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Transylvania County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#12 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.4
County Score
Property Tax 89.9Weather & Climate 77.9Health 66.5

County Report Card

About Transylvania County, North Carolina

Strong National Standing

Transylvania County scores a 56.4, comfortably exceeding the national median composite of 50.0. This score reflects a high-quality environment that balances economics and well-being.

Far Above State Averages

The county is a high-performer in North Carolina, beating the state average of 44.7 by over 11 points. It remains one of the most desirable destinations in the mountains of the state.

Elite Wellness and Low Taxes

The county shines with a health score of 66.5 and an impressive tax score of 89.9. Residents enjoy an effective tax rate of just 0.458% alongside a healthy median income of $64,523.

High Entry Costs for Housing

Housing affordability is the primary challenge, evidenced by a cost score of 47.0 and a high median home value of $336,100. Environmental risks also score lower at 35.8, warranting attention.

Premium Mountain Lifestyle

Transylvania is ideal for established professionals and retirees who value health and outdoor living. It trades higher housing prices for excellent community wellness and some of the lowest tax rates in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax89.9Cost47Safety54.4Health66.5Schools34.8Income52.2Risk35.8Water36.3Weather77.9
🏛89.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
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⚡35.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤77.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.3
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

Transylvania County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Transylvania County

via TaxByCounty

Transylvania taxes below national average

Transylvania County's effective rate of 0.458% sits well below the national median, with homeowners paying $1,539 annually versus the national median of $2,690. The higher median tax reflects Transylvania's significantly higher median home values.

Transylvania ranks among state's lowest

At 0.458%, Transylvania County ranks well below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's most tax-advantaged counties. This favorable rate reflects both tax policy and the county's high-value property base.

Transylvania offers competitive tax rates

Transylvania's 0.458% rate ranks second-lowest regionally, behind only Swain (0.402%) and well below all other nearby counties. Combined with higher home values, this creates distinct pricing dynamics within the region.

Your annual Transylvania tax bill

On a median home valued at $336,100, Transylvania homeowners pay approximately $1,539 annually—about $128 per month. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,622; without one, it's $1,468.

Transylvania homeowners can verify fairness

Even in tax-friendly counties, homeowners benefit from verifying their assessments reflect current market values. If your Transylvania home's valuation seems high relative to recent comparable sales, file a free appeal with the assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Transylvania County

via CostByCounty

Transylvania: luxury housing, solid affordability

Transylvania County has the region's highest median home value at $336,100, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% remains better than North Carolina's 18.6% average. The county's $64,523 median income supports these premium property values comfortably.

Pricey homes, but affordable ratios

Transylvania's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, demonstrating that higher home values here align with proportionally higher incomes. At $909/month median rent, the cost is higher than most peers, yet the earnings support it well.

Premium properties on premium incomes

Transylvania's $909 rent is the region's highest, reflecting its status as a desirable mountain destination with strong income support ($64,523). The median home value of $336,100 dramatically exceeds Sampson ($128,400) or Scotland ($109,900), positioning it as the region's luxury market.

Higher costs, but higher earning power

Transylvania renters spend 16.9% of their $64,523 income on $909/month rent—a higher cost balanced by higher incomes. Homeowners pay $808/month, and the $336,100 median home value reflects Transylvania's status as the region's most expensive and desirable county.

Transylvania for those seeking premium

If you're relocating with above-average income and seek mountain living with higher-end properties, Transylvania's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio shows the market is actually quite sustainable. Compare your income to the $64,523 median: if you exceed it, Transylvania's premium becomes genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Transylvania County

via IncomeByCounty

Transylvania earns 14% below national median

Transylvania County's median household income of $64,523 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,232, representing a 14% gap. This positions Transylvania as the highest-earning county among these eight and places it squarely in the middle tier nationally. The county's mountain location and strong tourism economy support above-average household earnings for rural North Carolina.

Transylvania above state average income

At $64,523, Transylvania's median household income exceeds the North Carolina state average of $61,072 by $3,451. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. Transylvania's position reflects its distinct character as a prosperous mountain tourism destination with higher property values and professional employment.

Highest-earning among all peer counties

Transylvania's $64,523 median income significantly exceeds all comparison counties, leading Stanly ($61,631) by $2,892 and surpassing Stokes ($60,039) by $4,484. The gap grows to $9,000+ versus Surry, Swain, and Rutherford. This clear income leadership reflects Transylvania's mountain tourism appeal and higher concentration of professional and service workers earning above-average wages.

Strong income, but steep home prices

Transylvania's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% indicates solid housing affordability for renters with meaningful budget flexibility. However, the median home value of $336,100—the highest among these eight counties—creates real homeownership barriers requiring household incomes well above the county median. This reflects Transylvania's attractive mountain real estate market driving property appreciation.

Highest earners position for aggressive wealth building

Transylvania households at the $64,523 median can comfortably allocate 12–15% of income to retirement savings while maintaining robust living standards. The county's higher per-capita income of $38,899—the strongest among all eight counties—suggests multiple earners and professional occupations with pension and 401(k) access. Combined with home equity appreciation in a desirable market, Transylvania households build generational wealth most effectively.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Transylvania County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Transylvania County

Transylvania County is one of the safest in the region, boasting a 98.4 safety score. The total crime rate of 1,032.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Far Exceeding State Safety Standards

The county’s safety score of 98.4 is significantly higher than the state average of 96.8. Its crime rate of 1,032.3 is also about half of the North Carolina average of 2,050.0.

Transylvania Outperforms Regional Neighbors

Compared to Swain County’s 1,564.0 rate, Transylvania is even more secure at 1,032.3 crimes per 100,000 residents. It maintains one of the lowest crime profiles in the state.

Impressively Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is rare, occurring at a rate of only 117.7 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also very low at 914.6, suggesting a very stable community environment.

Keeping Transylvania County Safe

Even in very safe counties, property crime can still occur. Using smart home technology and maintaining good relations with neighbors are great ways to keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Transylvania County

via HealthByCounty

Transylvania's health outcomes exceed national average

Residents live to 79.1 years on average—nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. Only one in seven report poor or fair health, well below national rates and the healthiest profile in this county cohort.

Outpacing North Carolina's health benchmarks

At 79.1 years, Transylvania's life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by 4.7 years—a substantial advantage. The county's uninsured rate of 13.6% slightly exceeds the state's 12.5%, a minor gap that hasn't hindered strong health outcomes.

Healthiest county in the entire region

Transylvania's 79.1-year life expectancy surpasses all peers by 4+ years, with the next nearest being Stanly (74.1 years). The county provides the highest primary care density at 66 per 100,000 and exceptional mental health coverage at 334 per 100,000.

Excellence in provider access and community health

Transylvania delivers 66 primary care and 334 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the richest healthcare resources in North Carolina. This provider abundance, paired with strong health outcomes, reflects a community deeply invested in wellness and accessible care.

Maintain coverage to sustain excellent health

With 13.6% uninsured, Transylvania still has coverage gaps despite exceptional health outcomes. Keep your insurance active—you're in a county with outstanding healthcare resources, and continuous coverage ensures you fully leverage them for a long, healthy life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Transylvania County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Town-Centered School System

Transylvania County serves 3,725 students through a well-organized system of 10 public schools. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This concentrated network provides a clear path for students from kindergarten through graduation within two local districts.

Strong Investment and Competitive Scores

The county invests $7,527 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $6,969. While the graduation rate of 83.0% is slightly below state averages, the composite school score of 51.0 remains competitive. This higher-than-average spending reflects a commitment to providing quality resources for local students.

Traditional District with Charter Availability

Transylvania County Schools is the primary district, educating 3,312 students across nine schools. Brevard Academy provides a charter alternative for 413 students, representing 10% of the county's schools. Brevard High School is the largest individual institution, serving 751 students in the heart of the county.

Town-Based Schools with Moderate Sizes

Unlike many neighboring rural counties, nine out of 10 schools here are located in town locales. The average school size is 373 students, providing a mid-sized environment that avoids the anonymity of large urban schools. Students experience a mix of town convenience and mountain beauty, particularly at campuses like Brevard Elementary.

Live Near Exceptional Educational Resources

Transylvania County offers a unique opportunity to live in a town-centered environment with high per-pupil investment. The concentrated school network in Brevard makes it easy for families to find homes within walking or short driving distance of their schools. Prioritize your home search in this area to take advantage of the county's dedicated educational funding.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Transylvania County

via RiskByCounty

Transylvania County carries moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 64.25, Transylvania County sits near the state average of 66.72 in the relatively low risk category. The county faces balanced exposure across multiple hazards, with no single threat dominating the overall profile.

Risk mirrors North Carolina state average profile

Transylvania's 64.25 composite score sits just below the state average of 66.72, positioning it near the middle of North Carolina's risk distribution. The county's mountain location provides some protection against tornadoes (52.61) while maintaining vulnerability to floods (67.11) and hurricanes (59.95).

Transylvania sits between safe and risky neighbors

Transylvania's 64.25 score places it between safer Swain (49.11) and riskier counties like Rutherford (72.68) and Surry (73.57). The county is slightly riskier than Stokes (39.73) but offers meaningfully better risk profile than Sampson (90.20).

Floods and earthquakes pose top threats to Transylvania

Flood risk (67.11) and earthquake risk (61.64) are Transylvania's two highest hazards, each scoring in the sixties. Hurricane risk (59.95) and tornado risk (52.61) remain moderate, while wildfire (43.96) risk is relatively low, reflecting the county's mountain forests and moisture levels.

Flood insurance recommended for Transylvania residents

Transylvania residents should secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly those near mountain streams and in flood-prone valleys. With composite risk at 64.25 and flood risk at 67.11, targeted flood coverage is the single most important protection for this mountain community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Transylvania County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Above the National Median

Transylvania County maintains an average annual temperature of 55.0°F, which sits slightly above the national median for U.S. counties. This humid subtropical climate offers a mild environment compared to the extremes found in many other American regions.

Cooler and Wetter Than the North Carolina Average

The county's 55.0°F annual average is significantly cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. Additionally, its 78.7 inches of annual precipitation dwarfs the state average of 51.5 inches, marking it as one of the wettest spots in the region.

High Rainfall Sets Transylvania Apart

While neighbors in the Blue Ridge Mountains share similar cool temperatures, Transylvania's 78.7 inches of rain is a standout regional figure. Its July average of 72.1°F keeps it much more temperate than the lower-elevation counties to the east.

Mild Summers and Crisp Mountain Winters

The county experiences only 6 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach 90°F, ensuring comfortable summers with a 70.8°F average. Winters remain manageable with an average temperature of 38.9°F and approximately 8.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Rain and Moderate Winters

High-quality rain gear and robust drainage systems are essential given the nearly 80 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should prepare for light winter snow, though the moderate 37.1°F January average means deep freezes are less common than in higher peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Transylvania County

via SoilByCounty

Rich but Acidic Mountain Soils

Transylvania County has a very acidic pH of 4.86, well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently missing, the overall soil score of 39.4 is the highest among its neighbors.

A Stable Loamy Base

The composition features 51.6% sand and 28.0% silt, creating a stable and workable ground. This blend allows for good root development while maintaining a higher moisture retention than sandier regions.

Extremely High Organic Matter

The soil contains a massive 8.45% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 5.12%. Combined with a high available water capacity of 0.145 in/in, this land is exceptionally fertile for local flora.

Superior Moisture Retention

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. The high water capacity suggests the soil holds onto rainfall effectively, which is ideal for the county's lush rainforest-like environment.

Lush Growth in Zone 7b

This zone and the high organic matter are perfect for growing rhododendrons, ferns, and deep-rooted vegetables. Dig into this rich mountain soil and start your most productive garden yet.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Transylvania County

via LawnByCounty

Growing Lawns in the Land of Waterfalls

Transylvania County scores a 51.3 on the difficulty scale, making it slightly easier than the national average to maintain a lawn. This zone 7b county benefits from a unique climate that favors growth while presenting specific moisture-related challenges.

Extraordinary Rainfall and Cool Summers

Receiving a massive 78.7 inches of rain annually, lawns here rarely lack water compared to the state average of 51.6. With only 6 extreme heat days, heat stress is almost non-existent, though the 3,315 growing degree days suggest a shorter growing season.

Managing High Acidity in Rainy Soils

The soil pH is quite low at 4.86, likely due to heavy rains leaching minerals from the 51.6% sand and 13.9% clay mix. Frequent liming is essential to prevent soil from becoming too acidic for standard turfgrasses to survive.

Preparing for Rare Drought Events

The county is currently 100.0% in severe drought despite its rainy reputation, following 19 weeks of drought over the year. Because the area is used to high moisture, even short dry spells can stress local lawns that haven't developed deep roots.

Seeding for the High-Moisture Zone

Fine Fescues and Tall Fescues are excellent choices for this cool, damp zone 7b environment. Time your planting for after the April 19 spring frost to take full advantage of the lush spring before the October 23 autumn frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transylvania County's county score?
Transylvania County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Transylvania County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Transylvania County ranks #12 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 Transylvania County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Transylvania County is $1,539, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Transylvania County a tax score of 89.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Transylvania County?
The median household income in Transylvania County, North Carolina is $64,523 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Transylvania County earns an income score of 52.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Transylvania County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Transylvania County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Transylvania 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 Transylvania 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.