Warren County's composite score of 72.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 45 points, positioning it among America's most livable counties. This strong performance reflects balanced affordability and manageable taxation.
2 / 5
Matches North Carolina perfectly
Warren County scores exactly 72.7, matching North Carolina's state average precisely and ranking it first among the eight counties studied. This perfect alignment indicates a quintessential North Carolina county experience.
3 / 5
Affordability is the standout feature
Warren dominates on cost with a score of 83.3, offering a median home value of just $124,700 and rent at only $771/month. The effective tax rate of 0.849% adds another layer of financial relief for residents.
4 / 5
Income levels lag significantly
The income score of 13.0 reflects a median household income of $45,279, among the lowest of the eight counties. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable for complete assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and rural seekers
Warren County is tailor-made for retirees living on fixed incomes and families prioritizing rural character over wage growth. If you value deeply affordable living and low taxes above all else, Warren delivers authentic North Carolina livability.
Warren County's composite score of 72.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 45 points, positioning it among America's most livable counties. This strong performance reflects balanced affordability and manageable taxation.
Matches North Carolina perfectly
Warren County scores exactly 72.7, matching North Carolina's state average precisely and ranking it first among the eight counties studied. This perfect alignment indicates a quintessential North Carolina county experience.
Affordability is the standout feature
Warren dominates on cost with a score of 83.3, offering a median home value of just $124,700 and rent at only $771/month. The effective tax rate of 0.849% adds another layer of financial relief for residents.
Income levels lag significantly
The income score of 13.0 reflects a median household income of $45,279, among the lowest of the eight counties. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable for complete assessment.
Ideal for retirees and rural seekers
Warren County is tailor-made for retirees living on fixed incomes and families prioritizing rural character over wage growth. If you value deeply affordable living and low taxes above all else, Warren delivers authentic North Carolina livability.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.849% runs 19% higher than the national median of 0.712%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of counties nationwide. The median annual property tax of $1,059 remains far below the national median of $2,690, a reflection of Warren's modest median home value of just $124,700.
Warren tops North Carolina's average
At 0.849%, Warren's effective rate exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701% by 21%, ranking it among the state's higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $1,059 falls well below the state median of $1,433 because of the county's lower home valuations.
Warren among the steepest in region
Warren's 0.849% rate ranks third-highest in the comparison group, trailing only Washington (1.123%) and Tyrrell (0.891%), and significantly exceeding Union (0.614%) and Watauga (0.415%). Eastern North Carolina residents in Warren face notably elevated tax burdens relative to neighbors.
A $124,700 home costs $1,059 yearly
The typical Warren homeowner with a median-valued home of $124,700 pays approximately $1,059 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.849% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,226 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $950.
Challenge inflated property values
Warren County homeowners should consider appealing their assessments, especially given the county's relatively elevated tax rate. An assessment review can help ensure your home's valuation reflects actual market value rather than historical or inflated estimates.
Warren County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms, and the median income of $45,279 falls 39% below the national average. With median rent at $771, residents allocate more of their earnings to housing than national norms would suggest sustainable.
Above-Average Rent Burden Statewide
Warren County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above North Carolina's 18.6% average, placing it among less affordable counties despite modest absolute rent costs. The gap signals tight household budgets relative to local wage levels.
Middle Ground in Eastern NC Markets
Warren's $771 rent sits between affordable Tyrrell ($612) and pricier Washington County ($829), yet the county's median income of $45,279 underperforms both neighbors. This positioning creates above-average affordability pressure despite modest rent levels.
Rent Consumes One-Fifth of Earnings
Warren renters spend $771 monthly (20.4% of income) while homeowners pay $745 (19.8%), showing nearly equal burden regardless of tenure. Both figures exceed comfortable affordability thresholds, leaving limited discretionary income for other necessities.
Warren Works Only With Stable Income
Warren County's $771 rent appears affordable until you factor in the local median income of $45,279, which drives the 20.4% ratio above state average. This county suits only those with secure employment or supplemental income beyond typical area wages.
Warren County's median household income of $45,279 falls 39% below the national median of $74,755. Like other rural northeastern counties, Warren's economy struggles with limited job diversity and wage growth.
Among North Carolina's lowest incomes
Warren ranks in the lowest tier of North Carolina counties at $45,279, earning 26% less than the state average of $61,072. Agricultural and small-scale manufacturing form the backbone of the local economy.
Similar struggles with nearby counties
Warren's $45,279 sits between Washington County ($41,750) and Vance County ($46,943), reflecting shared economic challenges across rural North Carolina. All three counties depend on limited industries with modest wage levels.
Housing costs pinch budgets
Warren's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% is higher than many North Carolina counties, indicating housing consumes a meaningful share of household earnings. A median home value of $124,700 remains accessible, but affordability pressures exist for renters.
Build resilience through planning
Warren County households benefit from community-based financial coaching and microsavings programs. Focus on building emergency funds first, then explore employer retirement plans and matched savings accounts to gradually accumulate long-term wealth.
Warren County residents live just 73.0 years, roughly at the U.S. average of 73.4 but 1.4 years below North Carolina's 74.4 years. A stark 25.2% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among the eight counties—signaling an epidemic of chronic disease and preventable death. Warren faces the most severe health burden in this profile.
NC's second-lowest life expectancy
Warren's 73.0 years ranks second-to-last in North Carolina, just ahead of Vance (70.1 years) and well below the state average of 74.4. Its 25.2% poor/fair health rate is the state's highest among the eight profiled counties. Warren represents a county in health distress, requiring urgent intervention and resource investment.
Critically short on primary care
Warren's crisis point is primary care: just 5 providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of any county in this profile and a fraction of Union's 69 or Wake's 86. With 117 mental health providers per 100,000, Warren has moderate behavioral health support, but the absence of primary care means residents cannot access basic preventive services. Geographic and workforce isolation drives poor health outcomes.
Uninsured and dangerously under-resourced
Warren's 15.0% uninsured rate exceeds North Carolina's 12.5% average, leaving roughly 1,500 residents without coverage. With only 5 primary care providers per 100,000—essentially no accessible primary care—residents face a perfect storm: no insurance, no nearby doctors, and the state's worst health outcomes. The absence of preventive care infrastructure drives Warren's crisis.
Coverage is your lifeline
In Warren, getting covered is not optional—it's essential. With 15.0% uninsured and virtually no primary care access, Medicaid or Marketplace coverage is your bridge to care. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov today to explore coverage; every day without insurance increases your health risk.
Warren County's composite risk score of 50.76 earns a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county's exposure to natural disasters remains manageable compared to most American counties.
Among North Carolina's safer counties
At 50.76, Warren sits comfortably below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking among the state's lower-risk jurisdictions. The county's location in the northeastern Piedmont provides some natural protection.
Similar profile to nearby counties
Warren (50.76) scores comparably to Vance County (48.38) and significantly better than Union County (89.06). The county's risk level reflects its distance from major tornado corridors and coastal hazard zones.
Hurricanes and floods lead hazard list
Hurricane risk dominates at 84.86, followed by tornado exposure at 57.67 and flood risk at 55.92. All other hazards remain relatively subdued, making wind-driven and water-related events the primary concerns.
Secure flood coverage and wind protection
Warren residents should purchase flood insurance and ensure roof reinforcement against high winds, as these represent the county's primary hazards. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, but separate flood insurance is absolutely necessary.