CountyScore

Scotland County

North Carolina · NC

#67 in North Carolina
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Scotland County, North Carolina

Scotland ranks soundly above national livability baseline

Scotland County's composite score of 72.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, demonstrating that it delivers livability conditions well above typical U.S. standards. This above-median standing reflects cost and tax advantages that translate to real purchasing power for residents.

Nearly aligned with North Carolina average

At 72.1, Scotland County sits just below the state average of 72.7, placing it squarely in line with typical North Carolina livability. This near-parity suggests Scotland delivers representative conditions across the state's quality-of-life spectrum.

Housing affordability stands out most

Scotland's cost score of 83.7 reflects rock-bottom real estate prices: median home values of just $109,900 and rents averaging $766/month represent some of the lowest in the dataset. Combined with a tax score of 76.7 and 0.909% effective rate, the county offers exceptional affordability.

Income is the weakest component of the profile

Scotland's median household income of $43,500 produces the dataset's lowest income score at 11.8, meaning wages significantly trail the national and state averages. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable but are essential for a complete assessment.

Perfect for budget-first families and retirees

Scotland County is an excellent fit for retirees on fixed incomes, low-wage workers, and families where cost of living is the paramount concern. The ultra-low housing costs offset modest incomes, though families should investigate school quality and healthcare access before deciding.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.7Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth56.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.8Risk36.4WaterComing Soon
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.4
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 Scotland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Kauai County
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Median income: $93,612
Alexander County
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Median income: $43,523
Christian County
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Median income: $59,253

Deep Dives

Scotland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Scotland County

via HealthByCounty

Scotland faces the deepest health gaps

At 69.5 years, Scotland's life expectancy is nearly 8 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years—the lowest in this county cohort. More than one in four residents report poor or fair health, the highest rate in the group.

Significant health burden below state average

Scotland's 69.5-year life expectancy falls 4.9 years short of North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years. Despite an uninsured rate of 11.1%—slightly below the state's 12.5%—health outcomes remain severely challenged.

Poorest health in the surrounding region

At 69.5 years, Scotland's life expectancy significantly trails all peers: Rutherford (71.9), Sampson (72.7), Stokes (73.7), Surry (73.7), Stanly (74.1), Swain (67.3 is lower but much smaller), and Transylvania (79.1). The county offers strong primary care density at 58 per 100,000, yet disparities persist.

Provider access strong, outcomes concerning

Scotland provides 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and robust mental health support at 221 per 100,000—resources that should enable good care. Yet one in four residents still report poor health, suggesting barriers beyond simple access.

Insurance is your foundation for better health

With 11.1% uninsured, coverage gaps remain despite strong provider numbers. Ensure you're enrolled in a health plan—whether through Medicaid, marketplace options, or employer coverage—to translate available providers into actual care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.