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Wilkes County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#31 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.9
County Score
Cost of Living 85.6Property Tax 71.8Weather & Climate 66.8

County Report Card

About Wilkes County, North Carolina

A Near-Median Performance Nationwide

Wilkes County earns a composite score of 48.9, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community that balances high affordability with significant challenges in economic development.

Outperforming the North Carolina Average

The county's overall score of 48.9 sits comfortably above the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands as a more favorable option than many other rural peers across the state.

Standout Affordability and Low Taxes

With a Cost score of 85.6 and a Tax score of 71.8, Wilkes is a regional leader in financial accessibility. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.621% and a median gross rent of only $715 per month.

Economic and Resilience Hurdles

The county faces pressure from an Income score of 15.6 and a Risk score of 17.4. The median household income of $50,438 suggests a local economy that struggles to compete with high-growth urban hubs.

A Haven for the Cost-Conscious

Wilkes County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low living costs over local career advancement. It offers a stable, low-tax environment for those with established savings or portable incomes.

2040608010071.885.632.531.331.115.617.454.466.8Tax71.8Cost85.6Safety32.5Health31.3Schools31.1Income15.6Risk17.4Water54.4Weather66.848.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Wilkes County DNA

Foverall

How Wilkes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wilkes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (85.6/100) but notably weak in Income (15.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.8+19.799999999999997
Cost
85.6+37.599999999999994
Safety
32.5-22.5
Health
31.3-18.7
Schools
31.1-22.9
Income
15.6-35.4
Risk
17.4-29.6
Water
54.4
Weather
66.8+10.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$161,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$161,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,438/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.6

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

Alleghany County
North Carolina
59
Alexander County
North Carolina
56.6
Ashe County
North Carolina
52.7
Caldwell County
North Carolina
45.5
Grayson County
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Surry County
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Watauga County
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Yadkin County
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Deep Dives

Wilkes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilkes County

via TaxByCounty

Wilkes taxes rank low nationally

Wilkes County's effective tax rate of 0.621% sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. Residents here pay roughly 37% less in annual property taxes than the typical American homeowner, placing the county in the bottom third nationally for tax burden.

Below average for North Carolina

Wilkes County's 0.621% effective rate falls below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, meaning property owners catch a modest break compared to their neighbors statewide. The county's median tax bill of $1,003 is also $430 lower than the state median of $1,433.

Wilkes stays competitive regionally

Among nearby northwestern North Carolina counties, Wilkes offers one of the lowest tax rates at 0.621%, compared to Wilson County's 0.831% and Yadkin County's 0.686%. Only Yancey County undercuts Wilkes with a 0.476% rate, making this region generally tax-friendly.

Your annual Wilkes tax bill

On Wilkes County's median home value of $161,400, property owners pay roughly $1,003 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage pay slightly more—around $1,137—while those without typically pay $901.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Wilkes County homeowners are paying taxes on inflated property assessments and may not realize it. Filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is free and can potentially lower your tax bill if your home was valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilkes County

via CostByCounty

Wilkes beats national affordability

Wilkes County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical American households. With a median household income of $50,438 compared to the national median of $74,755, Wilkes residents earn less but pay proportionally lower housing costs, creating genuine affordability.

Among North Carolina's most affordable

At 17.0%, Wilkes County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 18.6%, ranking it as one of North Carolina's most housing-affordable counties. This advantage stems from both reasonable rent ($715/month versus the state average of $938) and a cost of living that aligns with local incomes.

Wilkes renters win the region

Wilkes County offers the cheapest rent in this four-county comparison at $715/month, undercut only by Yadkin County's $734. Homeowners here also benefit, with a median owner cost of $568/month—the lowest among these peers—making Wilkes the region's most accessible county for both renters and buyers.

Housing costs as a percent of income

Wilkes County households spend roughly $715 monthly on rent or $568 on mortgage payments against a median income of $50,438 annually ($4,203/month). This leaves renters with 17% of income dedicated to housing and owners with just 13.5%, freeing up money for other essentials.

Relocating? Wilkes deserves consideration

If affordability is your priority, Wilkes County delivers lower rent and owner costs than state and national averages without sacrificing community infrastructure. Compare Wilkes to neighboring Wilson and Yadkin counties to find your ideal balance of cost, income opportunity, and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilkes County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilkes lags far behind national income

Wilkes County's median household income of $50,438 trails the U.S. median by $24,317—a 33% gap that signals real economic headwinds. This income level places Wilkes well below the typical American household, reflecting the county's reliance on manufacturing and blue-collar work that often pays less than knowledge-based industries.

Below average for North Carolina

At $50,438, Wilkes ranks below North Carolina's state median of $61,072, putting the county in the lower tier among the state's 100 counties. This $10,634 shortfall reflects regional economic challenges and limited high-wage job creation compared to urban hubs like Charlotte and Raleigh.

Struggling compared to peers

Wilkes households earn less than nearby Yadkin County ($60,321) and Wilson County ($51,381), but outpace some rural neighbors. The gap suggests that Wilkes residents face tighter household budgets than residents in neighboring counties with more diversified economies.

Rent costs are very manageable here

At 17% of household income, Wilkes County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the national threshold of 30%, meaning housing remains affordable for renters. This affordability advantage is one of the county's strengths, allowing households to stretch limited incomes toward other necessities.

Build wealth despite lower income

With housing costs under control, Wilkes households have a rare opportunity to prioritize saving and investing, even on modest incomes. Starting with a small emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans (401k or IRA) can set the foundation for long-term wealth growth and financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilkes County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilkes County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Wilkes County maintains a strong safety score of 97.5, significantly higher than many areas nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,581.9 per 100K people sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Secure Choice in North Carolina

The county's safety score of 97.5 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local authorities report a total crime rate that is nearly 500 points lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Wilkes County is notably safer than neighboring Wilson County, which sees 2,103.8 crimes per 100K residents. The local crime rate of 1,581.9 offers a more peaceful environment for mountain residents.

Understanding the Local Crime Landscape

Property crime accounts for 1,341.4 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 240.5. These figures demonstrate that violent incidents are rare compared to national benchmarks.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Homeowners can maintain this high level of safety by installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras. Since property crimes are more common than violent ones, visible deterrents are highly effective here.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wilkes County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Rural School Infrastructure

Wilkes County operates a streamlined education system with 22 public schools serving 8,673 students. The infrastructure includes 13 elementary, four middle, and five high schools managed by a single unified district.

Graduation Rates Match National Benchmarks

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average though slightly trailing the state's 88.0% mark. A per-pupil investment of $6,633 supports a school score of 51.2, which exceeds the national median of 50.0.

One District Serving Every Student

Wilkes County Schools manages 100% of the public enrollment, as there are currently no charter schools in the area. The district’s flagship campus, Wilkes Central High School, stands as the largest school with 752 students.

Intimate Schools in Rural Settings

Education here has a strong rural identity, with 19 of the 22 schools located in rural locales and an average school size of just 394 students. Campuses like Millers Creek Elementary provide a small-town feel despite serving 734 students.

Find Your Home in Wilkes

For families seeking a community-focused education, Wilkes County offers a stable and consistent single-district environment. Explore homes near top schools like Wilkes Central High to secure a solid foundation for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilkes County

via RiskByCounty

Wilkes faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 82.63, Wilkes County ranks in the relatively moderate category—well above North Carolina's average of 66.72 and significantly higher than the national baseline. This reflects elevated exposure across multiple hazard types, from flooding to earthquakes, that residents should take seriously.

Among North Carolina's riskier counties

Wilkes County's 82.63 score places it in the upper tier of disaster risk across all 100 North Carolina counties. The county's above-average rating means residents face notably higher exposure to natural hazards than most neighbors statewide.

Wilkes stands out among nearby counties

Wilkes County's composite score of 82.63 significantly exceeds nearby Yadkin County (38.36) and Yancey County (42.24), making it the riskiest in this cluster. Wilson County (76.27) comes closer, but Wilkes still carries substantially higher overall hazard exposure.

Flooding and earthquakes pose top threats

Wilkes County's flood risk score of 89.69 is exceptionally high—among the most dangerous in the state—while earthquake risk at 73.92 adds significant seismic concern. Hurricane (75.43) and tornado (72.52) risks remain elevated, creating a compound disaster landscape residents must prepare for.

Secure comprehensive hazard coverage now

Given Wilkes County's elevated flood and earthquake risks, standard homeowners policies are insufficient—you'll need separate flood and earthquake insurance to protect against your county's top threats. Talk to your insurance agent about coverage limits that match your property value and location within the county's highest-risk zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wilkes County

via WaterByCounty

Wilkes County maintains a C grade for water

The county recorded 5 health violations over five years, resulting in a violation rate of 10.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of 31.7.

Watershed health assessments pending for local waters

Federal assessments do not yet cover the water bodies within Wilkes County under Clean Water Act §303(d). Consequently, no impairment data is available for the current reporting cycle.

Thirteen sites track diverse water quality metrics

Monitoring efforts across 13 sites generated 2,567 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and biological counts.

Yadkin River flows drop below typical levels

The Yadkin River at Wilkesboro currently flows at 343 cfs, which is only 40% of its long-term mean. This indicates a significant deficit compared to typical seasonal volumes.

Monitor supply as river levels decline

With drinking water violations present and streamflow at 40% of normal, residents should stay informed about supply stability. Consider carbon filtration to mitigate contaminants that may concentrate during low-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilkes County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate foothills climate

Wilkes County averages 57.5°F, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. Its position in the Blue Ridge foothills creates a distinct transition between mountain and piedmont weather.

Slightly cooler than the state average

The county's 57.5°F annual average is nearly 2 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. This reflects the cooling influence of its rising elevation.

More snow than eastern neighbors

Wilkes receives 6.6 inches of snow annually, which is significantly more than the coastal plain counties to the east. Its 52.1 inches of rain closely mirrors the state average.

Moderate summers with crisp winters

Summer highs average 76.7°F in July with about 32 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F. Winters are cool but not freezing, averaging 39.8°F from December through February.

Prepare for variable foothill weather

Residents need a versatile HVAC system to handle the 40-degree swing between seasons. Keep a snow shovel ready for the 6.6 inches of annual snowfall that typically arrives in mid-winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilkes County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic foothills soil in Wilkes County

The soil here is notably acidic with a pH of 5.05, which is lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.14. While specific taxonomic data for the county is limited, these levels are typical of the regional mountain foothills. Gardeners usually need to apply lime to balance these levels for most vegetables.

High sand content defines the landscape

A sandy texture dominates the profile at 58.2%, mixed with 21.0% silt and 15.7% clay. This high sand percentage ensures easy workability and prevents heavy compaction. However, this mix also means nutrients can leach out quickly during heavy rains.

Organic matter beats national averages

Wilkes County boasts 3.04% organic matter, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but below the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.134. This combination suggests decent growing potential if irrigation is managed correctly.

Naturally porous and permeable grounds

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand content suggests rapid permeability. This natural porosity is excellent for preventing root rot in many plants. Builders should still verify local site conditions before starting foundations.

Flourishing in hardiness zone 7b

Wilkes County sits in USDA zone 7b, where acidic-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons thrive. The long growing season allows for a variety of crops from spring through fall. Now is the perfect time to start your garden in these well-draining soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilkes County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Wilkes County's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Wilkes County earns a lawn difficulty score of 46.9, making it slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 but easier than the North Carolina state average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, local lawns benefit from a transition zone climate that supports both cool and warm-season grasses.

High Rainfall and Steady Heat Days

The county receives 52.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal range for standard turf. With 32 extreme heat days and 4,084 growing degree days, residents face a demanding mowing schedule during the peak summer months.

Correcting Acidic Soil for Better Roots

At 5.05, the local soil pH is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range required for optimal grass health. The soil composition is 58.2% sand and 15.7% clay, suggesting a need for lime applications and organic matter to improve nutrient retention.

Combatting Severe Drought Conditions

Over 80% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions, and lawns have weathered 20 weeks of drought in the past year. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent soaking early in the morning rather than daily light misting.

Starting Your Wilkes County Lawn

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 7b when seeded after the last spring frost on April 10. For the best results, wait for the soil to warm and aim to establish your root system before the summer heat arrives in late June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilkes County's county score?
Wilkes County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Wilkes County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Wilkes County ranks #31 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 Wilkes County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Wilkes County is $1,003, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Wilkes County a tax score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkes County?
The median household income in Wilkes County, North Carolina is $50,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkes County earns an income score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkes County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Wilkes County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Wilkes 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 Wilkes 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.