CountyScore

Wake County

North Carolina · NC

#94 in North Carolina
63.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Wake County, North Carolina

Wake ranks 15 points above nation

Wake County's composite score of 64.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0, confirming its status as a highly livable region. However, this 15-point advantage is the smallest among North Carolina's eight profiled counties.

Below state average despite growth

Wake scores 64.7 against the state average of 72.7, ranking it eighth (last) among the eight counties studied. As North Carolina's most populous county, Wake's lower composite score reflects higher housing costs offsetting strong incomes.

Income and tax advantage for earners

Wake leads all eight counties with a median household income of $101,763 and an income score of 49.8, reflecting its role as the state's economic engine. An effective tax rate of 0.715% keeps the tax burden reasonable despite prosperity.

Housing costs remain the constraint

Wake's cost score of 55.3 is the lowest among these counties, with a median home value of $422,800 and rent at $1,508/month. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality are not yet available.

Best for high-income urban professionals

Wake County suits affluent professionals and families who earn strong six-figure incomes and value the amenities of North Carolina's largest metro area. If you're willing to pay premium housing costs for high incomes and urban opportunity, Wake is the choice.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.2Cost55.3SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome49.8Risk4.5WaterComing Soon
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wake County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pulaski County
Arkansas
63.4
Median income: $60,385
Hernando County
Florida
63.4
Median income: $63,193
Cass County
Illinois
63.4
Median income: $64,907
Guilford County
North Carolina
63.4
Median income: $66,027
Clark County
Ohio
63.4
Median income: $60,846

Deep Dives

Wake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wake County

via TaxByCounty

Wake stays slightly below national norm

Wake County's effective tax rate of 0.715% sits just 0.3 percentage points above the national median of 0.712%, placing it squarely in the middle of the nation's tax landscape. At $3,023 annually on a median home value of $422,800, Wake residents pay closer to the national median tax of $2,690 despite higher-valued properties.

Wake ranks slightly above state average

Wake's effective rate of 0.715% edges past North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by just 2%, making it virtually in line with statewide norms. The median property tax of $3,023 significantly exceeds the state median of $1,433, primarily reflecting Wake's much higher median home values of $422,800.

Wake's rate sits mid-range regionally

Wake's 0.715% effective rate falls between Union County's favorable 0.614% and Tyrrell's steeper 0.891%, placing it squarely in the regional middle. As North Carolina's most populous county, Wake offers relatively moderate tax rates for such a robust real estate market.

A $422,800 home costs $3,023 yearly

The typical Wake homeowner with a median-valued home of $422,800 pays approximately $3,023 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.715% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $3,038 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $2,983.

Even high-value homes warrant review

Wake County homeowners—especially those in fast-appreciating neighborhoods—should verify their assessments haven't outpaced actual market values. Requesting a reassessment through the county can catch inflated valuations and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wake County

via CostByCounty

Wake's High Incomes Offset Rising Housing

Wake County's median household income of $101,763 runs 36% above the national average, providing residents substantial capacity to handle higher housing costs. The 17.8% rent-to-income ratio—though elevated in absolute terms—remains manageable relative to the region's strong wage growth.

Raleigh's Hub Balances Growth With Affordability

Wake County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's 18.6% average despite highest median rents in this comparison at $1,508. This performance reflects the county's role as the state's economic engine, where wages have kept pace with housing demand.

Highest Rents, But Highest Incomes Too

Wake's $1,508 median rent and $1,667 homeowner costs are the highest in this group, yet so are wages at $101,763 median income. The county trades absolute affordability for economic opportunity and urban amenities that justify its cost premium.

Income Growth Sustains Housing Costs

Wake renters allocate $1,508 monthly (17.8% of income) while homeowners spend $1,667 (19.7%), both manageable ratios given the $101,763 median income. With median home values at $422,800, ownership requires strong earning power, but the county's job market supports it.

Wake: Premium Housing, Premium Wages

Wake County demands higher absolute housing costs than rural alternatives, but its 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and robust job market justify premium prices for career-focused relocators. If your industry centers on tech, finance, or government, Wake's combination of opportunity and manageable ratios makes it competitive statewide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wake County

via IncomeByCounty

Wake County leads the nation

Wake County's median household income of $101,763 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 36%, ranking among the top counties nationwide. Raleigh's robust tech, healthcare, and government job markets drive this exceptional income performance.

North Carolina's highest earner

Wake County tops all North Carolina counties at $101,763, crushing the state average of $61,072 by 67%. As home to the state capital and Research Triangle region, Wake attracts talent and high-paying employers.

Dominates regional income rankings

Wake's $101,763 exceeds nearby Union County ($99,243) and dwarfs rural neighbors like Watauga ($51,367) and Vance ($46,943). The county's economic concentration in tech and professional services creates significant income stratification.

Housing costs rising with income

Wake's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% remains manageable, though median home values of $422,800 mean households must earn well above the county median to own. Strong income growth has outpaced housing appreciation over the past decade.

Invest aggressively for the future

Wake County's high earners should maximize retirement contributions, diversify investment portfolios, and explore estate planning strategies. With higher incomes come opportunities to build substantial wealth; consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wake County

via HealthByCounty

Wake County sets the national pace

Wake County residents live to 81.0 years, 7.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 and 6.6 years above North Carolina's 74.4-year benchmark. Only 12.6% report poor or fair health, the second-lowest rate among the eight counties, indicating exceptional population health outcomes. Wake is a national health outlier, driven by strong economic conditions, healthcare investment, and educated demographics.

North Carolina's health champion

Wake's 81.0-year life expectancy is the highest among all eight profiled counties and represents a 6.6-year advantage over North Carolina's state average. Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate trails only Union County, reflecting world-class healthcare systems and preventive health culture. Wake County is the state's standard-bearer for longevity and health.

Strongest healthcare workforce statewide

Wake's 86 primary care providers and 430 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed comparable counties—vance has 38 and 298, Warren has 5 and 117. This abundance of providers reflects Wake's urban/suburban density and healthcare industry concentration centered in Raleigh. Access to specialists, preventive care, and behavioral health support is unmatched in the state.

Best insurance and access combination

Wake's 8.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties and well below North Carolina's 12.5% average. With 86 primary care providers and 430 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, residents have immediate access to comprehensive care networks. Strong insurance coverage, abundant providers, and economic opportunity create a virtuous cycle of health.

Protect your health advantage

Even in Wake County, 8.6% remain uninsured—roughly 35,000 residents without coverage. If you're among them, healthcare.gov and NC Medicaid offer pathways to affordable plans. Staying covered ensures you can sustain Wake's health advantage through preventive care and early treatment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wake County

via RiskByCounty

Wake faces some of highest disaster risks

Wake County's composite risk score of 95.55 ranks as Relatively High—among the riskiest counties in the entire nation. The county's sprawling urban area and central Piedmont location expose residents and infrastructure to multiple serious hazards.

State's most vulnerable county by far

Wake's 95.55 score stands as the highest among all North Carolina counties, towering above the state average of 66.72. Only Wayne County (90.39) approaches Wake's risk level in the state.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Wake (95.55) vastly exceeds nearby Union (89.06), Wayne (90.39), and Watauga (71.85). The county's position as North Carolina's capital and largest metro area amplifies exposure across all disaster types.

Floods, tornados, and hurricanes converge

Flood risk peaks at 97.71, tornado risk at 95.32, and hurricane risk at 89.90—Wake faces extreme exposure across three major hazard categories. Earthquake risk of 87.85 adds substantial additional concern uncommon in surrounding counties.

Multiple insurance policies are non-negotiable

Wake residents must secure flood insurance, windstorm/hail coverage, and a protected shelter space for tornado safety. The convergence of four major disaster types demands comprehensive preparation—no single insurance policy covers all threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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