Tyrrell County's composite score of 74.2 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 48-point advantage reflects a county built on affordability and tax efficiency that resonates nationwide.
2 / 5
Slightly above average in North Carolina
Tyrrell ranks just above the state average with a score of 74.2 compared to North Carolina's 72.7, positioning it as a solid middle-tier performer statewide. Among the eight counties examined, it ranks third overall.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax relief lead the way
Tyrrell shines brightest on cost (87.5) with a median home value of just $138,400 and rent at $612/month—among the lowest in the state. The county also boasts strong tax efficiency with an effective rate of 0.891%, making it one of North Carolina's most tax-friendly counties.
4 / 5
Income levels need strengthening
The county's income score of 12.1 reflects a median household income of $43,952, well below state and national norms. Data gaps remain on safety, health, schools, and water quality, limiting a complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious retirees
Tyrrell County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high wages. If your household earns modestly but values financial breathing room and rural charm, Tyrrell delivers strong livability at minimal cost.
Tyrrell County's composite score of 74.2 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 48-point advantage reflects a county built on affordability and tax efficiency that resonates nationwide.
Slightly above average in North Carolina
Tyrrell ranks just above the state average with a score of 74.2 compared to North Carolina's 72.7, positioning it as a solid middle-tier performer statewide. Among the eight counties examined, it ranks third overall.
Affordability and tax relief lead the way
Tyrrell shines brightest on cost (87.5) with a median home value of just $138,400 and rent at $612/month—among the lowest in the state. The county also boasts strong tax efficiency with an effective rate of 0.891%, making it one of North Carolina's most tax-friendly counties.
Income levels need strengthening
The county's income score of 12.1 reflects a median household income of $43,952, well below state and national norms. Data gaps remain on safety, health, schools, and water quality, limiting a complete livability picture.
Best for budget-conscious retirees
Tyrrell County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high wages. If your household earns modestly but values financial breathing room and rural charm, Tyrrell delivers strong livability at minimal cost.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Tyrrell's effective tax rate of 0.891% sits well above the national median of 0.712%, putting it in the top quarter of counties nationwide. While residents pay a median $1,233 annually—less than the national median of $2,690—they do so on homes worth far less, meaning the tax burden relative to home value is steeper here.
Above average for North Carolina
At 0.891%, Tyrrell's effective rate exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by 27%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. The county's median tax of $1,233 falls below the state median of $1,433, reflecting lower home values rather than lower rates.
Tyrrell outpaces nearby coastal peers
Tyrrell's 0.891% rate tops Washington County (1.123%, highest in the region) and Vance County (0.806%), though it trails Watauga's remarkably low 0.415%. Among Eastern NC counties, Tyrrell residents face a substantial tax burden relative to regional peers.
A $138,400 home costs $1,233 yearly
The typical Tyrrell homeowner with a median-valued home of $138,400 pays approximately $1,233 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.891% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,588 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $907.
Challenge your assessment today
Many Tyrrell County homeowners are unknowingly overassessed and could reduce their tax bills through a formal appeal. Contact your county assessor's office to request a reassessment if your home's valuation seems out of line with comparable properties in your area.
At 16.7%, Tyrrell County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing. The county's median rent of $612 per month is also notably affordable compared to the national context where median household incomes reach $74,755 versus Tyrrell's $43,952.
Most Affordable Rents in North Carolina
Tyrrell ranks among North Carolina's most affordable counties for renters, with a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 18.6%. The median rent of $612 undercuts the state average of $938 by 35%, making this county a standout for cost-conscious renters.
Eastern NC's Most Budget-Friendly Option
Tyrrell's $612 monthly rent is the lowest in its region, outpacing nearby Washington County ($829) and Vance County ($860). With median home values at $138,400, Tyrrell offers the rare combination of low rents and modest home prices across Eastern North Carolina.
Housing Takes 16.7% of Income Here
Renters in Tyrrell spend roughly $612 monthly while homeowners pay $663, both remarkably low given the county's median income of $43,952. Together, these numbers show housing costs consume just over one-sixth of typical household income, leaving more money for other necessities.
Consider Tyrrell for Maximum Affordability
If housing costs are your primary concern, Tyrrell County delivers the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison at 16.7% and median rents 35% below state average. The tradeoff: this rural county offers limited job markets compared to urbanizing neighbors, so weigh affordability against employment opportunities in your field.
Tyrrell County's median household income of $43,952 falls 41% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects economic challenges common in rural Eastern North Carolina counties, where fewer high-wage job opportunities exist than in urban centers.
Among North Carolina's lowest earners
Tyrrell ranks near the bottom of North Carolina's 100 counties for household income, earning 28% less than the state average of $61,072. Only a handful of counties in the state report lower median household incomes.
Similar to surrounding rural counties
Tyrrell's $43,952 income sits slightly above Washington County ($41,750) and matches the economic profile of other northeastern counties. Neighboring Vance and Warren counties report modestly higher incomes in the $45,000-$47,000 range.
Rent remains affordable here
At 16.7%, Tyrrell's rent-to-income ratio is well below the national benchmark of 30%, meaning renters spend a healthy share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $138,400, homeownership remains relatively accessible for households earning near the county median.
Build financial security in Tyrrell
Even modest incomes can grow through consistent saving and smart investing. Consider working with a local financial advisor to explore retirement accounts, emergency funds, and long-term wealth-building strategies tailored to rural North Carolina's economy.
At 76.0 years, Tyrrell County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 years—a notable edge of 2.6 years. Yet one in five residents report poor or fair health, suggesting life length doesn't always mean life quality. These residents beat national odds, but hidden health challenges persist.
Above average in a healthy state
Tyrrell's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by 1.6 years, placing it in the healthier tier of NC counties. However, its 20.1% poor/fair health rate sits above the state's typical burden of chronic disease. The county is punching above its weight in longevity but facing real daily health struggles.
Eastern NC's mixed health picture
Compared to nearby counties, Tyrrell holds its ground: it outlives Warren (73.0 years) and Washington (71.2 years) by several years, though trails Watauga (79.4 years) and Union (78.5 years). Its 20.1% poor/fair health rate sits between its healthier and more burdened neighbors. Mental health support is available at 29 per 100,000 residents, modest compared to state leaders.
Insurance gaps in a rural county
Tyrrell's uninsured rate of 15.7% exceeds the state average of 12.5%, meaning roughly one in six residents lack health coverage. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but the county has 29 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Rural location and insurance gaps create real barriers to routine care.
Explore health coverage options now
With 15.7% of Tyrrell uninsured, checking eligibility for Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or employer coverage is a vital first step. Visit healthcare.gov or NC's Medicaid website to see what options fit your household. Don't let uninsured status block access to the care that could extend and improve your life.
With a composite risk score of 46.02, Tyrrell County ranks as Relatively Low—significantly safer than the national average of around 65. This puts the county in a better position than most American counties when it comes to overall natural disaster exposure.
Among safest counties in North Carolina
Tyrrell's score of 46.02 places it well below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. Most of Tyrrell's neighbors face substantially higher composite risk levels.
Safer than coastal and central peers
Tyrrell scores 46.02 compared to Washington County (59.64) and Watauga County (71.85) nearby. The county's low risk rating reflects its distance from major urban and tornado-prone corridors that affect surrounding regions.
Hurricane and flood risks dominate
Hurricane risk tops Tyrrell's hazard profile at 92.12, followed by flood risk at 68.80—reflecting the county's coastal location in eastern North Carolina. Tornado and earthquake risks remain comparatively low at 21.37 and 18.96 respectively.
Prioritize hurricane and flood coverage
Tyrrell residents should secure flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Hurricane-resistant upgrades and a comprehensive evacuation plan are essential given the county's 92.12 hurricane risk score.