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Rowan County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#69 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 69.7Property Tax 68.1Lawn Care 51.8

County Report Card

About Rowan County, North Carolina

Approaching the National Median

Rowan County's 39.2 composite score is roughly 10 points behind the 50.0 national median. While not a top-tier performer, it maintains several competitive economic indicators.

Below the North Carolina Average

At 39.2, Rowan County trails the state average of 44.7. The county serves as a middle-market option within the expanding Charlotte-region orbit.

Competitive Taxes and Solid Income

A strong tax score of 68.1 and a 0.653% effective tax rate are major draws. With a median income of $63,196, residents enjoy a better financial balance than many neighboring rural counties.

Environmental Risk and Safety Obstacles

The county struggles with environmental risk (17.1) and safety (21.9). High housing costs relative to the region also contribute to a lower cost score of 35.5.

Suited for Mid-Career Professionals

Rowan County is best for working professionals who can take advantage of the decent local income and favorable tax rates. It offers a balanced, middle-of-the-road lifestyle for those working in the Piedmont.

Score breakdown

Tax68.1Cost35.5Safety21.9Health35.6Schools37.6Income48.9Risk17.1Water44.1Weather69.7
🏛68.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.8
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 →
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Deep Dives

Rowan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Rowan County

via CrimeByCounty

Rowan County Safety Overview

Rowan County maintains a safety score of 96.8, reflecting a secure environment relative to national figures. The total crime rate of 2,011.3 per 100,000 is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Matching the State Safety Average

Rowan's safety score of 96.8 perfectly matches the North Carolina state average. Nine reporting agencies cooperate to maintain a total crime rate that is slightly lower than the state average of 2,050.

Safety Compared to Neighboring Counties

Rowan is safer than Rockingham County but has higher crime rates than Randolph County. It represents a balanced safety profile within the Charlotte metropolitan fringe.

Violent vs Property Crime

The violent crime rate of 359.0 is just below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most frequent issue, with a rate of 1,652.3 incidents per 100,000 people.

Protecting Rowan County Residences

Motion-activated lighting and alarm systems are highly effective deterrents in suburban neighborhoods. Residents should also focus on securing outbuildings and garages to prevent theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Rowan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Thirty-Five Schools Serving Rowan County

Rowan County features a broad infrastructure of 35 public schools across two districts, serving 19,095 students. The system is comprised of 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This comprehensive network caters to a mix of suburban and rural communities.

Strong Graduation Success and State-Level Spend

Rowan County delivers an 89.0% graduation rate, beating both the North Carolina state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,720, closely approaching the state average of $6,969. The county achieves a school score of 52.4, which is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0.

The Rowan-Salisbury Schools System

The Rowan-Salisbury Schools district is the primary education provider, managing 33 schools and 18,225 students. Faith Academy, the county's single charter school, serves 601 students and adds diversity to the educational landscape. This streamlined district structure ensures consistent educational standards across the county.

A Balanced Suburban and Rural Experience

The county’s 35 schools are split almost evenly between rural (18) and suburban (17) settings. Average school size is 546 students, with large high schools like Carson and West Rowan serving over 1,100 students each. This balance offers families the choice between neighborhood suburban schools or quieter rural campuses.

Finding Your Place in Rowan County Schools

Rowan County's high graduation rate and strong school scores make it an attractive destination for home buyers. Areas near Salisbury or East Rowan offer a mix of suburban convenience and high-performing school zones. Use our school quality data to help identify the best neighborhood for your next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Rowan County

via WeatherByCounty

Rowan's Warm Subtropical Climate

Rowan County maintains an annual average temperature of 59.0°F, which is notably warmer than the national median. This temperature profile identifies the region as a humid subtropical climate zone.

Matching the North Carolina Average

The county's average temperature sits almost exactly at the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. While temperature is typical for the state, its 44 inches of rain is lower than the state average of 51.5 inches.

Drier Than Nearby Counties

Compared to western neighbors like Rutherford, Rowan is significantly drier, receiving 10 inches less annual precipitation. It also sees slightly less snow than counties immediately to the north.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

Summers are long with 36 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 78.3°F. Winters remain mild, averaging 41.1°F with only 3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Humid Summer Heat

Residents should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to handle over a month of extreme heat days. Winter gear needs are minimal, as the county rarely sees significant or lasting snow accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rowan County

via SoilByCounty

Rowan County's Typical Piedmont pH

Rowan County has a soil pH of 5.45, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.14 but more acidic than the national 6.5 median. It represents a classic Piedmont soil profile that is productive but requires some management.

A Substantial Silt and Clay Mix

The texture is a mix of 48.4% sand, 31.4% silt, and 17.7% clay. This significant silt and clay presence gives the soil more body and nutrient-holding potential than sandier coastal regions.

Above Average Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter is measured at 1.31%, which is lower than the state's 5.12% average. On the plus side, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a good reservoir for plants.

Reliable Texture for Home Gardening

Specific drainage and taxonomic data are not available, yet the balanced texture indicates moderate drainage capabilities. This stability is beneficial for both large-scale farming and home gardening projects.

Fruit and Vegetable Success in 7b

Zone 7b offers a versatile climate for everything from peaches to strawberries. With soil that holds water well, Rowan County is a fantastic place to start a garden and enjoy the local harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rowan County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Rowan Lawns

Rowan County's lawn difficulty score of 51.8 makes it one of the more manageable counties in North Carolina. This score beats both the state average of 40.8 and the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the area supports a wide variety of turfgrasses with moderate effort.

Ideal Rainfall and Average Heat

Annual precipitation is 44.0 inches, perfectly situated within the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. The county experiences 36 extreme heat days per year, nearly matching the state average of 38. With 4,461 growing degree days, the environment supports consistent growth throughout the spring and summer.

Amending Typical Piedmont Soils

The soil pH of 5.45 indicates acidic conditions that require lime to reach the preferred 6.0-7.0 range. A mix of 48.4% sand and 17.7% clay means the soil can hold moisture well but may need aeration to prevent compaction. Regular soil testing will help you determine the exact nutrient needs of your specific yard.

Water Conservation in Severe Drought

Rowan County spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year and is currently 100% under D2 severe conditions. During these times, it is vital to reduce mowing frequency and avoid fertilizing, which can stress thirsty grass. Focus on keeping the roots alive rather than maintaining a perfectly green color during peak dry weeks.

Timing Your Seeding for Zone 7b

Cool-season grasses like Fescue are very popular here, with the best planting window opening after April 9. Be mindful of the first fall frost on October 30, as you'll want new seeds established well before then. Late summer and early autumn are the peak times for starting a new lawn in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rowan County's county score?
Rowan County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 39.2 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 Rowan County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Rowan County ranks #69 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 Rowan County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Rowan County is $1,411, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Rowan County a tax score of 68.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rowan County?
The median household income in Rowan County, North Carolina is $63,196 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rowan County earns an income score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rowan County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Rowan County scores 39.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Rowan 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 Rowan County with other counties side by side.

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