countyscore

Sampson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#78 in North Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.3
County Score
Water Quality 66.2Cost of Living 66Weather & Climate 62.2

County Report Card

About Sampson County, North Carolina

Trailing the National Median

With a composite score of 36.3, Sampson County sits well below the national median of 50.0. The data indicates that the county faces significant headwinds in providing a competitive quality of life.

Below the State Baseline

Sampson ranks significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It struggles to keep pace with the infrastructure and economic scores of many surrounding counties.

Clean Water and Low Costs

Water quality is a notable strength with a score of 66.2, complemented by a cost score of 66.0. Homebuyers find high value here, as the median home value is an accessible $128,400.

Navigating Environmental and Health Risks

The county faces a very low risk score of 9.8, indicating high vulnerability to natural or environmental factors. Health outcomes also need attention, as the dimension score sits at a low 18.7.

Suited for Entry-Level Homeownership

Sampson County is best for individuals looking for the lowest possible barrier to owning a home. It offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for those who are comfortable navigating limited local health and safety resources.

Score breakdown

Tax51.8Cost66Safety21Health18.7Schools20.4Income21Risk9.8Water66.2Weather62.2
🏛51.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.9
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

Think property taxes are too high in Sampson County?

Many homeowners in Sampson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Sampson County with Pinellas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pinellas County
Florida
Median income: $70,293
36.3
Pittsburg County
Oklahoma
Median income: $54,787
36.3
Baker County
Oregon
Median income: $57,844
36.3
Frio County
Texas
Median income: $60,098
36.3
Rutland County
Vermont
Median income: $64,778
36.3
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $66,336
36.2
Butler County
Ohio
Median income: $81,194
36.2
Calhoun County
Texas
Median income: $71,870
36.2

Nearby counties

Duplin County
North Carolina
35.7
Cumberland County
North Carolina
25.9
Bladen County
North Carolina
39.2
Wayne County
North Carolina
32.1
Johnston County
North Carolina
43.5
Harnett County
North Carolina
34.7
Pender County
North Carolina
44.9
Lenoir County
North Carolina
38.1

Deep Dives

Sampson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sampson County

via TaxByCounty

Sampson taxes remain below national median

Sampson County's effective rate of 0.819% still undercuts the national median rate, though it ranks higher than most North Carolina counties. Sampson homeowners pay $1,051 annually compared to the national median tax of $2,690.

Sampson ranks mid-tier for state taxes

At 0.819%, Sampson exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, placing it in the upper half of county tax rates statewide. Still, the median tax of $1,051 reflects Sampson's lower median home values.

Sampson pays more than most neighbors

Sampson's 0.819% rate is notably higher than Rutherford (0.582%), Stokes (0.620%), Surry (0.621%), and Stanly (0.623%). Only Scotland (0.909%) and Transylvania (0.458%) differ meaningfully in the region.

Your annual Sampson tax bill

On a median home valued at $128,400, Sampson homeowners pay approximately $1,051 annually—or about $88 per month. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,314; without one, it's $887.

Sampson homeowners should check assessments

Thousands of North Carolina property owners are overassessed and don't realize they can appeal. If your Sampson home feels overvalued relative to recent sales, you can file a free appeal with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sampson County

via CostByCounty

Sampson keeps housing costs moderate

Sampson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just below the state average of 18.6%, reflecting a housing market that doesn't squeeze renters too hard. At $811/month median rent on a $53,159 household income, Sampson residents spend proportionally less than many U.S. counties.

Affordable compared to state norms

Sampson's median rent of $811/month falls well below North Carolina's state average of $938, saving renters about $127 per month. The county's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's more accessible housing markets.

Sampson rents undercut the region

At $811/month, Sampson rents are higher than Rutherford ($748) but competitive with Scotland ($766) and lower than Stanly ($830). On the ownership side, Sampson's $681 monthly cost is the lowest among these peer counties, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers.

Housing takes one-sixth of income

Sampson renters allocate 18.3% of their $53,159 median household income—roughly $811/month—to gross rent. Homeowners spend $681/month, and the median home value of $128,400 is notably lower than surrounding counties, offering genuine first-time buyer opportunities.

Sampson: affordable living, rural character

Relocating to Sampson means finding rents $127 below the state average and the lowest homeowner costs in the region. If you're seeking rural North Carolina living without breaking the bank, Sampson's affordability metrics make it a genuine contender.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sampson County

via IncomeByCounty

Sampson households earn 29% below nation

Sampson County's median household income of $53,159 sits $21,596 below the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the bottom 30% nationally for household earnings. The gap reflects Sampson's primarily rural character and dependence on agricultural and light manufacturing sectors.

Middle-lower rank within North Carolina

Sampson's $53,159 median income trails the state average of $61,072 by roughly $8,000 per year. Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Sampson ranks in the lower-middle tier for household income. The county's economy relies heavily on agricultural production and small-scale manufacturing, sectors that typically offer lower wage premiums than knowledge-based industries.

Competitive with rural eastern peers

Sampson's $53,159 median income exceeds Scotland County ($43,500) by $9,600 but trails Rutherford County ($49,771) slightly. Compared to piedmont neighbors like Stanly ($61,631) and Transylvania ($64,523), Sampson lags by $8,000–$11,000. This reflects the income gradient between eastern agricultural counties and more industrialized central regions.

Rent-affordable, but home purchase challenging

Sampson's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% indicates housing affordability remains strong for renters. However, the median home value of $128,400 still requires household income above the county median for comfortable mortgage servicing. Working families here benefit from low rental costs but face genuine obstacles accumulating down payments for homeownership.

Agricultural workers can leverage tax benefits

Sampson's significant agricultural workforce can access specialized tax deductions and farm business structures that reduce tax burden and build equity. All households benefit from tax-advantaged retirement accounts—even modest $100-per-month contributions compound significantly over decades. Community banks and credit unions in Sampson offer financial counseling to help workers optimize earnings and plan for asset building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sampson County

via CrimeByCounty

Sampson County Beats National Crime Averages

Sampson County earns a high safety score of 96.8, reflecting a peaceful community landscape. The total crime rate of 2,045.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

A Mirror to State Safety Levels

The county exactly matches North Carolina's average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,045.0 also falls slightly below the state average of 2,050.0 per 100,000 residents.

Safer Than Nearby Scotland County

Sampson County provides a safer alternative to neighbors like Scotland County, which has a crime rate over 4,200. It shows similar stability to Rutherford County’s rate of 2,085.7.

Violent Crime Rates Near National Norms

Violent crime in the county sits at 347.3 per 100,000, which is close to the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of the data with 1,697.7 incidents per 100,000 people.

Staying Vigilant Against Property Crime

Locking windows and securing outbuildings helps protect against the county's property crime rate. Active community awareness remains a vital tool for Sampson County homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sampson County

via HealthByCounty

Sampson County health significantly below U.S. average

Life expectancy stands at 72.7 years—nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of roughly one in seven.

Among North Carolina's healthiest challenges

Sampson ranks notably below the state's 74.4-year life expectancy, with a 1.7-year gap. The county's uninsured rate of 16.6% substantially exceeds North Carolina's average of 12.5%, suggesting coverage barriers are a real health factor.

Health disparities sharper than surrounding counties

Sampson's 72.7-year life expectancy falls below Rutherford (71.9 is close but Rutherford slightly lower), and significantly lags Stanly (74.1 years) and Transylvania (79.1 years). The county's primary care density of 42 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the region.

Insurance gaps compound healthcare access struggles

At 16.6% uninsured, Sampson residents face above-average barriers to consistent care—among the highest in this cohort. Primary care availability is strained at 42 per 100,000, while mental health support remains limited at 64 providers per 100,000.

Get covered—your health depends on it

One in six Sampson residents lack health insurance, making coverage a urgent priority. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local Medicaid office to explore options—coverage directly impacts your ability to access preventive and emergency care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sampson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Public School System

Sampson County operates 23 public schools serving a total of 11,022 students across two separate districts. The system is comprised of 12 elementary schools, five middle schools, and six high schools. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for the county's growing student population.

Investing in Future Educational Growth

Sampson County spends $6,654 per pupil, staying close to the state average of $6,969. The graduation rate currently sits at 80.9%, which trails the state average of 88.0%. Local administrators continue to work toward the 50.0 national median school score, currently holding a 48.0 composite score.

Two Districts Serving Unique Communities

Sampson County Schools is the primary district with 18 schools and 7,971 students, while Clinton City Schools serves 3,051 students across five campuses. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, meaning all public education is managed through these two traditional districts. Clinton High remains the largest individual school in the county with 851 students.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Nineteen of the county's 23 schools are in rural settings, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage. With an average school size of 479 students, the environment offers a mid-sized community feel. Schools range from larger institutions like Midway High to smaller, town-based campuses in the Clinton City district.

Discover Homes in Friendly School Districts

Sampson County offers a variety of residential options near established schools in both the county and city districts. Families often choose this area for its traditional school settings and mid-sized campus environments. Consider the local district boundaries as you search for your next home in this community-focused region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sampson County

via RiskByCounty

Sampson County faces notably elevated disaster risk

Sampson's composite risk score of 90.20 places it in the relatively moderate category—significantly higher than most U.S. counties and well above the national average. Hurricane risk alone registers at 97.50, among the highest in North Carolina, reflecting coastal storm vulnerability.

Among North Carolina's highest-risk counties

At 90.20, Sampson's composite risk score substantially exceeds the state average of 66.72, ranking it among the riskiest counties in North Carolina. The county's hurricane exposure (97.50) is the single highest statewide, amplified by proximity to coastal surge and storm systems.

Sampson stands out as the region's riskiest county

With a 90.20 score, Sampson is meaningfully riskier than neighboring Rutherford (72.68) and Scotland (63.65), reflecting its southeastern coastal positioning. The county's hurricane score of 97.50 dwarfs neighbors' equivalent scores, a defining regional difference.

Hurricanes and tornadoes threaten Sampson County

Hurricane risk (97.50) and tornado risk (80.22) are Sampson's dominant hazards, with the former being exceptionally severe compared to state and national peers. Flood risk (69.62) compounds the threat during Atlantic hurricane season, when all three hazards spike simultaneously.

Hurricane and flood insurance are non-negotiable here

Sampson County residents must secure hurricane-resistant property insurance and active flood insurance coverage, as standard policies exclude both wind and water damage from tropical systems. With composite risk at 90.20 and hurricane exposure near 98, comprehensive coverage is critical for recovery after major storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sampson County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Plain Warmth

Sampson County is quite warm with an average annual temperature of 61.5°F, well above the national median. This climate is characterized by long, hot summers and very short, mild winters.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county tracks over two degrees warmer than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. Its annual precipitation of 51 inches aligns almost perfectly with the state average of 51.5 inches.

Typical Interior Coastal Climate

Sampson shares a similar precipitation profile with the rest of the state but experiences more extreme heat than the Piedmont. It records nearly 50 days of 90-degree temperatures annually.

Intense Heat and Low Snow

July averages reach a sweltering 80.0°F, contributing to 49 days of extreme heat per year. Snow is a rarity here, with the county averaging only 1.8 inches annually.

Focus on Heat Mitigation

With 49 days of extreme heat, residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling and sun protection. Winter clothing needs are light given the 44.5°F average winter temperature.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sampson County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Plain Soils with Low pH

Sampson County features a very acidic pH of 4.95, falling significantly below the national median of 6.5. Precise taxonomic data is unavailable, but the acidity is a defining trait for this agricultural hub.

Sandy Terrain for Fast Drainage

With 69.8% sand and only 9.8% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and porous. This high sand percentage ensures water moves through quickly, which reduces the risk of root rot but requires frequent watering.

Moderate Fertility and Water Storage

The 3.59% organic matter content is below the state average of 5.12% but remains higher than the national average. An available water capacity of 0.124 in/in provides a decent reservoir for crops between summer rains.

Hydrologic Patterns of the Coastal Plain

Official drainage and hydrologic group data are currently not recorded for this county. Because the soil is nearly 70% sand, it likely drains very rapidly, making it ideal for specialized crops that dislike wet feet.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8a

This zone is perfect for blueberries and peanuts which thrive in sandy, acidic environments. Start your planting now to take advantage of the long, warm Sampson County growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sampson County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Sampson's Difficult Lawn Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 27.9, Sampson County is one of the more challenging places in the country to maintain turf, well below the national median of 50.0. The hardiness zone 8a climate demands a specialized approach to keep grass healthy and green.

Intense Heat Drives High Maintenance Needs

The county faces 49 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the North Carolina average of 38 days. While 51.0 inches of rain is typical for the state, the 5,076 growing degree days indicate a very long and aggressive mowing season.

Managing Very Sandy and Acidic Ground

Soil here is highly acidic with a 4.95 pH and is dominated by a 69.8% sand content. This composition leads to rapid drainage and nutrient leaching, requiring frequent, small applications of fertilizer and regular liming to balance the pH.

Surviving Thirty-Five Weeks of Drought

Sampson County has struggled through 35 weeks of drought in the last year, with 100.0% of the area currently in severe drought status. Deep, infrequent irrigation is critical to encourage roots to grow deep into the sandy profile for survival.

Seeding for Success in Eastern NC

Heat-tolerant species like Centipede or St. Augustine grass are the best fits for this zone 8a environment. Start your lawn after the early spring frost on March 26 to take advantage of the warmth, but remain vigilant until the first frost on November 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sampson County's county score?
Sampson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 36.3 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 Sampson County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Sampson County ranks #78 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 Sampson County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Sampson County is $1,051, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Sampson County a tax score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sampson County?
The median household income in Sampson County, North Carolina is $53,159 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sampson County earns an income score of 21/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sampson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Sampson County scores 36.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Sampson 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 Sampson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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