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Wilson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#98 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
29.5
County Score
Weather & Climate 61Property Tax 51.4Water 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.

2040608010051.435.419.422.215.424.223.738.961Tax51.4Cost35.4Safety19.4Health22.2Schools15.4Income24.2Risk23.7Water38.9Weather6129.5/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Wilson County DNA

Foverall

How Wilson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wilson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (15.4/100), though Weather & Climate (61/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.4
Cost
35.4-12.600000000000001
Safety
19.4-35.6
Health
22.2-27.8
Schools
15.4-38.6
Income
24.2-26.8
Risk
23.7-23.3
Water
38.9-19.1
Weather
61
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Compare mortgage rates in Wilson County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$953/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,423/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.2

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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43.4
Nash County
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47.8
Wayne County
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Edgecombe County
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Johnston County
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Lenoir County
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Deep Dives

Wilson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 29.5 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 $1,471, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Wilson County a tax score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilson County?
The median household income in Wilson County, North Carolina is $56,423 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilson County earns an income score of 24.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Wilson County scores 29.5/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.