Robeson County's composite score of 73.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 46%, demonstrating solid livability relative to most U.S. counties. Its performance reflects strengths in affordability that overcome significant income challenges.
2 / 5
Marginally above North Carolina average
With a score of 73.0, Robeson County sits just barely above the state average of 72.7, representing near-typical performance among North Carolina counties. This slight edge masks a particular strength in housing affordability.
3 / 5
Unmatched housing cost advantages
Robeson County boasts a cost score of 85.8—the highest among these eight counties—with the lowest median home value ($88,600) and exceptional rent affordability at $784 per month. This makes homeownership feasible for even the lowest-income households.
4 / 5
Critically low income levels
The county's income score of 9.7 and median household income of $40,318 are the state's most challenging, signaling limited job growth and economic opportunity. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data limit full livability assessment.
5 / 5
Suited for retirees on fixed income
Robeson County is most appropriate for those prioritizing absolute housing affordability above all else—primarily retirees, Social Security recipients, and those with zero local employment needs. Working-age families should carefully weigh extremely limited income opportunities.
Robeson County's composite score of 73.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 46%, demonstrating solid livability relative to most U.S. counties. Its performance reflects strengths in affordability that overcome significant income challenges.
Marginally above North Carolina average
With a score of 73.0, Robeson County sits just barely above the state average of 72.7, representing near-typical performance among North Carolina counties. This slight edge masks a particular strength in housing affordability.
Unmatched housing cost advantages
Robeson County boasts a cost score of 85.8—the highest among these eight counties—with the lowest median home value ($88,600) and exceptional rent affordability at $784 per month. This makes homeownership feasible for even the lowest-income households.
Critically low income levels
The county's income score of 9.7 and median household income of $40,318 are the state's most challenging, signaling limited job growth and economic opportunity. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data limit full livability assessment.
Suited for retirees on fixed income
Robeson County is most appropriate for those prioritizing absolute housing affordability above all else—primarily retirees, Social Security recipients, and those with zero local employment needs. Working-age families should carefully weigh extremely limited income opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Robeson County's effective tax rate of 0.902% ranks among the highest in the nation, significantly exceeding the national median of roughly 0.75%. Despite the highest rate regionally, median home values are the lowest at $88,600, keeping median property taxes at $799—71% below the national median of $2,690.
Highest effective tax rate in state
Robeson County's effective rate of 0.902% is the highest among all eight counties examined and well above North Carolina's state average of 0.701%. The median property tax of $799 is notably lower than the state median of $1,433, reflecting the county's significantly lower home values.
Heaviest tax burden in the region
Robeson County's 0.902% effective rate is the highest in the eight-county region, edging out Richmond County (0.929%). This makes Robeson the region's most heavily taxed, despite having the lowest median home values.
Median home tax costs just $799 yearly
A homeowner with a median-valued house in Robeson County ($88,600) pays roughly $799 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders pay $1,134 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $661.
Appeal even your modest tax bill
Robeson County's high effective rate and low home values create a scenario where assessment errors hit hardest—every dollar matters more. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor could reduce your tax burden and help stretch your household budget.
Robeson County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% is the highest among the eight counties and represents a severe affordability burden compared to national norms. With the lowest median household income of all—just $40,318, nearly half the national median of $74,755—residents struggle despite rents of $784 per month.
North Carolina's most unaffordable county
Robeson County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% substantially exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, marking it as the state's most strained rental market. This crisis reflects both modest rents and critically low incomes, creating the worst affordability situation in the region.
Lowest income, highest housing burden
Robeson County's median income of $40,318 falls $3,308 below Richmond County (the second-lowest at $43,626) and nearly $23,000 below the regional median. Even though rents of $784 are modest, the income gap produces a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio—the worst in the eight-county region.
Nearly one-quarter of income to rent
Robeson County households earning $40,318 spend 23.3% of income on rent, consuming roughly $784 monthly—the highest burden among all eight counties. Homeownership at $559 monthly (16.6% of income) offers substantial relief, with median home values of just $88,600 making ownership the most affordable path for locals.
Robeson County: relocate only with strong income
Robeson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio and $40,318 median income signal a severe affordability crisis that only high-income relocators should consider. If moving here, secure employment significantly above the county median to avoid joining residents already struggling with the nation's tightest housing burden in this analysis.
Robeson County's median household income of $40,318 falls drastically below the national median of $74,755, a deficit of over $34,400 annually. This represents one of the widest income disparities in the nation.
Lowest income county in North Carolina
Robeson County ranks among the very lowest in North Carolina with a median income of $40,318 compared to the state average of $61,072. The county trails the state by nearly $21,000 per household.
Lowest earner in its region
Robeson County's median income trails every measured peer county, including Richmond County ($43,626) and Pitt County ($58,851). The county faces distinct economic challenges requiring targeted intervention.
Housing costs are deeply burdensome
Robeson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among peer counties, meaning nearly a quarter of median income goes to rent alone. The median home value of $88,600 is the lowest regionally, yet remains difficult to afford on local wages.
Economic empowerment through education
Robeson County residents benefit most from pursuing education, certification, or entrepreneurship to increase individual earning power. Community and state programs offering job training and business support are essential pathways to economic stability.
At 68.0 years, Robeson County has the lowest life expectancy in this county set—8.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 6.4 years below North Carolina's. With 27.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county's crisis is both deep and widespread.
Robeson County's Health Ranks Lowest in NC
Robeson County's 68.0-year life expectancy and 27.2% poor/fair health rate represent the state's most severe health crisis, compounded by a 15.2% uninsured rate—the highest in this county set. These converging challenges demand coordinated intervention.
Worst Health Outcomes in the Region
Robeson County's 68.0-year life expectancy trails even Richmond County (68.8 years), and its 27.2% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all peers. The county's 15.2% uninsured rate—the highest among comparables—amplifies an already dire situation.
Limited Doctors, Too Many Uninsured
Robeson County has 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half of Pitt County's density—while 15.2% of residents remain uninsured. This gap ensures long waits, delayed diagnoses, and preventable deaths among the county's most vulnerable.
Robeson County: Coverage Is the First Step
Robeson County's 15.2% uninsured rate is the state's highest. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-888-453-4647 (N.C. Medicaid) today—getting everyone covered is essential to breaking this health crisis and building a healthier county.
Robeson County faces significantly above-average risk
Robeson County's composite risk score of 91.09 rates as Relatively Moderate and exceeds the national average substantially. This score reflects exceptional exposure across nearly all natural disaster categories.
North Carolina's highest-risk county profile
At 91.09, Robeson County ranks among the highest-risk counties in North Carolina, well above the state average of 66.72. Its southeastern location places it at the confluence of multiple hazard zones.
State's most vulnerable county region
Robeson County (91.09) edges Pitt County (89.82) as the state's highest-risk area and dramatically exceeds western neighbors like Polk County (36.93) and Person County (41.54). It stands alone in exposure severity across this group.
All major hazards pose serious threats
Tornado risk (96.98), hurricane risk (96.45), wildfire risk (87.79), and earthquake risk (90.81) all exceed 87—making Robeson County vulnerable across the entire hazard spectrum. Flooding (86.39) adds a fifth significant concern.
Comprehensive disaster insurance is critical
Robeson County residents must secure homeowners insurance with premium wind and tornado coverage immediately. Flood insurance is mandatory for any property in or near low-lying areas; consider an umbrella policy given the county's exceptional multi-hazard exposure.