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Surry County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#27 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.3
County Score
Cost of Living 74.4Property Tax 71.9Weather & Climate 62.9

County Report Card

About Surry County, North Carolina

Matching the National Median

Surry County hits the 50.3 mark, aligning almost perfectly with the national median composite score of 50.0. It offers a quintessentially average American quality of life with balanced metrics.

Outperforming the State Baseline

Surry scores well above the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands out as a reliable and high-functioning county within the state's diverse geography.

Affordability and Strong Schools

The county earns high marks for cost (74.4) and schools (54.9). Residents enjoy a low median gross rent of $741 and a tax score of 71.9, making it a very wallet-friendly location.

Managing Risks and Incomes

The income score of 28.0 reflects a median household income of $56,095, which is lower than many urban centers. Environmental risk also presents a challenge with a score of 26.4.

Balanced Living for Families

Surry County is a smart choice for families who want a high-quality education and low living costs. It provides a stable, middle-class lifestyle with great value for every dollar spent.

Score breakdown

Tax71.9Cost74.4Safety28.3Health31.2Schools54.9Income28Risk26.4Water57.5Weather62.9
🏛71.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54
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

Surry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Surry County

via TaxByCounty

Surry taxes rank below national median

Surry County's effective rate of 0.621% sits well below the national median rate, with homeowners paying just $1,033 annually compared to the national median of $2,690. This favorable positioning reflects both tax policy and moderate home values.

Surry rates run below state average

At 0.621%, Surry County falls slightly below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it a moderately tax-friendly county statewide. Median taxes of $1,033 align well with state patterns.

Surry competes well regionally

Surry's 0.621% rate closely tracks Stokes (0.620%) and Stanly (0.623%), positioning it in the region's middle tier. These three counties cluster together, all below state average and above only Swain.

Your annual Surry tax bill

On a median home valued at $166,400, Surry homeowners pay approximately $1,033 annually—about $86 per month. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,152; without one, it's $926.

Surry homeowners can challenge valuations

Property tax appeals are free and straightforward in North Carolina, and many Surry residents find their assessments overstate true home values. If your property feels overvalued, contact the county assessor about filing an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Surry County

via CostByCounty

Surry keeps housing costs in check

Surry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% comfortably beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, reflecting a balanced housing market. On a $56,095 median household income, the $741 monthly rent remains well within manageable territory.

Well-above-average affordability statewide

At 15.8%, Surry ranks among North Carolina's more affordable counties, with renters enjoying a rent burden 2.8 percentage points below the state average. The $741 median rent falls $197 below the statewide median of $938.

Surry rents are among the lowest

Surry's $741 rent is the second-lowest in this group (after Swain's $715) and notably cheaper than Stanly ($830) and Sampson ($811). The $687 monthly owner cost is also competitive, making both renting and buying accessible here.

Housing takes less than one-sixth

Surry renters spend 15.8% of their $56,095 median income on $741/month rent—a healthy proportion. Homeowners pay $687/month, and the median home value of $166,400 offers solid entry points for buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing county income levels.

Surry: quiet affordability on the Piedmont

Considering a move? Surry County offers rents $197 below the state average and a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio that ranks among North Carolina's best. The combination of low costs and moderate incomes makes it genuinely attractive for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Surry County

via IncomeByCounty

Surry earns 25% below national average

Surry County's median household income of $56,095 falls $18,660 short of the national median of $74,755. This 25% gap places Surry in the bottom 35% nationally for household earnings, though above the most economically distressed rural counties. The shortfall reflects limited access to knowledge-sector employment and reliance on aging manufacturing industries.

Surry ranks middle-lower in North Carolina

At $56,095, Surry's median household income trails the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $4,977. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. This gap suggests economic challenges common to rural piedmont counties that depend on traditional manufacturing rather than diversified, knowledge-based industries.

Below statewide peers, above eastern counties

Surry's $56,095 median income exceeds Scotland ($43,500) and Rutherford ($49,771) but falls short of Stanly ($61,631) and Transylvania ($64,523) by $5,500–$8,500. Compared to near-peers Stokes ($60,039) and Swain ($55,429), Surry ranks in the middle. This reflects Surry's position as a working-class manufacturing county without significant poverty or prosperity advantages.

Good rental affordability, moderate home costs

Surry's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% indicates solid housing affordability for renters, with meaningful budget flexibility. The median home value of $166,400 remains within reach for dual-income households, requiring roughly $65,000 in annual household income at conventional lending standards. Working families can realistically achieve homeownership while maintaining other financial priorities.

Stable employment supports patient investing

Surry's manufacturing base, while challenged, still provides stable employment that supports consistent savings habits and retirement contributions. Households can realistically allocate 8–10% of the $56,095 median to long-term wealth building without sacrificing current living standards. Even modest regular investment in low-cost index funds generates meaningful wealth accumulation over 20–30 year careers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Surry County

via CrimeByCounty

Surry County Beats National Safety Standards

Surry County earns a high safety score of 97.3, reflecting a secure community for its citizens. Its total crime rate of 1,730.4 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national mark of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Safety Average

The county's 97.3 safety score outperforms the North Carolina average of 96.8. Surry’s crime rate of 1,730.4 also sits comfortably below the state average of 2,050.0.

Comparative Stability Among Neighboring Counties

Surry County shows a crime rate of 1,730.4, which is nearly identical to Stanly County’s 1,726.7. It offers a much safer environment than the high-crime areas found in Scotland County.

Low Violent Crime Rates Protect Residents

Violent crime is low at 210.0 per 100,000, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 1,520.4 incidents, though it still beats national trends.

Defending Your Property in Surry County

Property crime remains the primary focus for local safety efforts. Residents can bolster home security by using motion sensors and ensuring all entry points are well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Surry County

via HealthByCounty

Surry's life expectancy nears national average

Residents live to 73.7 years on average—3.7 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years. About one in five report poor or fair health, a rate better than the national average and indicative of relatively stable community wellness.

Slight gap from North Carolina baseline

At 73.7 years, Surry falls 0.7 years short of the state's 74.4-year life expectancy. The county's uninsured rate of 13.4% marginally exceeds the state average of 12.5%, suggesting minor coverage access challenges.

Mid-range performer with strong provider access

Surry's 73.7-year life expectancy ties Stokes and exceeds Rutherford, Sampson, and Scotland, but trails Stanly and Transylvania. Primary care provision is strong at 56 per 100,000 residents, supporting the county's moderate health outcomes.

Good provider availability, modest coverage gaps

Surry offers 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and reasonable mental health support at 150 per 100,000. With 13.4% uninsured, a portion of residents still lack reliable care access despite provider availability.

Close your coverage gap today

One in seven Surry residents remains uninsured, missing access to the county's solid primary care network. Check your eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage—ensuring you're covered unlocks the healthcare providers the county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Surry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Choice of School Districts

Surry County offers a diverse educational landscape with 30 public schools serving 11,082 students. The infrastructure is unique for its size, featuring five different school districts to provide local control. This includes 15 elementary schools, six middle schools, and six high schools, plus three specialized campuses.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

Surry County is a regional leader with a stellar 93.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county's composite school score of 54.8 is well above the North Carolina state average of 52.4. These results are achieved with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $6,637.

Multiple Districts and Specialized Charters

Surry County Schools is the largest district with 7,340 students, but residents also benefit from Mount Airy City and Elkin City schools. Millennium Charter Academy provides an alternative for 687 students, representing about 3% of the total school count. North Surry High is the largest individual school, enrolling 843 students.

Balance of Rural and Town Locales

The county's schools are split between 18 rural settings and 12 town locations, offering a variety of environmental choices. With an average school size of 369 students, the county avoids the overcrowding seen in more urban areas. Families can choose between larger town high schools or smaller rural elementary campuses.

Invest in a County with Top-Tier Schools

Surry County's exceptional graduation rates make it a premier destination for families relocating to North Carolina. The presence of five different districts allows for significant variety in home location and school preference. Search for homes in the Mount Airy, Elkin, or broader Surry County areas to secure a high-quality education for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Surry County

via RiskByCounty

Surry County faces slightly elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 73.57, Surry County sits in the relatively low category but above both the state average of 66.72 and many national peers. Flood risk (77.26) and earthquake risk (69.69) are the county's primary vulnerabilities.

Above-average risk among North Carolina counties

Surry's 73.57 composite score places it above the state average of 66.72, ranking it among the higher-risk counties in North Carolina. Notably, the county has extremely low wildfire risk (28.05), providing a significant offset to its flood and earthquake exposures.

Surry is riskier than Stokes, comparable to Rutherford

Surry's 73.57 score is substantially higher than neighboring Stokes (39.73) but similar to Rutherford (72.68) just to the south. Compared to Transylvania (64.25), Surry shoulders meaningfully greater disaster exposure across most hazard categories.

Floods and earthquakes dominate Surry's risk profile

Flood risk (77.26) and earthquake risk (69.69) represent Surry's two highest hazards, each scoring in the seventies. Hurricane risk (71.51) rounds out the top three, while wildfire (28.05) remains among the state's lowest, a notable geographic advantage.

Flood and earthquake insurance recommended for Surry

Surry County residents should secure flood insurance and consider earthquake riders, as standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards and Surry's exposure is substantial. With flood and earthquake scores both exceeding 69, dual coverage offers cost-effective protection against the county's primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Surry County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Foothills Weather Profile

Surry County averages 55.8°F annually, making it cooler than the typical North Carolina county but still above the national median. The elevation provides a break from the deep southern heat.

Well Below the State Average

Surry is 3.5 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. Its precipitation of 49.7 inches is very close to the state average of 51.5 inches.

Cooler and Snowier Region

Surry is notably cooler than nearby Rowan or Stanly, with 5.6 inches of annual snow. It also experiences far fewer extreme heat days than its neighbors to the south and east.

Mild Summers and Chilly Winters

The county sees only 28 days of extreme heat, significantly fewer than the state average. January temperatures average 35.9°F, leading to a consistent winter season.

Prepare for Moderate Winters

Residents should plan for several snow events each year totaling over 5 inches. While summers are milder, the 28 days of 90-degree weather still require effective home cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Surry County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Ultisols in Surry

The county features Ultisols with a pH of 5.14, matching the North Carolina state average exactly. This acidic level is well below the national median of 6.5, making it a standard Southeastern soil profile.

Cobbly Sandy Loam Texture

A cobbly fine sandy loam dominates the landscape, made of 58.5% sand and 16.0% clay. The presence of cobbles and sand ensures great drainage while the clay provides enough body to hold nutrients.

Solid Growth Potential

Organic matter sits at 3.28%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but below the state average of 5.12%. Available water capacity is high at 0.139 in/in, giving the county a respectable soil score of 32.1.

Efficient Water Management

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. These characteristics mean the land processes rainfall efficiently, reducing the risk of erosion and standing water in your garden.

Mountain-Fringe Bounty in 7b

Surry County is famous for its grapes and apples, which thrive in this well-drained 7b zone. It is a great time to plant fruit trees or a vegetable patch in these supportive soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Surry County

via LawnByCounty

Surry's Superior Conditions for Lawn Care

Surry County boasts a difficulty score of 54.0, indicating it is much easier to grow grass here than the state average of 40.8. Located in zone 7b, the county offers a relatively hospitable climate for diverse grass types.

Favorable Rainfall and Mild Heat

Lawns benefit from 49.7 inches of annual rain and only 28 extreme heat days, which is significantly cooler than the state average. These conditions reduce the risk of heat stress and help maintain green turf with less supplemental irrigation.

Managing Your Cobbly Sandy Loam

The soil is a well-drained cobbly fine sandy loam with a pH of 5.14 and 58.5% sand. To optimize health, homeowners should focus on raising the pH with lime and managing the 16.0% clay content to prevent nutrient runoff.

Resilient Performance Amidst Dry Spells

While Surry had 21 weeks of drought last year, only 4.9% of the area is currently in severe drought. This relative resilience compared to neighboring counties makes it easier to sustain a lawn without constant water restrictions.

Spring Start for Zone 7b Lawns

Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue are popular here, taking advantage of the mild 3,689 growing degree days. Plan your seeding around the April 19 last frost date to ensure strong roots before the October 26 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surry County's county score?
Surry County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Surry County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Surry County ranks #27 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 Surry County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Surry County is $1,033, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Surry County a tax score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Surry County?
The median household income in Surry County, North Carolina is $56,095 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Surry County earns an income score of 28/100 on CountyScore.
Is Surry County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Surry County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Surry 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 Surry 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.