County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fifteen Public Schools Serving Richmond County

Richmond County operates a consolidated system of 15 public schools with a total enrollment of 6,678 students. The landscape includes seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools, including a dedicated 9th Grade Academy. All schools are managed by a single unified district.

Tracking Local Performance and Spending Efficiency

The graduation rate in Richmond County is 84.0%, which is currently below the national benchmark of 87.0%. Spending is nearly on par with the state average, with the county investing $6,903 per pupil compared to the state's $6,969. The county's school score of 50.2 aligns with the national median.

The Richmond County Unified School District

Richmond County Schools serves as the sole provider of public education for all 6,678 students in the area. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county, ensuring all resources are concentrated within the local district. The district also operates one alternative school to support diverse student needs.

A Balanced Mix of Town and Rural Settings

The school locale is evenly split, with eight schools in town settings and seven in rural areas. Schools maintain an average size of 445 students, providing a mid-sized feel. Richmond Senior High is the central student hub with ,1286 pupils, while local elementary schools like East Rockingham serve about 500 students each.

Living and Learning in Richmond County

If you are looking for a home in Rockingham or Hamlet, you will be part of the unified Richmond County Schools district. The mix of rural and town settings allows families to choose the environment that best fits their lifestyle. Proximity to major campuses like Richmond Senior High is a frequent consideration for local home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richmond County

via RiskByCounty

Richmond County faces moderate U.S. risk level

Richmond County's composite risk score of 60.75 rates as Relatively Low but sits near the U.S. average. This score reflects a balanced exposure across multiple hazard types typical of south-central North Carolina.

Slightly below North Carolina's typical risk

At 60.75, Richmond County ranks just below the state average of 66.72, placing it in the safer half of North Carolina counties. Its location in the Sandhills region contributes to this moderate profile.

Lower risk than Robeson, higher than Polk

Richmond County (60.75) faces significantly lower composite risk than its southeastern neighbor Robeson County (91.09), while exceeding western counties like Polk (36.93). It occupies the middle ground of the Sandhills region.

Wildfire and tornado risks dominate

Wildfire risk (79.90) is unusually high for inland North Carolina and represents Richmond County's primary concern, followed by tornado risk (81.23). Hurricane risk (85.98) adds a distant but meaningful coastal threat.

Wildfire and wind coverage recommended

Richmond County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind and tornado coverage. If your property borders forests or rural areas, inquire about wildfire riders; flood insurance is also wise for properties in drainage areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Richmond County

via WaterByCounty

Richmond County Faces High Violation Rate

Richmond County earns a Grade F due to 52 health violations recorded over the last five years. The violation rate of 109.3 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the North Carolina state average of 31.7. This high frequency of incidents suggests significant reliability issues within local drinking water systems.

Federal Assessment Data Not Yet Available

Water bodies in Richmond County have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This leaves a gap in available data regarding impairment percentages and specific causes of water body degradation. Local environmental quality is currently tracked through other monitoring and compliance signals.

Monitoring Focuses on Nutrients and Inorganics

There are 13 active monitoring sites in Richmond County, providing 2,745 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and major non-metal inorganics. These records help identify potential shifts in water chemistry despite the lack of a full federal watershed assessment.

Pee Dee River Running One-Quarter Normal

The Pee Dee River near Rockingham shows a current discharge of 1,930 cfs, just 25% of its long-term mean of 7,832 cfs. This gauge monitors a massive 6,863-square-mile drainage area, indicating regional dryness. Such low flows can impact both power generation and the dilution of treated wastewater.

Address Compliance Risks with Home Filtration

With 52 health violations, residents are strongly encouraged to use certified water filters to reduce exposure to regulated contaminants. Low river flows at 25% of the mean can exacerbate source water quality issues by concentrating non-point source pollution. Stay vigilant by reading all public notices from your local water utility.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richmond County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat Levels Above National Medians

Richmond County is significantly warmer than the national average, with an annual mean of 62.9°F. This makes it one of the hotter regions in the southern United States.

One of North Carolina's Warmest Counties

Richmond’s 62.9°F average temperature is much higher than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is also a state leader in heat intensity, experiencing 70 days of temperatures over 90°F.

The Regional Leader in Summer Heat

Richmond is noticeably warmer than neighboring Robeson and Randolph counties. It experiences 12 more days of extreme heat than Robeson and double the heat days of Polk County.

Extreme Summer Heat and Negligible Snow

Summer dominates with a July average of 81.8°F and a staggering 70 days of extreme heat. Winters are very mild, seeing only 0.5 inches of snow and a winter average of 45.4°F.

Prioritize Air Conditioning and Sun Safety

High-efficiency cooling is mandatory for the 70 days of extreme heat each year. Since snowfall is nearly non-existent, residents can focus their maintenance budgets on heat mitigation rather than winter prep.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richmond County

via SoilByCounty

Typical North Carolina Acidic Soil

Richmond County soil records a pH of 5.19, aligning very closely with the North Carolina state average of 5.14. It remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the state's Piedmont transition.

Easy Cultivation with Sandy Mix

The mix is 57.2% sand, 25.9% silt, and 14.9% clay, providing a texture that is generally easy to cultivate. This ratio allows for decent air circulation around roots while providing some body for stability.

A Need for Supplemental Irrigation

At 1.45% organic matter, the soil is below the state average of 5.12% and the national benchmark of 2.0%. Its water capacity of 0.116 in/in is also lower than the state average, suggesting that supplemental irrigation may be necessary.

Rapid Water Movement Patterns

While specific hydrologic data is not available, the sand-heavy profile indicates that water likely moves through the soil profile quite rapidly. Farmers should be mindful of nutrient runoff during heavy North Carolina rainstorms.

Summer Favorites Thrive in Zone 8a

In zone 8a, gardeners can take advantage of long summers to grow robust tomatoes and okra. The soil's sandy nature is particularly well-suited for root vegetables if provided with consistent water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richmond County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Richmond's Heat

Richmond County faces a difficult lawn score of 28.8, falling significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the environmental stress prevalent in this part of Hardiness Zone 8a. Maintaining a green lawn here requires more intervention and resources than the state average of 40.8.

Bracing for Intense Summer Heat

Richmond experiences a staggering 70 days of extreme heat annually, nearly double the state average of 38. With 5,489 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly and consumes water and nutrients at a high rate. Annual precipitation of 49.5 inches is just enough to keep up if managed carefully.

Amending Acidic and Sandy Terrain

The soil pH of 5.19 is quite low, requiring significant lime to reach the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot. A high sand content of 57.2% means nutrients wash away quickly, necessitating slow-release fertilizers. Adding organic matter like compost is essential to help the soil hold onto the 49.5 inches of annual rain.

Managing Water in Severe Conditions

The county spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year and is currently in a 100% D2 severe drought status. High heat and sandy soil combine to make lawns dry out much faster than in other counties. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties is a necessity rather than a suggestion for local homeowners.

Planting for Long-Term Heat Resistance

Bermuda or St. Augustine grasses are the best bets to survive the 70 days of extreme heat. Your prime growing window opens after the March 30 frost and lasts until the first fall frost on November 4. Early spring is the ideal time to establish warm-season sod before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richmond County's county score?
Richmond County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Richmond County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Richmond County ranks #93 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 Richmond County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Richmond County is $1,122, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Richmond County a tax score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richmond County?
The median household income in Richmond County, North Carolina is $43,626 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richmond County earns an income score of 5.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richmond County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Richmond County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Richmond 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 Richmond County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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