CountyScore

Sampson County

North Carolina · NC

#86 in North Carolina
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Sampson County, North Carolina

Sampson scores well above national median

With a composite score of 73.7, Sampson County significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the competitive upper tier of American counties. This 47% improvement over the national baseline reflects solid fundamentals in affordability and tax policy.

Slightly above North Carolina average

Sampson's score of 73.7 edges past the state average of 72.7, placing it modestly ahead of typical North Carolina livability conditions. The narrow margin suggests Sampson delivers fairly representative state-level quality of life with a slight positive differentiation.

Affordability and low taxes anchor the score

Sampson combines a cost score of 83.5 with median home values of $128,400 and rents at $811/month, creating one of the most affordable housing markets in the dataset. A tax score of 79.2 and effective rate of 0.819% reinforce the county's position as a budget-friendly option.

Income levels lag behind affordability gains

Sampson's median household income of $53,159 yields an income score of just 18.1, indicating wages don't keep pace with the county's strong cost advantages. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available, which matters for families evaluating the complete livability picture.

Strong choice for value seekers and retirees

Sampson County appeals to families and retirees who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high incomes or urban amenities. The affordable real estate market and favorable tax environment create an economical lifestyle, though prospective residents should review emerging data on schools and services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.2Cost83.5SafetyComing SoonHealth55.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.1Risk9.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.8
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 Sampson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
63.9
Median income: $65,378
Tehama County
California
63.9
Median income: $61,834
Bond County
Illinois
63.9
Median income: $61,603
Barnstable County
Massachusetts
63.9
Median income: $94,452
Bay County
Michigan
63.9
Median income: $60,523

Deep Dives

Sampson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.