countyscore

Wilson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#98 in North Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
29.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 61Property Tax 50.3Water Quality 38.9

County Report Card

About Wilson County, North Carolina

Trailing National Livability Norms

Wilson County posts a composite score of 29.4, falling significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This ranking places the county in the bottom tiers of livability nationwide across multiple measured dimensions.

Behind the North Carolina Curve

The county's score of 29.4 trails the North Carolina state average of 44.7 by a wide margin. It struggles to keep pace with the state's faster-growing metropolitan and coastal regions.

Moderate Tax Burden

The county's strongest performance is in its Tax score of 50.3, which aligns closely with national standards. An effective tax rate of 0.831% helps maintain a level of financial predictability for local property owners.

Gaps in Education and Safety

The county faces critical challenges in its School score of 15.4 and Safety score of 19.4. Additionally, a Cost score of 37.5 indicates that housing may be relatively expensive when compared to the median household income of $51,381.

Opportunities for Entry-Level Homeowners

Wilson County best suits individuals seeking affordable entry into the housing market who are willing to overlook lower local service scores. It serves as a viable option for those who value proximity to major state centers but require lower up-front home costs.

Score breakdown

Tax50.3Cost37.5Safety19.4Health22.2Schools15.4Income17.4Risk23.7Water38.9Weather61
🏛50.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Wilson County

Whether buying or refinancing in Wilson County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Wilson County with Muscogee County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Muscogee County
Georgia
Median income: $56,622
29.4
Kaufman County
Texas
Median income: $88,606
29.4
Clarke County
Georgia
Median income: $52,267
29.3
Montgomery County
Ohio
Median income: $64,403
29.3
Canadian County
Oklahoma
Median income: $85,427
29.3
Montgomery County
Texas
Median income: $97,266
29.3
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
Median income: $98,152
29.5
McKinley County
New Mexico
Median income: $44,496
29.2

Nearby counties

Greene County
North Carolina
43.5
Nash County
North Carolina
47.4
Wayne County
North Carolina
32.1
Edgecombe County
North Carolina
27.3
Johnston County
North Carolina
43.5
Pitt County
North Carolina
33.6
Lenoir County
North Carolina
38.1
Franklin County
North Carolina
38.2

Deep Dives

Wilson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilson taxes rank below national median

Wilson County's effective tax rate of 0.831% is substantially lower than the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. Residents here pay roughly 47% less annually than the typical U.S. homeowner, placing the county in the bottom half nationally.

Among North Carolina's highest rates

Wilson County's 0.831% effective rate exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the pricier counties in the state for property taxes. The median tax bill of $1,428 runs nearly $1,000 above the national median despite a lower median home value.

Wilson stands out for higher taxes

Wilson County's 0.831% rate is the highest among nearby counties in eastern North Carolina, outpacing Yadkin County's 0.686%, Wilkes County's 0.621%, and even Yancey County's 0.476%. This makes Wilson a notably steeper tax environment regionally.

Your annual Wilson tax bill

On Wilson County's median home value of $171,800, property owners pay approximately $1,428 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to around $1,677; without one, it averages $1,166.

Appeal could ease your burden

Wilson County homeowners facing above-average tax rates should investigate whether their property assessments are accurate. A free assessment appeal can uncover overvaluations and potentially reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilson County

via CostByCounty

Wilson's housing costs strain budgets

Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% pushes above the national comfort zone, meaning renters here dedicate significantly more income to housing than the typical American household. At $915/month in median rent against a $51,381 household income, Wilson renters face tighter affordability than peers in stronger economies.

Above-average housing pressure in NC

Wilson County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's average of 18.6%, positioning it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $915/month reflects regional cost pressures that outpace typical state housing rates.

Wilson carries the highest rent burden

Wilson County renters pay the highest median rent in this comparison—$915/month—while also facing the steepest rent-to-income ratio at 21.4%. Only Yadkin County approaches Wilson's median home value of $171,800, but with significantly better affordability metrics.

Housing consumes larger income share

Wilson County households allocate $915 monthly for rent or $948 for mortgage payments against a $51,381 annual median income ($4,282/month). Renters dedicate 21.4% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 22.2%—both above the 30% affordability threshold that signals strain.

Wilson: explore alternatives nearby

Wilson County renters and homebuyers facing affordability pressure should compare neighboring Wilkes County (17% rent ratio) and Yadkin County (14.6% rent ratio) for potentially better housing value. With strategic location choices, families in this region can access similar job markets with substantially lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilson earns well below U.S. median

Wilson County's median household income of $51,381 falls $23,374 short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic constraints. This 31% income gap mirrors broader challenges in rural Eastern North Carolina, where manufacturing jobs have declined and wage growth has stalled.

Lower middle tier in North Carolina

Wilson's $51,381 median income sits below the state average of $61,072, placing the county in the lower-middle income bracket statewide. The $9,691 gap underscores that Wilson households have less disposable income than typical North Carolinians, limiting their purchasing power and savings potential.

Modest edge over western counties

Wilson earns slightly more than Wilkes County ($50,438) but less than nearby Yadkin County ($60,321) and Yancey County ($54,961). This middle position reflects Wilson's mix of agricultural and light industrial work, with less diversity than better-performing regional neighbors.

Rental affordability is stretched

Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% is rising toward the affordability threshold of 30%, signaling housing cost pressure for renters. While still manageable, this ratio is notably higher than state and national peers, meaning Wilson renters must dedicate a larger share of pay to housing.

Invest in skills and income growth

Given tight household budgets, Wilson residents should prioritize skill-building through trade certifications or associate degrees to unlock higher-wage jobs. Even modest income gains of $5,000–$10,000 per year can dramatically accelerate savings and wealth accumulation over a decade.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilson County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilson County Safety Remains Competitive

Wilson County reports a total crime rate of 2,103.8 per 100K residents, keeping it below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.7 out of 100.

In Line With State Averages

The county's safety score of 96.7 is virtually identical to the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,103.8 is only slightly higher than the state average of 2,050.0.

Comparing Wilson to Nearby Counties

Wilson County faces more crime activity than neighboring Yadkin County, where the rate is 1,373.3 per 100K. However, it maintains a higher level of safety than many urban centers across the South.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime in Wilson sits at 369.9 per 100K, mirroring the national average. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at a rate of 1,733.9 per 100K people.

Investing in Household Security

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should prioritize securing entry points and using alarm systems. Community awareness helps keep Wilson’s safety metrics stable against national trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wilson County

via HealthByCounty

Wilson County faces significant health gap

Wilson County residents live an average of 72.6 years, nearly 6.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.2 years. Nearly one in four adults (24.3%) report being in poor or fair health—the highest rate among these four counties—indicating substantial ongoing health challenges and chronic disease burden.

Shortest lifespan in North Carolina group

At 72.6 years, Wilson County's life expectancy ranks 1.8 years below North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years, marking the lowest in this cohort of four counties. The county's uninsured rate of 12.9% sits just slightly above the state average of 12.5%, suggesting broader access barriers beyond insurance alone.

Health disparities clear among peers

Wilson County's life expectancy of 72.6 years lags all three neighboring counties in this analysis, falling 1.4 years below Wilkes County and 3.4 years behind Yancey County. The county does offer 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, competitive with its peers, but the higher poor health rate suggests quality-of-care or socioeconomic factors at play.

Access exists, but outcomes lag

Wilson County provides 40 primary care providers and 219 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering similar provider availability to comparable rural counties. However, 24.3% of residents reporting poor or fair health and 12.9% lacking insurance suggests that access alone isn't solving the county's health crisis—underlying poverty, chronic disease, and prevention gaps demand urgent attention.

Healthcare starts with coverage

Wilson County residents without insurance can enroll in marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or apply for North Carolina Medicaid to access preventive care and treatment. Local health departments and community health centers offer enrollment help and may offer sliding-scale care regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wilson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Options in Wilson

Wilson County features a robust landscape of 28 public schools serving over 12,300 students. The system includes 13 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, plus five specialized campuses for alternative and special education.

Performance Goals and Investment Needs

The county reports a 79.6% graduation rate and a school score of 46.5, both trailing state averages. With per-pupil spending at $6,288, the county is working to improve outcomes relative to the $13,000 national spending average.

Charter Schools Drive Enrollment Growth

While Wilson County Schools is the largest district, charter schools like Sallie B Howard and Wilson Preparatory Academy serve over 2,000 students combined. These two charters represent over 7% of the county's total school inventory.

A Mix of Town and Country

The county offers a balanced mix of 15 town-based and 13 rural schools, with an average campus size of 440 students. The Sallie B Howard charter school is the county's largest at 1,204 students, significantly larger than rural high schools like Beddingfield.

Discover Wilson's Growing Neighborhoods

With a variety of traditional public and high-enrollment charter options, Wilson County provides flexible choices for families. Researching neighborhoods near James Hunt High or the town-based charters can help you find the right fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilson County

via RiskByCounty

Wilson carries moderate disaster risk overall

Wilson County's composite risk score of 76.27 ranks it as relatively low but still above North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by hurricane exposure, which significantly outpaces other hazard types in the region.

Wilson ranks in the middle statewide

At 76.27, Wilson County's composite score positions it moderately within North Carolina's disaster risk hierarchy. While not among the state's lowest-risk counties, Wilson faces somewhat higher exposure than half of all North Carolina counties.

Wilson is riskier than rural western neighbors

Wilson County's score of 76.27 far exceeds Yadkin County (38.36) and Yancey County (42.24), but trails the higher-exposure Wilkes County (82.63). This eastern county faces distinct risks compared to its more mountainous western neighbors.

Hurricanes dominate Wilson's risk profile

Wilson County's hurricane risk score of 90.36 stands as the county's most severe hazard exposure—among the highest in the entire state due to eastern North Carolina's coastal vulnerability. Flood risk (77.16) compounds hurricane dangers, while tornado (70.23) and earthquake (67.75) risks remain secondary but notable.

Prioritize flood insurance for hurricane season

Wilson County's extreme hurricane and flood risks demand flood insurance as a critical first step, since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. With hurricane season bringing frequent storm surge and inland flooding, ensure your policy covers the full replacement value of your home and contents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilson County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Southern warmth

With an annual average of 61.6°F, Wilson County is notably warmer than the national median. The climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Above average state temperatures

Wilson County is warmer than the state average of 59.3°F by more than 2 degrees. It experiences typical coastal plain weather with high humidity and moderate rainfall.

Drier than the state average

The county receives 50.3 inches of rain annually, which is lower than the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches. It is slightly cooler than neighboring Wayne County to the south.

Significant summer heat levels

Residents endure 51 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, with July temperatures averaging 80.6°F. Snow is rare, with only 1.9 inches falling in a typical year.

Invest in summer sun protection

Ensure home cooling systems are serviced before the 51 days of extreme heat arrive. Outdoor activities are best planned for the 44.2°F winter months when the weather remains mild.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilson County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly acidic coastal plain soils

Wilson County soil is very acidic with a pH of 4.90, falling significantly below the national median of 6.5. This measurement is also lower than the North Carolina state average of 5.14. These conditions often require specific amendments to support commercial crop production.

Coarse sand leads the soil mix

The soil is comprised of 62.4% sand, the highest in this group, alongside 23.2% silt and 11.5% clay. This coarse composition provides exceptional drainage but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. It is easy to till but dries out faster than heavier clay soils.

Lower organic levels require enrichment

Organic matter sits at 1.70%, which is below both the 2.0% national average and the 5.12% state average. The available water capacity is 0.124 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.134. Adding compost is vital for increasing the nutrient retention of these sandy fields.

Fast drainage for coastal gardening

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for this area. However, the high sand content of 62.4% typically indicates a landscape that sheds water quickly. This is ideal for crops that dislike 'wet feet' but requires consistent watering during dry spells.

Warm season crops in zone 8a

With a hardiness zone of 8a, Wilson County supports heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. The sandy soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for early planting. Start your garden today to take advantage of one of the longest growing seasons in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilson County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Difficult Growth in Zone 8a

Wilson County faces a tough lawn difficulty score of 29.1, placing it well below both the national and state averages for ease of maintenance. This Zone 8a region requires intensive care to overcome heat stress and sandy, acidic soil conditions.

Extreme Heat and High Energy Demand

Lawns here must endure 51 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 38 days. While 50.3 inches of annual rain is near the ideal limit, the 5,108 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing.

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

The soil is predominantly sand at 62.4%, which leads to fast drainage and rapid nutrient leaching. With a very acidic pH of 4.90, lawns here usually require consistent lime treatments to reach the healthy 6.0 target.

Managing a Year of Persistent Drought

With 100% of the county in severe drought and 31 weeks of dry conditions over the last year, water management is critical. Residents should utilize mulch-mowing to keep moisture in the ground and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation.

Warm-Season Grasses Win the Day

Bermuda or Zoysia are the top choices for Wilson County because they handle the 51 heat days better than cool-season varieties. Plan your seeding or sodding projects after the final spring frost, which typically occurs around March 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilson County's county score?
Wilson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 29.4 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 Wilson County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Wilson County ranks #98 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 Wilson County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Wilson County is $1,428, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Wilson County a tax score of 50.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilson County?
The median household income in Wilson County, North Carolina is $51,381 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilson County earns an income score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Wilson County scores 29.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Wilson 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 Wilson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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