countyscore

Tyrrell County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#14 in North Carolina
55.9
County Score
Cost of Living 88.3Schools 85.7Weather & Climate 73.7

County Report Card

About Tyrrell County, North Carolina

Beating the National Median

Tyrrell County earns a composite score of 55.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This rural county performs surprisingly well on the national stage despite its smaller population.

A Top Performer in North Carolina

With a 55.0 score, Tyrrell significantly outperforms the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands out as one of the more livable rural options in the eastern part of the state.

Affordable Living and Strong Schools

The county excels with high scores in both cost (85.7) and schools (85.7). Residents enjoy a very low median rent of $612 and a median home value of $138,400.

Economic Growth and Health Hurdles

The income score of 6.0 reflects a modest median household income of $43,952. Health and safety scores also trail the leaders, suggesting room for improvement in community services.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Tyrrell is a perfect match for families and retirees seeking high-quality schools and exceptionally low housing costs. It rewards those who value quiet, affordable rural living.

2040608010049.788.332.337.785.73.25444.573.7Tax49.7Cost88.3Safety32.3Health37.7Schools85.7Income3.2Risk54Water44.5Weather73.755.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Tyrrell County DNA

Foverall

How Tyrrell County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Tyrrell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.3/100) but notably weak in Income (3.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.7
Cost
88.3+40.3
Safety
32.3-22.700000000000003
Health
37.7-12.299999999999997
Schools
85.7+31.700000000000003
Income
3.2-47.8
Risk
54
Water
44.5-13.5
Weather
73.7+17.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Tyrrell County?

Many homeowners in Tyrrell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$644/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,685/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Tyrrell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tyrrell County

via TaxByCounty

Tyrrell taxes run higher than most

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.

Income & Jobs in Tyrrell County

via IncomeByCounty

Tyrrell trails national income average

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.

Safety in Tyrrell County

via CrimeByCounty

Tyrrell County Earns High Marks for Safety

Tyrrell County maintains a robust safety score of 97.5 out of 100, indicating a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1,593.4 per 100,000 people sits well below the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a community that is significantly safer than many rural peers across the country.

Beating the North Carolina Safety Average

Tyrrell's safety score of 97.5 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate of 1,593.4 is also noticeably lower than the state's average rate of 2,050.0. These figures place Tyrrell in a strong position within the state's public safety rankings.

Safer Than Its Coastal Neighbors

When compared to nearby Washington County, which reports a crime rate of 2,008.8, Tyrrell County is considerably safer. While Tyrrell reports 1,593.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, it remains a regional leader in low crime volume. However, because only one agency reports data here, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Violent Crime Trends and Property Safety

The county's property crime rate of 1,150.8 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 442.6 is slightly higher than the national benchmark of 369.8. This suggests that while theft is rare, local law enforcement remains focused on interpersonal safety.

Securing Your Tyrrell County Property

Even with property crime rates below national averages, staying vigilant helps maintain this safety trend. Investing in basic home security, such as motion-activated lighting or smart cameras, provides peace of mind. Local residents can further protect their homes by participating in community watch programs.

Weather & Climate in Tyrrell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Coastal Profile Above National Norms

Tyrrell County features an average annual temperature of 60.8°F, placing it well above the median for U.S. counties. This coastal environment is characterized by warm air and significant moisture from the surrounding sounds.

Outpacing the North Carolina Temperature Average

At 60.8°F, Tyrrell County is warmer than the state average of 59.3°F. Its annual precipitation of 55.3 inches also exceeds the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches, reflecting its humid coastal position.

Consistency Across the Inner Banks

Tyrrell's climate mirrors its coastal neighbors, though its 31 extreme heat days are fewer than some inland North Carolina counties. The county averages 42.8°F in January, maintaining a slightly warmer winter profile than the central Piedmont.

Hot Humid Summers and Gentle Winters

Summer temperatures average 77.1°F, with 31 days per year crossing the 90°F threshold. While snowfall data is limited for this coastal area, the mild 44.2°F winter average suggests that frozen precipitation is a rare event.

Focus on Cooling and Moisture Management

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to handle 31 days of extreme heat and high coastal humidity. Given the 55.3 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters and elevated structures is a practical necessity for the local climate.

Soil Quality in Tyrrell County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Lowlands

Tyrrell County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.66, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement even falls below the North Carolina state average of 5.14, indicating a specialized environment for native flora. While taxonomic data is limited here, the acidity suggests a high presence of organic acids common in coastal plains.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

The soil composition consists of 40.5% sand and 30.0% silt, creating a mix that offers moderate workability. With only 10.6% clay, these soils generally lack the heavy compaction found in the Piedmont. This balance allows for decent aeration while the high silt content provides a smooth texture for root expansion.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Tyrrell County boasts a remarkable 16.51% organic matter, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 5.12%. This rich carbon content drives an impressive Available Water Capacity of 0.209 in/in. Such high fertility creates a soil score of 62.9, more than double the North Carolina average of 29.4.

Hydrology in the Coastal Plain

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for this county profile. However, the high water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture effectively, which is vital for the region's agricultural stability. Local growers should monitor site-specific saturation levels given the high organic content and coastal elevation.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Tyrrell County is ideal for blueberries and other acid-loving crops that thrive in high organic matter. The long growing season and nutrient-dense soil provide a unique advantage for coastal gardening. Start your garden today by selecting plants that love rich, moist, and acidic conditions.

Lawn Care in Tyrrell County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Create a Tough Lawn Challenge

Tyrrell County presents a significant challenge for homeowners with a lawn difficulty score of 33.5, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. Its coastal Hardiness Zone 8b provides plenty of warmth, but residents find it more difficult to maintain green space here than in many other parts of the state.

High Rainfall and Mild Heat Patterns

The county receives 55.3 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 31 extreme heat days and 4,853 growing degree days, the climate supports long periods of growth, though excess moisture can lead to fungal issues.

Overcoming Highly Acidic Soil Barriers

The soil is extremely acidic with a pH of 4.66, falling far short of the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most grasses. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the mix of 10.6% clay and 40.5% sand requires significant lime applications to balance the chemistry for healthy roots.

Recent Dry Spells Impact Turf Health

Tyrrell County spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is considered abnormally dry. To preserve turf during these dry windows, homeowners should water deeply and infrequently rather than providing light daily sprinkles.

Start Strong with Warm-Season Grasses

Given the Zone 8b climate, warm-season varieties like St. Augustine or Bermuda are the most reliable choices. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 29th to ensure the lawn establishes before the summer heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tyrrell County's county score?
Tyrrell County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Tyrrell County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Tyrrell County ranks #14 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 Tyrrell County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Tyrrell County is $1,331, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Tyrrell County a tax score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tyrrell County?
The median household income in Tyrrell County, North Carolina is $41,685 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tyrrell County earns an income score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tyrrell County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Tyrrell County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Tyrrell 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 Tyrrell County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.