CountyScore

Watauga County

North Carolina · NC

#31 in North Carolina
69.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga exceeds nation by 46 points

Watauga County's composite score of 73.3 towers 46 points above the national median of 50.0, securing its place among America's most livable counties. Its strength flows from exceptional tax efficiency and moderate affordability.

Tops the state in this comparison

Watauga ranks first among the eight counties with a score of 73.3 versus the state average of 72.7, though only by a narrow margin. This slight edge reflects a county meeting or exceeding state livability standards.

Tax rates are among nation's best

Watauga boasts the nation's most favorable effective tax rate at 0.415% with a corresponding tax score of 90.6. The cost score of 74.4 reflects reasonable housing at a median value of $321,500 and rent of $1,066/month.

Income growth lags behind peers

The income score of 16.9 reflects a median household income of $51,367, middle-of-the-road for these counties but still below some. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable.

Perfect for tax-conscious moderate earners

Watauga County appeals to families and individuals earning moderate incomes who prize exceptional tax treatment and scenic mountain living. If you want to minimize your tax burden while maintaining reasonable housing costs and community character, Watauga delivers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.6Cost74.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.9Risk28.2WaterComing Soon
🏛90.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.2
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 Watauga County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sierra County
California
69.2
Median income: $60,000
Teller County
Colorado
69.2
Median income: $80,666
Haralson County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $65,016
White County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $69,747
Stark County
Illinois
69.2
Median income: $62,284

Deep Dives

Watauga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Watauga County

via TaxByCounty

Watauga offers exceptional tax savings

Watauga County's effective tax rate of 0.415% stands remarkably 42% below the national median of 0.712%, making it among the most tax-friendly counties in America. At $1,334 annually on a median home value of $321,500, Watauga residents enjoy substantial savings compared to the national median tax of $2,690.

Watauga ranks lowest in North Carolina

At 0.415%, Watauga's effective rate runs 41% below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it the state's most tax-advantaged county in this comparison. The median property tax of $1,334 sits close to the state median of $1,433, despite Watauga's higher-valued homes, reflecting the county's exceptional rate advantage.

Watauga taxes are unmatched in region

Watauga's 0.415% rate substantially undercuts every regional peer, running nearly 40% lower than Union County's 0.614% and less than half of Tyrrell's 0.891%. For property owners seeking favorable tax environments, Watauga stands alone in this comparison.

A $321,500 home costs just $1,334 yearly

The typical Watauga homeowner with a median-valued home of $321,500 pays approximately $1,334 in annual property taxes at the county's remarkably low 0.415% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $1,446 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,166.

Verify your low assessment's accuracy

Even in tax-advantaged Watauga County, homeowners should ensure their property assessments reflect current market conditions and comparable home values. A periodic review with the assessor's office helps confirm you're receiving accurate valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Watauga County

via CostByCounty

Watauga's Mountain Housing Pinches Budgets

Watauga County's 24.9% rent-to-income ratio—the second-highest in this group—reflects the Appalachian college town's outsized housing costs relative to regional wages. Median rent of $1,066 nearly matches the state average despite a median income of $51,367 that trails the national average by 31%.

College Town Premium Strains Affordability

Watauga County's 24.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among North Carolina's least affordable areas, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by 6.3 percentage points. The presence of Appalachian State University drives rental demand and prices that outpace local wages.

Mountain Amenities Command Price Premium

Watauga's $1,066 median rent rivals urban Wake County ($1,508) in proximity, yet the county's median income of $51,367 trails Wake by $50,000. This mismatch reflects the college town's desirability outpacing local wage-earning capacity.

College Town Rents Outpace Local Wages

Watauga renters spend $1,066 monthly (24.9% of income) while homeowners pay $961 (22.6%), both creating tight household budgets despite the county's higher absolute income than rural neighbors. Median home values of $321,500 further stretch local purchasing power for ownership.

Watauga Suits Only High-Earning Relocators

Watauga County's 24.9% rent-to-income ratio—highest in this comparison—reflects its college town character and mountain recreation appeal commanding premium prices. Consider this county only if you earn well above the regional median or can secure remote employment with urban-level wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Watauga County

via IncomeByCounty

Watauga income moderately below national

Watauga County's median household income of $51,367 is 31% below the national median of $74,755. The mountain county's economy blends tourism, small business, and Appalachian State University employment.

Below state average in income

Watauga ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Carolina counties at $51,367, earning 16% less than the state average of $61,072. Higher education and seasonal tourism provide some income stability despite economic volatility.

Middle ground in mountain counties

Watauga's $51,367 exceeds nearby rural counties like Vance ($46,943) and Warren ($45,279) but trails Wayne County ($58,082). The proximity to Boone and university presence distinguish Watauga from purely rural peers.

Rising housing costs challenge affordability

Watauga's rent-to-income ratio of 24.9% is the highest in this county group, signaling real affordability strain despite modest housing costs. A median home value of $321,500 significantly exceeds the county median income, reflecting tourism and second-home demand inflating prices.

Leverage education and community

Watauga County's proximity to Appalachian State University creates workforce development and skill-building opportunities. Households should pursue continuing education, explore employer benefits, and join community investment initiatives to build wealth steadily over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Watauga County

via HealthByCounty

Watauga exceeds national health benchmarks

Watauga County residents live to 79.4 years, 6.0 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 and 5.0 years above North Carolina's 74.4-year baseline. Just 16.2% report poor or fair health, well below national averages, suggesting strong preventive health culture and healthcare access. Watauga ranks among the healthiest counties profiled.

Among North Carolina's health leaders

Watauga's 79.4-year life expectancy is the second-highest among the eight counties, exceeded only by Wake's 81.0 years and surpassing the state average by 5.0 years. Its 16.2% poor/fair health rate is the third-best, indicating effective chronic disease management and preventive health practices. Watauga punches well above its weight in rural North Carolina health outcomes.

Exceptional mental health infrastructure

Watauga boasts 524 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest of any county in this profile, surpassing even Wake's 430 and Vance's 298. Its 79 primary care providers per 100,000 rank second only to Wake's 86. This dual investment in primary care and behavioral health creates comprehensive, accessible care networks. Watauga's provider density reflects a community-centered healthcare philosophy.

Near-universal coverage and robust access

Watauga's 12.1% uninsured rate is just below North Carolina's 12.5% average, with strong insurance access across the county. With 79 primary care providers and 524 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Watauga has built perhaps the most balanced healthcare workforce in the state. Coverage and provider availability align to support sustained health outcomes.

Maintain your health advantage

With 12.1% uninsured and abundant care options, most Watauga residents are well-positioned for health. If you're among the uninsured, healthcare.gov and NC Medicaid offer seamless pathways to coverage. Keeping insured ensures you can fully access the exceptional mental health and primary care resources your county has built.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Watauga County

via RiskByCounty

Watauga faces slightly elevated disaster risk

Watauga County's composite risk score of 71.85 ranks as Relatively Low, slightly above the national average of around 65. The county's mountain location introduces specific hazard exposures distinct from most American counties.

Mid-range risk among North Carolina counties

Watauga's 71.85 score modestly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it near the state median. The county's mountainous terrain creates both unique exposures and natural protections.

Riskier than surrounding mountain counties

Watauga (71.85) faces higher composite risk than most nearby Appalachian counties. Its position in the North Carolina mountains exposes it to flooding hazards while providing protection from tornado and hurricane extremes.

Floods and earthquakes top concern list

Flood risk reaches 80.34 in Watauga, the county's highest hazard score and reflecting steep mountain terrain. Earthquake risk of 68.92 ranks second, reflecting Watauga's proximity to seismic zones along the Appalachian region.

Address flood and earthquake vulnerabilities

Watauga residents must secure flood insurance—especially critical given mountain stream flooding potential—and consider earthquake-resistant retrofits for older structures. Storm cellars and reinforced foundations provide dual protection against the county's primary 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.