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Vance County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#89 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.8
County Score
Weather & Climate 63.3Cost of Living 56Property Tax 52.7

County Report Card

About Vance County, North Carolina

Trailing the National Median

Vance County earns a composite score of 33.8, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. The county faces systemic challenges across several key dimensions.

Below the North Carolina Average

With a score of 33.8, Vance lags behind the state average of 44.7 by over 10 points. It currently ranks in the lower tier of counties for overall state-wide livability.

Accessible Housing and Moderate Taxes

Housing remains the county's strongest point with a cost score of 56.0 and median rent of $860. The tax score of 52.7 shows a manageable burden for local residents.

Safety and Health Concerns

Low scores in safety (5.3) and health (18.2) indicate significant community needs. The median household income of $46,943 also limits local purchasing power.

Best for Low-Cost Living

Vance is most suitable for individuals who prioritize affordable housing and are looking for a community with high potential for revitalization. It offers a very low entry price for the region.

2040608010052.7565.318.2389.351.626.763.3Tax52.7Cost56Safety5.3Health18.2Schools38Income9.3Risk51.6Water26.7Weather63.333.8/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Vance County DNA

Foverall

How Vance County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Vance County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.3/100), though Cost of Living (56/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.7
Cost
56+8
Safety
5.3-49.7
Health
18.2-31.8
Schools
38-16
Income
9.3-41.7
Risk
51.6
Water
26.7-31.3
Weather
63.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$860/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,943/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.2

per 100K

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

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Deep Dives

Vance County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Vance County

via TaxByCounty

Vance's tax rate tops national median

Vance County's effective tax rate of 0.806% exceeds the national median of 0.712% by roughly 13%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationwide. The median annual property tax of $1,179 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's more modest home values of $146,300.

Vance ranks above North Carolina average

At 0.806%, Vance's effective rate surpasses North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by 15%, positioning it among the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median property tax of $1,179 falls notably below the state median of $1,433 due to lower home valuations.

Vance taxes exceed most regional peers

Vance's 0.806% rate runs higher than Union (0.614%), Wake (0.715%), and Watauga (0.415%), but remains lower than Tyrrell (0.891%) and Washington (1.123%). Among central North Carolina counties, Vance carries a above-average tax burden on homeowners.

A $146,300 home costs $1,179 yearly

The typical Vance homeowner with a median-valued home of $146,300 pays approximately $1,179 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.806% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,240 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,113.

Overassessments may be correctable

Vance County homeowners facing higher-than-expected tax bills should check whether their property assessment aligns with recent sales of comparable homes. Filing an appeal with your assessor's office could result in a lower valuation and meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vance County

via CostByCounty

Vance Renters Face Above-Average Burden

At 22.0%, Vance County's rent-to-income ratio sits 3.4 percentage points above North Carolina's average and significantly above national norms. With median household income of $46,943—37% below the national average—residents here stretch limited earnings toward median rent of $860.

Vance Struggles With Affordability Gap

Vance County ranks among North Carolina's least affordable areas for renters, with a 22.0% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average of 18.6%. The combination of below-average wages and above-average rents creates a significant affordability squeeze.

Pricier Than Rural Counties, Lower Wages

Vance's $860 rent sits between Tyrrell ($612) and Washington County ($829), yet the county's $46,943 median income underperforms both neighbors. This mismatch creates above-average rent burden despite modest absolute housing costs.

One-Fifth of Income Goes to Rent

Renters in Vance spend $860 monthly (22.0% of income) while homeowners pay $742 (15.8% of income), showing a notable rental disadvantage. The disparity suggests more affordable homeownership but highlights risks for renters facing wage stagnation.

Vance Offers Value, But Wages Matter Most

Vance County's $860 median rent is reasonable in isolation, but the 22.0% rent-to-income ratio signals tight budgets for local wage earners. Consider this county only if you can secure employment significantly above the area median or have external income sources.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vance County

via IncomeByCounty

Vance income trails national average

Vance County's median household income of $46,943 is 37% below the national median of $74,755. Like other rural North Carolina counties, Vance faces economic headwinds from limited high-wage employment sectors.

Below-average income for North Carolina

Vance ranks in the lower quartile of North Carolina counties at $46,943, earning 23% less than the state average of $61,072. The county's economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and smaller service industries.

Mixed fortunes among neighbors

Vance's $46,943 edges above Warren County ($45,279) but lags Wayne County ($58,082) and the state average. Its per capita income of $27,223 reflects income inequality challenges across the county.

Housing costs strain some households

Vance's rent-to-income ratio of 22% indicates housing consumes a notable but still manageable portion of earnings, above the county median for North Carolina. A median home value of $146,300 remains within reach for households near the county median income.

Start small, think long-term

Even modest incomes support wealth building through automatic savings and low-cost investment accounts. Community banks and credit unions in Vance offer financial literacy programs and affordable tools to help households build emergency reserves and retirement savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Vance County

via CrimeByCounty

Vance County Faces Elevated Crime Rates

Vance County reports a total crime rate of 3,447.7 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score stands at 94.6, indicating higher risk levels than many other regions. Local agencies are actively working to address these figures and improve public safety.

Challenging the State Average

The county's safety score of 94.6 falls below the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Additionally, the total crime rate of 3,447.7 is nearly 70% higher than the statewide average of 2,050.0. Three reporting agencies currently manage law enforcement across the county's jurisdiction.

Safety Comparisons with Neighboring Counties

Compared to neighboring Warren County, which has a crime rate of 2,446.4, Vance County sees much higher levels of reported incidents. Residents in Vance experience roughly 1,000 more crimes per 100,000 people than those in Warren. These regional differences highlight the specific safety challenges Vance is currently navigating.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime in Vance County reaches 863.7, more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high at 2,584.0, exceeding the national benchmark of 2,015.7. These numbers mean that both personal and property safety are major focuses for local residents and police.

Proactive Security for Vance Residents

Given the higher rates of property crime, robust home security systems are highly recommended for Vance County residents. Installing alarm systems and visible security cameras can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Staying informed about local crime trends through agency alerts is an essential part of a home safety plan.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Vance County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vance County’s Diverse Learning Network

Vance County supports 18 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,543 students across 3 districts. The infrastructure is composed of 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools, with additional 'other' and alternative facilities. This mix ensures a range of environments for students from pre-K through graduation.

Competitive Graduation Rates

Vance County achieves a 91.3% graduation rate, surpassing both the North Carolina state average of 88.0% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,064, which is slightly below the state average of $6,969. The county's school score of 52.2 is almost identical to the state's median performance.

Traditional and Charter Opportunities

Vance County Schools is the largest district with 16 schools and 5,269 students. The county also features two prominent charter districts, including Henderson Collegiate, which is the largest school in the area with 1,320 students. Charter schools make up 11.1% of the total school landscape here.

A Balance of Town and Country

The school landscape is split evenly between 9 rural schools and 9 town-based schools, offering varied environments for families. Average school size is 419 students, though schools like Vance County High serve nearly 1,000. This size provides a middle ground between small-town intimacy and larger-scale extracurricular opportunities.

Secure Your Future in Vance County

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Vance County is an attractive destination for families who value academic success. Explore homes in both town and rural settings to find the perfect proximity to schools like Henderson Collegiate. Investing in a home here means joining a community dedicated to educational growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vance County

via RiskByCounty

Vance ranks below-average on disaster risk

Vance County's composite risk score of 48.38 qualifies as Relatively Low, placing it well below the national average. The county enjoys a safer overall profile compared to most U.S. counties when it comes to natural hazard exposure.

Among North Carolina's safest counties

At 48.38, Vance scores substantially below North Carolina's average of 66.72, ranking among the state's lower-risk counties. This protective position reflects the county's location away from major tornado and coastal hazard zones.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Vance County (48.38) compares favorably to Warren County (50.76) and significantly outpaces Union County's dangerous 89.06. Its position in the North Carolina Piedmont keeps it away from coastal surge and extreme windstorm corridors.

Tornados and hurricanes present primary hazards

Tornado risk reaches 63.93 in Vance, while hurricane risk scores 79.06—both well above other hazard exposures in the county. Flood risk remains moderate at 55.22, reflecting typical Piedmont drainage patterns.

Prepare for severe convection and wind

Vance residents should invest in a safe room or sturdy shelter for tornado protection and secure roof reinforcement against severe winds. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and hail damage, but verify coverage limits for high winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Vance County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues Lead to Grade F

Vance County receives an F grade for water quality, logging 16 health violations over the past five years. The violation rate of 81.3 per 100,000 people is more than double the North Carolina average of 31.7.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Federal authorities have not yet assessed Vance County’s water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No current ATTAINS data exists to define the health or impairment status of the county's primary watersheds.

Biological and Nutrient Monitoring Underway

Vance County utilizes eight monitoring sites that have recorded 2,122 measurements in the last five years. Testing focuses on physical attributes, nutrients, and biological counts to track ecosystem health.

No Representative Live Gauges Found

Vance County does not have a representative USGS streamgage reporting live flow data for its primary rivers. Without real-time discharge figures, public health assessments rely more heavily on monitoring records and compliance history.

Prioritize Filtration and Independent Testing

Given the F grade and high violation rate, residents should consider certified water filtration systems and periodic independent testing. Paying attention to nutrient and biological monitoring results can help track the safety of untreated local water sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Vance County

via WeatherByCounty

A Consistent Mid-Atlantic Climate Profile

Vance County records an average annual temperature of 58.2°F, placing it squarely in the warmer half of the national distribution. This climate offers a balanced four-season experience typical of the upper Southeast.

Matching the North Carolina Baseline

The county's 58.2°F average is just below the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. Its annual precipitation of 48.6 inches is also slightly lower than the statewide average of 51.5 inches.

Standard Piedmont Weather Patterns

Vance County shares a similar profile with its neighbors along the Virginia border, featuring 43 days of extreme heat. Its January average of 38.2°F is cooler than the coastal plain but typical for the northern Piedmont region.

Hot Summers with Occasional Winter Chills

Summer averages reach 76.4°F, driven by 43 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winter is characterized by a 40.0°F average and a modest 1.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Sustained Summer Cooling

Residents should ensure air conditioning units are serviced before the 43 days of extreme heat begin. While snowfall is light at 1.6 inches, the 38.2°F January average means occasional overnight freezes require basic home winterization.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vance County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Piedmont Transitions

Vance County has an average pH of 5.16, placing it right in line with the North Carolina state average of 5.14. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which typically limits the availability of certain plant nutrients. Without taxonomic data, we look to the acidity as a primary indicator of the county's soil chemistry.

Dominated by Coarse Sand

With a sand content of 50.4%, the soil in Vance County is quite coarse and easy to work. Silt makes up 30.4% and clay accounts for 15.3% of the remaining profile. This high sand percentage aids in aeration but may lead to faster leaching of liquid fertilizers.

Lean Organic Reservoirs

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 5.12%. The Available Water Capacity is 0.127 in/in, which is slightly below the North Carolina benchmark of 0.134. These factors contribute to a soil score of 14.2, suggesting that soil building is a priority for local growers.

Managing Drainage and Runoff

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 50.4% sand content typically indicates rapid water movement through the upper profile. This can be an advantage for building projects but may require more frequent irrigation for shallow-rooted crops. Managing surface runoff is key to preserving the thin layer of available organic matter.

Versatile Growing in Zone 7b

Vance County sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, offering a climate that supports everything from leafy greens to stone fruits. The sandy soil is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. With a little supplemental organic matter, your Vance County garden can become a high-yielding sanctuary.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vance County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions for Vance Lawns

Vance County earns a difficulty score of 44.9, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than the state average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the county offers a balanced environment for those looking to maintain a healthy yard.

Moderate Precipitation and Typical Heat

The county averages 48.6 inches of rain annually, which falls within the ideal range for most lawn types. While 43 extreme heat days exceed the state average, the 4,341 growing degree days support a robust and steady growing season.

Managing a Sandy Soil Mix

With over 50% sand and 15.3% clay, the soil provides a decent foundation, though local drainage data is limited. The pH of 5.16 is low, suggesting that homeowners should focus on soil amendments to counteract acidity for better nutrient uptake.

Mitigating Severe Drought Stress

Vance has endured 22 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county currently faces severe drought (D2+). Using mulch in garden beds and reducing mowing frequency can help the lawn survive these high-stress periods.

Best Seeding Starts in Late April

Vance is well-suited for a variety of transition zone grasses, though hardy tall fescues are popular. Plan to start your projects after the last frost on April 16th to give new seedlings the best chance to take root.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vance County's county score?
Vance County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 33.8 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 Vance County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Vance County ranks #89 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 Vance County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Vance County is $1,179, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Vance County a tax score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vance County?
The median household income in Vance County, North Carolina is $46,943 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vance County earns an income score of 9.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vance County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Vance County scores 33.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Vance 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 Vance County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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