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Swain County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#24 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
52.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.8Cost of Living 90.3Weather & Climate 72.2

County Report Card

About Swain County, North Carolina

Outpacing the National Median

Swain County earns a composite score of 52.6, placing it above the national median of 50.0. Its unique mountain profile offers a lifestyle that exceeds many standard national metrics.

A Western North Carolina Leader

The county performs significantly better than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It serves as a model for high livability in the state's more rural, scenic regions.

Top-Tier Tax and Cost Benefits

Swain dominates in affordability with a tax score of 93.8 and a cost score of 90.3. A remarkably low 0.402% effective tax rate and $715 median rent provide immense financial relief.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

The county struggles with a low health score of 11.2, suggesting limited access to medical facilities. An income score of 26.2 also highlights the need for more diverse local employment.

Paradise for Remote Workers

Swain is a perfect match for those with outside income who want to live in a low-tax, high-beauty environment. It offers an incredible cost-of-living advantage for anyone who doesn't rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax93.8Cost90.3Safety33.2Health11.2Schools34.8Income26.2Risk50.9Water47.9Weather72.2
🏛93.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.6
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

Swain County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Swain County

via TaxByCounty

Swain offers North Carolina's best rates

Swain County's effective rate of 0.402% ranks among the lowest in the nation, dramatically below the national median rate. Homeowners pay just $844 annually—roughly one-third the national median tax of $2,690.

Swain ranks lowest in North Carolina

At 0.402%, Swain County has North Carolina's lowest effective tax rate, well below the state average of 0.701%. This significant advantage makes Swain exceptionally tax-friendly within the state.

Swain leads region with lowest taxes

Swain's 0.402% rate substantially undercuts all nearby counties, including Transylvania (0.458%), Rutherford (0.582%), Stokes (0.620%), Surry (0.621%), Stanly (0.623%), Sampson (0.819%), and Scotland (0.909%). This exceptional advantage reflects Swain's unique tax structure.

Your annual Swain tax bill

On a median home valued at $209,800, Swain homeowners pay approximately $844 annually—just $70 per month. With a mortgage, that reaches $941; without one, it's $808.

Even Swain residents can appeal taxes

Despite Swain's already-low rates, homeowners who believe their assessments exceed fair market value can still file free appeals. Overassessment can occur anywhere, and verifying your valuation against recent sales protects your interests.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Swain County

via CostByCounty

Swain rents are North Carolina's lowest

Swain County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits comfortably below North Carolina's 18.6% average, and its median rent of $715/month is the lowest in this entire dataset. For renters earning $55,429 annually, Swain delivers genuine affordability.

Lowest rents in the state sample

At just $715/month, Swain's median rent is $223 below the North Carolina state average of $938, while the 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above the state average. This positions Swain as exceptionally affordable by state standards.

Swain dominates on rental affordability

Swain's $715 rent beats every comparable county—Stokes ($766), Surry ($741), Sampson ($811), and others by significant margins. The standout is the $464/month owner cost, the region's lowest, reflecting Swain's unique combination of ultra-affordable housing.

Mountain living at remarkably low cost

Swain renters dedicate just 15.5% of their $55,429 income to $715/month rent—excellent by any standard. Homeowners pay an astonishingly low $464/month, though the median home value of $209,800 suggests strong property appreciation potential.

Swain: mountain bargain you won't find elsewhere

Relocating to Swain County means claiming North Carolina's lowest rents ($715/month) and owner costs ($464/month). If mountain living and exceptional affordability appeal to you, Swain delivers both—though demand for this rare combination is rising.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Swain County

via IncomeByCounty

Swain trails national income by 26%

Swain County's median household income of $55,429 falls $19,326 short of the national median of $74,755. This 26% gap places Swain in the bottom 35% nationally, though ahead of the most economically distressed rural regions. The disparity reflects Swain's dependence on tourism, forestry, and limited higher-wage employment sectors.

Swain below average for North Carolina

At $55,429, Swain's median household income trails the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $5,643. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. Swain's economy, centered on tourism and natural resources rather than diversified manufacturing or services, limits wage growth opportunities.

Comparable to rural piedmont counties

Swain's $55,429 median income sits between Surry ($56,095) and Rutherford ($49,771), placing it in the lower-middle range among these eight counties. Compared to Transylvania ($64,523), also in the mountains, Swain earns roughly $9,000 less annually. This income gap reflects differences in tourism market strength and proximity to higher-wage regional employment centers.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

Swain's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% ranks among the healthiest of all eight counties, enabling meaningful household savings capacity. The median home value of $209,800, while higher than Surry and Rutherford, reflects mountain real estate desirability and remains accessible for households with modest savings. This combination allows Swain families to pursue homeownership without excessive housing cost burden.

Seasonal income requires strategic planning

Swain's tourism-dependent economy often creates seasonal income fluctuations, making disciplined savings during peak seasons essential for year-round stability. Households should build emergency reserves covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing aggressively. Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs allow even modest annual contributions to accumulate substantially, cushioning against seasonal employment volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Swain County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores in Swain County

Swain County provides a safe environment with a high safety score of 97.5. Its crime rate of 1,564.0 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Swain Leads State Safety Benchmarks

The county’s safety score of 97.5 beats the North Carolina average of 96.8. Residents benefit from a crime rate that is nearly 500 points lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

Safer than Most Regional Peers

Swain’s crime rate of 1,564.0 is lower than both Stanly and Surry counties. It represents one of the safer regions in this part of North Carolina.

Violent Crime Aligns with State Averages

Violent crime sits at 332.6 per 100,000, which is nearly identical to the state average of 330.7. Property crime remains the most frequent issue at a rate of 1,231.4.

Securing Your Home Against Property Crime

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents, so securing doors and windows is essential. Simple deterrents like alarm stickers and cameras can effectively protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Swain County

via HealthByCounty

Swain faces severe life expectancy challenges

At 67.3 years, Swain's life expectancy is approximately 10 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years—the lowest in this county group. More than one in five residents report poor or fair health, reflecting a health crisis within this small mountain community.

Deepest health burden below state average

Swain's 67.3-year life expectancy lags North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by 7.1 years—a stark disparity. The county's uninsured rate of 19.4% more than doubles the state's 12.5%, the highest in the entire cohort.

Struggling most despite exceptional provider access

Swain's 67.3-year life expectancy is the lowest regionally—10+ years below Transylvania (79.1) and significantly worse than peers like Rutherford (71.9) and Stanly (74.1). Yet the county offers the most robust provider networks: 64 primary care and 417 mental health providers per 100,000—exceptional resources that suggest barriers beyond simple supply.

Abundant providers, massive coverage crisis

Swain leads all counties with 417 mental health providers per 100,000 residents and 64 primary care providers—remarkable capacity that should deliver excellent care. Yet nearly one in five Swain residents lack any health insurance, preventing them from accessing these available resources.

Insurance access is urgent in Swain County

Nearly one in five Swain residents (19.4%) are uninsured—a crisis rate far above state and regional averages. Despite exceptional provider availability, uninsured residents cannot access care; apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage immediately to connect with the county's abundant health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Swain County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small and Focused Learning Community

Swain County hosts 2,084 students across six public schools, creating one of the most intimate systems in the state. The landscape features three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one specialized campus. Two districts manage the local education, providing both traditional and charter options.

Steady Achievement in the Mountains

The county maintains a 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national benchmark perfectly. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,915, which aligns almost exactly with the North Carolina state average. These metrics support a solid school score of 51.8, keeping pace with statewide performance levels.

Traditional and Charter School Diversity

Swain County Schools serves the majority of the population with 1,910 students across five schools. Mountain Discovery Charter School offers a smaller alternative, enrolling 174 students and making up nearly 17% of the county's school count. Swain County High School is the largest campus in the region with 560 students.

Purely Rural Education Experience

Every single school in Swain County is classified as a rural locale, offering a consistent environment focused on the local community. The average school size is just 347 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their students well. From Swain County West Elementary to the high school, the feeling is neighborly and focused.

Find Your Home in a Mountain School District

Families looking for a truly rural and small-scale educational experience will find Swain County to be a perfect fit. The intimate school sizes and consistent graduation rates offer peace of mind for parents. Explore properties near Bryson City to be close to the heart of this dedicated school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Swain County

via RiskByCounty

Swain County enjoys low natural disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 49.11, Swain County sits well below both the state average of 66.72 and most national peers, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's mountainous terrain and interior location provide natural protection against coastal and wind-driven hazards.

Below-average risk among North Carolina counties

Swain's 49.11 score places it among North Carolina's safest communities, sitting substantially below the state average of 66.72. The county's low tornado risk (35.43) is particularly notable, reflecting the protective effects of Appalachian geography.

Swain is safer than most regional neighbors

Swain's 49.11 score is lower than Transylvania (64.25), Rutherford (72.68), and all other measured counties in the region. The county's mountain location provides advantages that translate directly into reduced disaster vulnerability.

Floods represent Swain's primary natural disaster risk

Flood risk (62.50) is Swain's highest hazard score, likely reflecting the county's mountain streams and elevation changes. Wildfire (60.31) and earthquake (63.39) risks are moderate, while tornado (35.43) and hurricane (54.15) risks remain well below state averages.

Flood insurance is Swain's main coverage priority

Swain County residents should focus on flood insurance for stream and flash flood protection, particularly those in mountain valleys or near watercourses. With overall composite risk at 49.11 and flood risk at 62.50, targeted flood coverage provides the most critical protection for this mountain community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Swain County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Rainy Mountain Climate

Swain County's 55.2°F average temperature reflects its high-elevation mountain environment. It is much cooler than the rest of the state and receives high annual rainfall.

North Carolina's Cooler Peak

Swain is over 4 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is also much wetter, receiving 56.7 inches of precipitation compared to the state's 51.5 inches.

A Rainy Regional Outlier

With 56.7 inches of rain, Swain is one of the wettest counties in the region. It records only 12 extreme heat days, which is vastly lower than any of its eastern neighbors.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Extreme heat is rare here with only 12 days above 90°F and a summer average of 71.3°F. Winters are snowy, averaging 6.5 inches with a January mean of 36.4°F.

Focus on Rain and Snow

Reliable waterproof gear and winter vehicle prep are essential for the high precipitation and 6.5 inches of snow. Heavy cooling is rarely needed as extreme heat is infrequent.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Swain County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soil Identity

Specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for Swain County in the regional records. The diverse mountain topography often leads to a complex variety of soil types across the county.

Variable Mountain Texture

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently not listed for this area. Gardeners in this region typically find a mix of rocky and loamy soils that vary significantly by elevation.

Natural Mountain Fertility

Official organic matter and water capacity metrics are currently unavailable. Despite the lack of data, the region is known for rich forest soils that support thick natural vegetation.

Watershed and Slope Drainage

Drainage class and hydrologic group data are not recorded in the current dataset. In this mountainous terrain, drainage is usually determined by the slope and proximity to local rivers.

Gardening in Zone 7b

Swain County sits in hardiness zone 7b, which is excellent for cool-weather crops like cabbage and broccoli. Start exploring your local soil and see what your unique microclimate can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Swain County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Growing Conditions in Swain

Swain County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 66.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. Its zone 7b mountain climate provides some of the best natural conditions for turf in North Carolina.

Ample Rain and Very Few Heat Days

With a high annual precipitation of 56.7 inches and only 12 extreme heat days, lawn stress is remarkably low. The 3,430 growing degree days mean grass grows at a manageable pace, requiring less frequent mowing than in the hotter eastern counties.

Working with Natural Mountain Soil

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this area, but regional mountain soils tend to be acidic. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine the exact lime and nutrient needs for their specific property.

Navigating Periodic Severe Dry Spells

Despite high rainfall, 100.0% of the county is currently in severe drought after 17 dry weeks this past year. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the lawn, which helps retain soil moisture during these unexpected dry periods.

Thriving in the Blue Ridge Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue blends are perfect for the cool zone 7b summers in Swain. Begin your lawn care routine after the April 17 frost and expect the primary growing window to close around October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swain County's county score?
Swain County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Swain County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Swain County ranks #24 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 Swain County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Swain County is $844, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Swain County a tax score of 93.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Swain County?
The median household income in Swain County, North Carolina is $55,429 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Swain County earns an income score of 26.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Swain County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Swain County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Swain 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 Swain 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.