countyscore

Wake County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#20 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
53.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.8Health 83.1Safety 80.2

County Report Card

About Wake County, North Carolina

Outperforming the Nation

Wake County's 53.8 composite score beats the national median of 50.0 by a healthy margin. It remains one of the most competitive metropolitan counties in the United States.

A North Carolina Leader

Wake scores nearly 10 points higher than the state average of 44.7. It sets the standard for health, safety, and income across the entire state.

Wealth, Health, and Safety

The county excels with an income score of 95.8, health score of 83.1, and safety score of 80.2. Residents enjoy a high median income of $101,763 and excellent medical access.

High Costs and Environmental Risk

Affordability is the main sacrifice, with a cost score of only 6.0 and median home values of $422,800. The risk score of 4.5 also suggests concerns regarding natural hazards.

The Choice for Career Growth

Wake is the perfect destination for upwardly mobile families and tech professionals. It trades housing affordability for top-tier safety, health, and earning potential.

2040608010061.6680.283.140.595.84.555.769.7Tax61.6Cost6Safety80.2Health83.1Schools40.5Income95.8Risk4.5Water55.7Weather69.753.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wake County DNA

Foverall

How Wake County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wake County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (95.8/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (4.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.6+9.600000000000001
Cost
6-42
Safety
80.2+25.200000000000003
Health
83.1+33.099999999999994
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
95.8+44.8
Risk
4.5-42.5
Water
55.7
Weather
69.7+13.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$422,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,508/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$422,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $101,763/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Wake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Wake County

via CrimeByCounty

Wake County Sets National Safety Standard

Wake County achieves an elite safety score of 99.3, making it one of the safest large counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 467.6 per 100,000 people is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance reflects the coordinated efforts of 21 different reporting agencies.

Leading North Carolina in Public Safety

Wake County's safety score of 99.3 far exceeds the North Carolina average of 96.8. While the state average crime rate is 2,050.0, Wake's rate of 467.6 is more than four times lower. This makes the county a standout model for safety within the Research Triangle and the state at large.

Outperforming Regional Peers

Even when compared to safe neighbors like Union County (1,541.0), Wake County's crime rate of 467.6 is notably superior. It maintains lower crime levels than virtually all urban and suburban peers in the region. The county provides a unique combination of high population and exceptionally low crime frequency.

Minimizing Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate in Wake is just 53.1, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at 414.5, far below the national benchmark of 2,015.7. These statistics indicate that residents enjoy a high level of security for both their persons and their possessions.

Staying Safe in a High-Security Area

While Wake County is exceptionally safe, maintaining home security helps preserve this environment. Basic precautions like locking doors and utilizing smart home technology prevent the rare instances of opportunistic crime. Community engagement remains the best way to support the high safety standards residents currently enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Hub

Wake County is home to a sprawling education infrastructure with 225 public schools and 177,432 students. The county features 139 elementary, 41 middle, and 39 high schools, managed by 28 different districts. It is the largest school system in North Carolina, reflecting the region's rapid growth.

Strong Outcomes in a Growing System

Wake County maintains a solid 90.2% graduation rate, outpacing the state average of 88.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,574, slightly below the state average of $6,969 and roughly half the national average of $13,000. Despite the lean spending, the county's school score of 52.7 remains above the state average.

The Power of Wake County Schools

The Wake County Schools district is the primary provider, overseeing 197 schools and 159,778 students. Families also have access to 26 charter schools, which represent 11.6% of the county's total public school options. These include specialized institutions like The Exploris School and Magellan Charter.

Large Schools in an Urban Core

With 125 schools located in city settings, education here feels urban and energetic. The average school size is 792 students, though flagship campuses like Apex Friendship High serve as many as 2,772 students. It is a diverse landscape that also includes 34 rural schools for those preferring a quieter pace.

Live Near Exceptional Urban Schools

Wake County’s schools are a major draw for professionals and families moving to the Research Triangle. Whether you're looking for an urban condo or a suburban estate, school proximity is a primary factor in local real estate value. Find your next home near some of the state’s largest and most diverse educational campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Wake County

via WaterByCounty

Wake County Holds a C Grade

Wake County has recorded 111 health violations over five years, resulting in a Grade C. Despite the high number of incidents, the high population results in a violation rate of 9.8 per 100,000, well below the state average of 31.7.

Assessed Water Bodies Meet Health Standards

Two water bodies in Wake County were assessed in the 2022 cycle, and neither was found to be impaired. This 0.0% impairment rate aligns with state averages for evaluated watersheds.

Vast Monitoring Network with 71 Sites

Wake County manages a massive data footprint with 71 monitoring sites and 45,570 measurements over five years. The primary focus is on physical properties, organic compounds, and pesticides.

Neuse River Flow Below Typical Levels

The Neuse River near Falls reports a discharge of 103 cfs, which is just 17% of its long-term mean. This reduced flow can impact water temperature and the concentration of organic materials in the river.

Monitor Water Use During Low Flow

With streamflow at only 17% of normal, residents should be mindful of water conservation and potential concentration of contaminants. The Grade C compliance status suggests that staying updated on local water quality alerts is essential for household safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wake County

via WeatherByCounty

Above Average Warmth in the Triangle

Wake County's average annual temperature of 60.2°F sits well above the national median. This reflects a warm-temperate climate that experiences long periods of summer heat and relatively brief winters.

Warmer Than the North Carolina Average

Wake County is slightly warmer than the 59.3°F state average, while its 48.2 inches of rainfall is just below the state average of 51.5 inches. This creates a slightly drier and warmer environment than the statewide norm.

Consistent Warmth Across the Central Region

Wake's 42 extreme heat days are typical for the central Piedmont, keeping it in line with surrounding urban centers. Its July average of 79.3°F is nearly identical to its southern and eastern neighbors.

Hot Summers and Changeable Winters

The county averages 77.4°F in the summer, with 42 days hitting the 90°F mark. Winter brings an average of 42.9°F and 4.5 inches of snow, providing more winter variety than the coastal counties.

Manage Heat and Minor Snow Events

With 42 days of extreme heat, energy-efficient cooling is a major household consideration. Residents should also keep a snow shovel handy for the 4.5 inches of annual snow that can occasionally disrupt local travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wake County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundation of the Capital

Wake County soils maintain an average pH of 5.32, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.14. However, it remains well below the national median of 6.5, meaning most local gardeners will still need to apply lime. This acidity is a hallmark of the weathered crystalline rocks found throughout the region.

A Gritty, Sandy Profile

The soil is remarkably sandy at 57.4%, paired with 31.3% silt and a low 11.2% clay content. This high sand fraction makes the ground easy to dig but also means it dries out quickly after summer storms. It provides an excellent physical structure for urban development and landscaping.

Above Average Water Retention

Despite having low organic matter at 1.22%, Wake County achieves an Available Water Capacity of 0.165 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.134. This efficiency helps the county reach a soil score of 25.7, nearly reaching the state average of 29.4. This indicates that while the soil is lean, it holds onto moisture better than many neighboring counties.

Urban Drainage and Soil Health

Specific drainage classifications are not provided, but the high sand content generally points toward well-drained conditions. In an urbanizing county like Wake, protecting this drainage capacity from compaction is essential for tree health. Careful planning is needed to manage stormwater in areas with such low clay levels.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Wake County’s Zone 8a climate allows for a massive variety of ornamental and edible plants. The sandy soil is a dream for native perennials and drought-tolerant shrubs once they are established. Whether you are in Raleigh or the suburbs, adding compost will turn this sandy base into a thriving backyard farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wake County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Transition Zone in Wake

Wake County scores a 43.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, performing better than the state average of 40.8. As a Zone 8a region, it sits in the 'transition zone,' where both cool-season and warm-season grasses can struggle or thrive depending on the season.

Reliable Rains Meet Summer Heat

The county sees 48.2 inches of annual rainfall and 42 extreme heat days, requiring a careful balance of irrigation during peak summer. Mowing schedules remain active for most of the year thanks to 4,749 growing degree days.

Sandy Soils Require Frequent Feeding

Wake's soil is 57.4% sand, which usually means good drainage but faster nutrient leaching. With a pH of 5.32, you will likely need to add lime and organic matter to bring the soil into the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Severe Drought Requires Water Strategy

Currently, 100% of Wake County is under severe drought conditions (D2+), having spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year. Prioritize watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent the spread of lawn diseases.

Spring Planting Window Opens in April

Homeowners often find success with Bermuda or Zoysia for heat tolerance, or Fescue for winter green. The best time to start is typically after March 31st to avoid the final spring frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wake County's county score?
Wake County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Wake County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Wake County ranks #20 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 Wake County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Wake County is $3,023, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Wake County a tax score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wake County?
The median household income in Wake County, North Carolina is $101,763 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wake County earns an income score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wake County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Wake County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Wake 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 Wake County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.