CountyScore

Rowan County

North Carolina · NC

#59 in North Carolina
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Rowan County, North Carolina

Rowan County well above national livability

Rowan County's composite score of 72.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 46%, signaling strong overall livability by U.S. standards. This performance is bolstered by competitive tax rates and household income levels.

Matches state performance closely

With a score of 72.9, Rowan County sits right at North Carolina's state average of 72.7, representing typical performance among state counties. It neither stands out nor lags relative to peer counties statewide.

Best household incomes and low taxes

Rowan County leads this group with an income score of 24.6 and median household income of $63,196, while also maintaining a tax score of 83.9 and effective rate of 0.653%. This combination of relatively strong wages and tax efficiency provides solid economic footing.

Moderate housing costs and affordability

The county's cost score of 76.8 and median home value of $216,100 are higher than most peers, with median rent at $990 per month reflecting mid-range housing pressure. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available.

Suits working families with decent wages

Rowan County appeals to working families and established professionals with household incomes approaching or exceeding $60,000 who can absorb moderate housing costs. Its income strength and tax efficiency make it the best choice for career-focused households seeking economic stability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.9Cost76.8SafetyComing SoonHealth64.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk17.1WaterComing Soon
🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rowan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Ada County
Idaho
66.1
Median income: $88,907
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
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66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
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66.1
Median income: $92,266

Deep Dives

Rowan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rowan County

via TaxByCounty

Rowan County taxes run below national median

Rowan County's effective tax rate of 0.653% sits below the national median of roughly 0.75%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,411 annually is 48% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a favorable rate and lower regional home values.

Slightly below North Carolina average

Rowan County's effective rate of 0.653% falls slightly below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,411, which is $22 less than the state median of $1,433.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Rowan County's 0.653% rate ranks second-lowest among the eight counties examined, beaten only by Polk County (0.579%). It significantly outpaces higher-tax neighbors like Pitt (0.849%), Rockingham (0.788%), and Richmond (0.929%).

Median home tax is $1,411 annually

A homeowner with a median-valued house in Rowan County ($216,100) pays roughly $1,411 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders pay $1,555 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $1,223.

Even favorable rates warrant a review

Rowan County's lower effective rate is a plus, but homeowners shouldn't assume accuracy in every assessment. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor to verify your home's valuation could still uncover savings on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rowan County

via CostByCounty

Rowan County approaches national affordability norms

Rowan County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits just slightly above the national comfort zone, with renters spending a reasonable share of income on housing. The median household income of $63,196 approaches the national median of $74,755, while monthly rents of $990 reflect moderate costs for the county's income level.

Slightly above-average burden for North Carolina

Rowan County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% marginally exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, placing it just slightly less affordable than typical. Monthly rents of $990 run $52 above the state median of $938, though incomes of $63,196 are closer to state norms.

Mid-range rents, solid regional standing

Rowan County's $990 monthly rent falls between the region's cheapest (Person at $796) and most expensive (Polk at $1,089), positioning it as a middle-market option. With incomes of $63,196, Rowan residents enjoy better earning potential than most regional neighbors, supporting the 18.8% rent-to-income ratio.

Nearly one-fifth of income toward rent

Rowan County households earning $63,196 spend 18.8% of income on rent, allocating roughly $990 monthly to housing. Homeowners pay $895 monthly (17.0% of income), with median home values of $216,100 reflecting a moderately priced market that supports both rental and ownership pathways.

Rowan County: reasonable middle-ground choice

Rowan County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio and $63,196 median income make it a balanced choice for relocators seeking regional stability without extreme affordability advantages. Compare it against cheaper options like Person ($796 rent) and Rockingham ($17.0% ratio) to decide if Rowan's moderate costs fit your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rowan County

via IncomeByCounty

Rowan County income trails national median

Rowan County's median household income of $63,196 falls below the national median of $74,755 by approximately $11,560. Despite the gap, the county maintains a solid earnings foundation.

Above North Carolina average

Rowan County's $63,196 median exceeds the state average of $61,072 by about $2,100 per household. It ranks in the upper half of North Carolina's income distribution.

Second-highest earner in peer group

Rowan County trails only Person County ($64,927) by $1,731 but outpaces Polk County ($61,005), Randolph County ($59,047), and Rockingham County ($55,796). It ranks among the strongest earners in the Piedmont region.

Housing costs within healthy range

At 18.8%, Rowan County's rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing households breathing room in budgets. The median home value of $216,100 is elevated but achievable for households at the county median.

Invest in long-term financial security

Rowan County residents earning near or above the median should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and consider diversified investments. Building a robust portfolio while housing remains affordable positions households for generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rowan County

via HealthByCounty

Rowan County Trails National Health Standards

Rowan County residents live to 72.7 years on average—3.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 1.7 years below North Carolina's 74.4 years. With 19.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows above-average disease and disability.

Rowan County Ranks Below State Average Health

At 72.7 years, Rowan County's life expectancy falls among the lower performers in North Carolina, and its 11.4% uninsured rate is slightly better than the state's 12.5%. Still, below-average health outcomes suggest barriers beyond insurance coverage.

Mid-Pack Health in the Piedmont

Rowan County's 72.7-year life expectancy ranks it below Person (74.8 years), Pitt (74.9 years), and Polk (76.5 years) but above Randolph (72.9 years) and Rockingham (71.9 years). Its 19.2% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of peer distress.

Below-Average Provider Access

Rowan County has 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-third of Pitt County's density—limiting routine care access. Though 11.4% uninsured (better than the state), the county's provider shortage means long wait times even for insured residents.

Rowan County: Strengthen Insurance Protection

Rowan County's 11.4% uninsured rate is better than the state average, but improvement remains possible. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-855-889-4325 to ensure your household has full coverage and access to timely, quality care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rowan County

via RiskByCounty

Rowan County significantly exceeds U.S. risk

Rowan County's composite risk score of 82.92 rates as Relatively Moderate and clearly exceeds the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard categories in the central Piedmont.

Well above North Carolina's typical risk

At 82.92, Rowan County ranks well above the state average of 66.72, placing it among North Carolina's higher-risk counties. Its central Piedmont position contributes to above-average tornado, flood, and earthquake exposure.

Among the riskier Piedmont counties

Rowan County (82.92) faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Person County (41.54) and Polk County (36.93), while matching Randolph County (80.63). It represents one of the state's more hazard-prone regions.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods align

Earthquake risk (82.95), tornado risk (85.69), and flood risk (84.76) cluster at exceptionally high levels—well above state averages. These three hazards dominate Rowan County's disaster exposure and require active mitigation.

Comprehensive coverage and earthquake rider

Rowan County residents must prioritize homeowners insurance with full wind, tornado, and flood coverage. Consider adding earthquake insurance to your policy, as Rowan County's 82.95 earthquake risk is among the state's highest.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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