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Scotland County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#76 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
37.4
County Score
Cost of Living 69Schools 60.1Weather & Climate 49.4

County Report Card

About Scotland County, North Carolina

Well Below National Standards

Scotland County posts a 37.4 composite score, indicating it trails the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin. The ranking reflects systemic challenges in income and community safety.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county falls short of the North Carolina state average of 44.7. While it shows localized strengths, it remains in the lower tier of counties for overall livability within the state.

Strong Schools and Low Prices

A school score of 60.1 is the county's standout metric, outperforming many state peers. Housing is also very affordable with a cost score of 69.0 and a median home value of $109,900.

Critical Safety and Income Needs

The county faces extreme challenges in safety and income, which score 2.7 and 5.6 respectively. A median household income of $43,500 places significant financial strain on local families.

A Practical Choice for Young Families

Scotland County is ideal for families who prioritize access to better-than-average schools on a very tight budget. The extremely low cost of housing allows for a stable home life despite lower income levels.

2040608010044.5692.718.460.15.636.447.549.4Tax44.5Cost69Safety2.7Health18.4Schools60.1Income5.6Risk36.4Water47.5Weather49.437.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Scotland County DNA

Foverall

How Scotland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Scotland County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (2.7/100), though Cost of Living (69/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.5
Cost
69+21
Safety
2.7-52.3
Health
18.4-31.6
Schools
60.1
Income
5.6-45.4
Risk
36.4-10.600000000000001
Water
47.5-10.5
Weather
49.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$109,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$766/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Scotland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Scotland County

via TaxByCounty

Scotland's tax rate tops state average

Scotland County's effective rate of 0.909% exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, reflecting some of the state's higher tax pressure. Despite this, Scotland homeowners pay $999 annually—well below the national median tax of $2,690.

Scotland ranks among state's highest rates

At 0.909%, Scotland County sits in North Carolina's upper tier for property tax rates, surpassing the state average by 29%. This ranking reflects local tax policy choices and revenue needs within the county.

Scotland leads region in tax rates

Scotland's 0.909% rate is the highest among nearby counties, exceeding Sampson (0.819%), Rutherford (0.582%), Stokes (0.620%), Surry (0.621%), and Stanly (0.623%). Only Transylvania's different economic profile offers different comparison.

Your annual Scotland tax bill

On a median home valued at $109,900, Scotland homeowners pay approximately $999 annually—about $83 per month. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,284; without one, it's $841.

Scotland homeowners can challenge assessments

Overassessment is common in property tax systems, and Scotland residents can file a free appeal if they believe their valuation is too high. Gathering recent comparable sales data strengthens your case with the assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scotland County

via CostByCounty

Scotland County faces affordability pressure

At 21.1%, Scotland County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds both the state average of 18.6% and typical national benchmarks, indicating that renters here spend a larger share of earnings on housing. On a median household income of just $43,500, the $766 monthly rent burden is notably heavy.

Among NC's least affordable counties

Scotland County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as one of North Carolina's least affordable housing markets. The gap between this ratio and the state average of 18.6% reflects lower incomes paired with moderate housing costs—a challenging combination.

Scotland renters face highest burden

While Scotland's rent of $766/month is near Rutherford ($748), the key difference is income: Scotland's $43,500 median household income is significantly lower than Rutherford's $49,771, making the same rent consume a much larger income share. Monthly owner costs of $724 are also among the region's highest.

Rent swallows over one-fifth of pay

The typical Scotland renter dedicates 21.1% of their $43,500 annual income to $766/month in gross rent—a pinched situation. Even homeownership at $724/month (14.2% of income) represents a significant commitment on this county's lower income levels.

Scotland: beautiful but budget-tight

Scotland County offers lower absolute rent prices but faces income-affordability challenges that should give relocators pause. If you're moving here, ensure your income is above the $43,500 median to avoid housing cost strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scotland County

via IncomeByCounty

Scotland earns 42% below national median

Scotland County's median household income of $43,500 represents the lowest among these eight counties and falls $31,255 short of the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap places Scotland in the bottom 15% nationally for household income. The disparity underscores significant economic headwinds facing the county's workforce.

Among North Carolina's lowest-income counties

At $43,500, Scotland's median household income trails the state average of $61,072 by $17,572—the largest gap among these eight counties. Scotland ranks in the bottom 10% of North Carolina's 100 counties for household income. This reflects limited access to higher-wage employment and educational attainment disparities affecting earning potential.

Significantly lower than all county peers

Scotland's $43,500 median income falls behind every comparison county, including Sampson ($53,159), Rutherford ($49,771), and Surry ($56,095). The $9,600 gap with the next-lowest county indicates systemic economic challenges in Scotland's labor market. This suggests concentrated disadvantage in manufacturing, agricultural employment, and limited presence of higher-wage sectors.

Housing costs strain tight household budgets

Scotland's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% exceeds the healthy 15% benchmark, signaling moderate housing cost pressure on median-income families. The median home value of $109,900 remains relatively affordable, but for households earning $43,500, mortgage servicing at conventional rates consumes 18–20% of gross income. This leaves limited margin for unexpected expenses or savings accumulation.

Maximize modest income through discipline

Scotland households must prioritize emergency savings before investing, given tight margins—even $50 monthly deposits to a savings account create a crucial safety net. Low-cost index funds and employer retirement plans offer pathways to wealth building without requiring large upfront capital. Free financial counseling through nonprofit organizations helps households optimize limited income and identify tax credits or benefits they may be missing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scotland County

via CrimeByCounty

Elevated Crime Rates Demand Local Attention

Scotland County faces a safety score of 93.3, which is lower than many of its neighbors. The total crime rate of 4,219.5 per 100,000 is nearly double the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Below the State Safety Average

The county falls behind the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Its crime rate of 4,219.5 is significantly higher than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100,000 residents.

Significant Disparity Between Regional Neighbors

Scotland County’s crime rate of 4,219.5 is more than double that of Sampson County. This highlight a localized concentration of crime that requires increased community resources.

High Violent and Property Crime Totals

The violent crime rate of 1,049.0 is almost triple the national average, presenting a serious concern for residents. Property crime is also elevated at 3,170.5 incidents per 100,000 people.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Comprehensive security systems and neighborhood watch participation are highly recommended given local crime rates. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity helps improve collective safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Scotland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient and Focused School Network

Scotland County manages 5,624 students within a streamlined system of 10 public schools. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, all under a single unified district. This centralized structure allows for focused resource allocation across the entire county.

High Performance and Strong Investment

Scotland County excels with a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $7,952 per pupil, which is nearly $1,000 more than the North Carolina state average. These investments reflect in a composite school score of 56.1, which stands well above the state average of 52.4.

One Unified District for All Students

Scotland County Schools serves as the sole district for the region, managing all 5,624 students across its 10 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing the role of the traditional public system. Scotland High School is the largest campus by far, enrolling 1,445 students.

Large Campuses in Rural and Town Settings

Schools in Scotland County are divided between six rural locales and four town settings, offering geographic diversity. The average school size is 562 students, which is larger than many neighboring counties. High-enrollment campuses like Laurel Hill Elementary and Scotland High define the educational experience here.

Find Your Place in a High-Performing County

With some of the highest graduation rates and per-pupil spending in the region, Scotland County is a top choice for education-minded buyers. The single-district system ensures consistent quality no matter where you choose to live. Explore homes near Scotland High or the well-regarded Laurel Hill Elementary to join this thriving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scotland County

via RiskByCounty

Scotland County's risk hovers near national baseline

With a composite risk score of 63.65, Scotland County sits below the state average of 66.72 and remains in the relatively low risk category nationally. The county's profile is dominated by earthquake and hurricane risks rather than the tornado and flood hazards common in neighboring counties.

Below-average risk profile for North Carolina

Scotland's 63.65 score places it among North Carolina's lower-risk counties, sitting comfortably below the state average of 66.72. Despite this favorable overall rating, the county faces unexpected vulnerability to earthquakes (81.46) and hurricanes (86.98).

Scotland is safer than neighboring Sampson County

Scotland's 63.65 score is meaningfully lower than Sampson's 90.20, reflecting less coastal exposure and a more interior location. Compared to Rutherford (72.68) and Transylvania (64.25), Scotland occupies the safer end of the regional risk spectrum.

Earthquakes and hurricanes pose Scotland's biggest threats

Scotland faces earthquake risk (81.46) and hurricane risk (86.98) as its two highest hazards, an unusual combination driven partly by the county's interior location and seismic sensitivity. Tornado risk (80.79) rounds out the top three, a more typical threat for the Piedmont region.

Earthquake and hurricane riders strengthen your coverage

Scotland residents should add earthquake insurance and ensure their homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for hurricanes, as standard policies exclude both. With earthquake risk at 81.46 and hurricane risk at 86.98, dual protection provides peace of mind in this lower-risk but still-vulnerable county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Scotland County

via WaterByCounty

Scotland County Receives Grade D Rating

The county reports 5 health violations, creating a rate of 20.1 per 100,000 residents. While this stays below the state average of 31.7, it indicates persistent compliance challenges.

Watershed Impairment Status Remains Unassessed

Local water bodies are not yet included in the federal §303(d) assessment records. There is currently no data regarding the share of impaired waters for this county.

Limited Monitoring at Three Active Sites

Only 501 measurements were recorded over the past five years across three sites. Physical traits, inorganics, and metals are the most frequently measured characteristic groups.

Big Shoe Heel Creek Flows Diminish

The primary gauge near Laurinburg reports a discharge of 25 cfs. This current flow is just 27% of the long-term mean for Big Shoe Heel Creek.

Independent Testing Advised for Grade D

The combination of limited monitoring and a Grade D rating suggests residents should verify their water quality. Pay close attention to potential metal contaminants as creek levels remain low.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scotland County

via WeatherByCounty

High Southern Temperatures

Scotland County is one of the warmer regions in the country with an annual average of 63.5°F. This is significantly higher than the national median and represents a deep humid subtropical zone.

One of the State's Hottest

At 63.5°F, Scotland County is much warmer than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is also drier than the state average, receiving about 8 inches less rain annually.

Hotter and Drier than Neighbors

Scotland experiences significantly more extreme heat days than northern neighbors like Rowan or Stanly. It also sees much less snowfall, averaging only 1.1 inches per year.

The Land of Constant Heat

Summers are intense, featuring 68 days of extreme heat and a July average of 82.2°F. Winters are very mild with an average temperature of 46.3°F.

Prepare for Long Summers

Residents must plan for over two months of 90-degree weather with high-capacity air conditioning. Winter maintenance is minimal as freezing temperatures and snow are infrequent.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scotland County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sandhills Character

The soil pH sits at 5.07, notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, these acidic levels are typical for the sandy regions of the Carolinas.

A Highly Sandy Soil Profile

Composition is dominated by 72.9% sand and a minimal 9.4% clay. This creates a loose, workable soil that drains extremely fast but struggles to hold onto essential plant nutrients without amendments.

Low Organic Matter Challenges

Organic matter is low at 2.81%, which is roughly half of the North Carolina state average. The available water capacity of 0.098 in/in is also low, suggesting that irrigation is critical for gardening success here.

Fast Drainage for Scotland County

Standard drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this area. However, the high sand content suggests that the ground rarely stays saturated for long after a storm.

Success in the Sandhills

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and fruits. Consider adding compost to your sandy soil to build up the nutrients needed for a thriving garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scotland County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenge of Scotland County Lawns

Scotland County's lawn difficulty score of 37.1 highlights a more rigorous maintenance environment than the national average of 50.0. In hardiness zone 8a, local conditions require careful water management and heat-tolerant plant selections.

Extreme Heat and Limited Rainfall

Lawns here face 68 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 38. Combined with 43.4 inches of rain—lower than the state average of 51.6—grasses are under significant thermal stress for much of the year.

Fertilizing Thirsty Sandy Soil Profiles

With a sand content of 72.9% and a low pH of 5.07, the soil provides very little natural water retention. Homeowners need to incorporate organic matter and lime to improve the 9.4% clay base and boost overall lawn health.

Drought Stress in the Sandhills

The county experienced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area is presently in a severe drought stage. Implementing water-saving techniques like morning-only watering is essential when rainfall drops below the local average.

Optimizing Your Zone 8a Planting

Bermuda grass is a top performer here due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in the 5,640 growing degree days. Aim to seed after the March 25 frost, as the long season extends until the first frost on November 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scotland County's county score?
Scotland County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 37.4 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 Scotland County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Scotland County ranks #76 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 Scotland County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Scotland County is $999, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Scotland County a tax score of 44.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scotland County?
The median household income in Scotland County, North Carolina is $43,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scotland County earns an income score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scotland County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Scotland County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Scotland 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 Scotland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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