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Yadkin County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#28 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.3
County Score
Cost of Living 75.5Weather & Climate 67.1Property Tax 64.6

County Report Card

About Yadkin County, North Carolina

Beating the National Median

With a composite score of 50.3, Yadkin County slightly edges out the national median of 50.0. This makes it a statistically representative slice of American life with balanced livability metrics.

A High Performer in North Carolina

Yadkin significantly outperforms the North Carolina state average of 44.7. Its steady metrics across the board position it as a reliable and competitive choice within the state's central region.

Safe Climate and High Affordability

Housing affordability and environmental stability lead the way with scores of 75.5 in Cost and 61.7 in Risk. The median household income of $60,321 is notably higher than many of its rural neighbors.

Infrastructure and Health Needs

Water quality and health services are the primary local challenges, scoring 32.9 and 33.0 respectively. While the tax burden is moderate at 0.686%, improvements in infrastructure could further boost the county's standing.

Reliable Quality for Families

This county is a strong match for middle-income families seeking a safe, weather-resilient community with manageable costs. It offers a rare balance between rural affordability and a solid, healthy income base.

2040608010064.675.539.53334.540.261.732.967.1Tax64.6Cost75.5Safety39.5Health33Schools34.5Income40.2Risk61.7Water32.9Weather67.150.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Yadkin County DNA

Foverall

How Yadkin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yadkin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (75.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (32.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.6+12.599999999999994
Cost
75.5+27.5
Safety
39.5-15.5
Health
33-17
Schools
34.5-19.5
Income
40.2-10.799999999999997
Risk
61.7+14.700000000000003
Water
32.9-25.1
Weather
67.1+11.099999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$176,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$176,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,321/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Compare Yadkin County with Appling County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Forsyth County
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33.8
Surry County
North Carolina
50.3
Davie County
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43.2
Stokes County
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Wilkes County
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Davidson County
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Iredell County
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Alleghany County
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Deep Dives

Yadkin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yadkin County

via TaxByCounty

Yadkin taxes fall well below U.S. norms

Yadkin County's effective tax rate of 0.686% trails the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home substantially. Local homeowners pay roughly 55% less in annual property taxes than the average American, landing in the bottom quartile nationally.

Slightly below North Carolina average

Yadkin County's 0.686% effective rate edges just under North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, keeping the county near the middle of the pack statewide. The median tax bill of $1,210 runs $223 below the state median, offering modest savings for residents.

Yadkin balanced among regional peers

Yadkin County's 0.686% rate places it in the middle of nearby counties: higher than Yancey County's 0.476% and Wilkes County's 0.621%, but lower than Wilson County's 0.831%. This positions Yadkin as a moderate-tax area in northwestern North Carolina.

Your annual Yadkin tax bill

On Yadkin County's median home value of $176,400, property owners pay approximately $1,210 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,318, while those without pay roughly $1,043.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in a reasonably priced county, assessment errors happen—and Yadkin homeowners should double-check whether their property is valued correctly. Requesting a free assessment review can help identify overvaluations and potentially trim your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yadkin County

via CostByCounty

Yadkin leads regional affordability

Yadkin County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable housing markets, significantly outpacing the national average and giving renters real financial breathing room. With a median household income of $60,321—higher than Wilkes or Wilson—Yadkin households earn more while paying proportionally less for housing.

North Carolina's affordability standout

At 14.6%, Yadkin County's rent-to-income ratio decisively beats the state average of 18.6%, marking it as one of North Carolina's most housing-accessible counties. This advantage reflects both modest rents ($734/month) and strong local incomes that cushion housing costs.

Yadkin: the region's best value

Yadkin County combines the region's second-lowest rent ($734/month) with the strongest median household income ($60,321), delivering the best rent-to-income ratio at 14.6% among these four counties. Even its median home value of $176,400 represents solid equity potential without premium pricing.

Lean housing costs, strong income

Yadkin County households allocate $734 monthly for rent or $683 for mortgage payments against a median annual income of $60,321 ($5,027/month). This means renters dedicate just 14.6% of income to housing and owners only 13.6%—well below the 30% affordability threshold.

Yadkin offers rare affordability balance

If you're considering relocation within North Carolina, Yadkin County delivers superior affordability combined with stronger household incomes than neighboring Wilkes or Wilson. Compare job markets and lifestyle factors, but know that Yadkin's housing economics give you more financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yadkin County

via IncomeByCounty

Yadkin closes the national income gap

Yadkin County's median household income of $60,321 outpaces Wilkes and Wilson, though it still lags the national median of $74,755 by $14,434. This positions Yadkin in the middle of the pack nationally, reflecting a healthier economic foundation than many rural North Carolina counties.

Nearly matches North Carolina average

At $60,321, Yadkin sits just $751 below the state median of $61,072, placing it squarely in the middle tier among North Carolina's 100 counties. This near-parity with the state average signals a more balanced economy and better-than-typical employment opportunities for the region.

Strongest income county in this cluster

Yadkin outearns Wilkes ($50,438), Wilson ($51,381), and Yancey ($54,961), making it the economic leader among these four counties. The $6,000+ advantage over its nearest rival reflects stronger manufacturing and agricultural sectors, plus lower unemployment than peers.

Housing costs are comfortably low

Yadkin's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% is the lowest among these four counties and well below the 30% affordability threshold. This efficiency means Yadkin households can dedicate more income to savings, debt repayment, and quality-of-life investments.

Capitalize on housing affordability

With both strong median income and low housing costs, Yadkin households have the best combination for wealth-building among these counties. A disciplined approach to homeownership, retirement savings, and diversified investments can turn Yadkin's economic advantage into generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yadkin County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Yadkin County

Yadkin County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.8, making it much safer than the average American community. The total crime rate of 1,373.3 per 100K is roughly 1,000 points lower than the national average.

Leading the Way in North Carolina

Yadkin outperforms the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 2,050.0, highlighting its status as a secure region.

Safer Than Neighboring Districts

With a crime rate of 1,373.3 per 100K, Yadkin is safer than its neighbor Wilkes County at 1,581.9. It offers one of the most secure environments in the Piedmont area.

Low Rates of Violent Incidents

Violent crime is remarkably low at just 160.9 per 100K, less than half the national rate. Property crime accounts for 1,212.4 incidents, which remains the primary focus for the five local reporting agencies.

Keeping Yadkin Secure

Smart home technology and neighborhood watch programs help preserve these low crime rates. Even in a safe county, basic security measures like deadbolts and porch cameras provide essential peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Yadkin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schools with High Reach

Yadkin County provides a compact education system through 14 public schools serving 5,243 total students. The district includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools under a single administrative umbrella.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county’s 88.0% graduation rate matches the state average and sits slightly above the 87.0% national benchmark. Local schools achieve a score of 51.8 with an investment of $6,682 per pupil, staying competitive with statewide metrics.

Focusing on Local District Strengths

Yadkin County Schools manages all 14 campuses in the area, as there are no charter schools currently operating. Forbush High is the county's largest school, enrolling 794 students and serving as a central hub for the community.

A Tight-Knit Rural Learning Environment

Attending school here feels personal, with 11 schools in rural settings and an average enrollment of only 375 students. Even the largest schools, such as Forbush Middle and Starmount High, maintain small-town atmosphere and scale.

Settle Near Yadkin's Top Schools

Yadkin County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing high graduation rates and small, rural school settings. Look for homes in the Forbush or Yadkinville areas to take advantage of the county's consistent academic performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yadkin County

via RiskByCounty

Yadkin County enjoys low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 38.36, Yadkin County ranks as very low and substantially below North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county's risk profile is one of the most favorable in the state, though residents still face manageable exposure across multiple hazard types.

Among North Carolina's safest counties

Yadkin County's 38.36 composite score places it in the bottom quartile of risk across all 100 North Carolina counties. This very low rating means residents face significantly below-average disaster exposure compared to the vast majority of North Carolinians.

Yadkin leads the safer counties in its region

Yadkin County's 38.36 score makes it the lowest-risk county in its cluster, alongside similarly safe Yancey County (42.24). Both stand dramatically below the higher-exposure Wilkes County (82.63) and Wilson County (76.27), marking this area's safest communities.

Hurricane and flood risks remain manageable

Yadkin County's highest risk comes from hurricanes (68.21) and flooding (53.18), but both remain well below state averages. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at 17.53, and tornado and earthquake exposures are moderate, creating a balanced and manageable overall hazard profile.

Standard coverage works well for Yadkin

While Yadkin County's low risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection, a flood policy still makes sense as affordable risk management. Review your coverage annually to ensure it matches your home's current value, and consider it an inexpensive safeguard despite your county's favorable position.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yadkin County

via WaterByCounty

Violation rates nearly double state average

Yadkin County earns an F grade with a violation rate of 54.1 per 100,000 residents. This far exceeds the North Carolina average of 31.7 violations per 100,000.

Watershed assessment data currently unavailable

Local water bodies in Yadkin County have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) standards. There is no official data on impairment causes for this reporting period.

Extensive monitoring focuses on organic compounds

A robust network of 11 sites produced 5,880 measurements over the last five years. Testing primarily tracks organics, pesticides, and inorganic metals.

Yadkin River flows at 39 percent

At Elkin, the Yadkin River measures 537 cfs, representing only 39% of its long-term mean flow. Lower water volumes can lead to higher concentrations of measured runoff.

Filter water to address organic contaminants

Because of the F grade and heavy pesticide monitoring, residents should consider high-quality testing for organic compounds. Certified home filters can provide a necessary extra layer of safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yadkin County

via WeatherByCounty

Close to the national median

Yadkin County averages 56.6°F, placing it very close to the national median temperature. This results in a balanced four-season climate without the extreme heat of the coast.

Cooler than most of North Carolina

The county's average temperature of 56.6°F is nearly 3 degrees lower than the state average of 59.3°F. It ranks as one of the more temperate regions in the Piedmont.

The driest in the region

Yadkin receives only 46.6 inches of rain annually, making it significantly drier than the state average of 51.5 inches. It sees about 7 inches of snow, similar to neighboring Wilkes.

Mild summers and snowy winters

The county only sees 26 days of extreme heat per year, making summers more comfortable than eastern counties. Winters are colder than the state average, featuring a 36.5°F January.

Manage dry spells and winter frost

Because the county is drier than its neighbors, garden irrigation is important during the 74.5°F summers. Winterizing pipes is a must for the 7 inches of snow and cold January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yadkin County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols define the Yadkin Valley

The dominant soil order here is Ultisols, featuring a pH of 5.47. This is less acidic than the state average of 5.14, though it still remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a stable, weathered landscape common to the Piedmont region.

Balanced loam for optimal farming

Yadkin County features a loam texture made of 56.4% sand, 25.7% silt, and 17.9% clay. This balanced ratio is highly sought after because it offers both good drainage and effective nutrient retention. It is considered very workable for both small gardens and large farms.

Excellent moisture retention despite low organic matter

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.46%, yet the soil excels in water storage. The available water capacity of 0.139 in/in actually exceeds the state average of 0.134. This means the soil keeps crops hydrated longer between rains than many neighboring counties.

Reliable drainage for construction and crops

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This combination means the ground handles rainfall effectively with moderate infiltration rates. These characteristics make the land highly suitable for building foundations and diverse agriculture.

Ideal conditions in zone 7b

Yadkin County's zone 7b climate is famous for its vineyards and fruit orchards. The loamy soil and good drainage provide an excellent foundation for perennial crops. Grab your tools and plant a home orchard to capitalize on these favorable Piedmont soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yadkin County

via LawnByCounty

Success in North Carolina's Best Conditions

Yadkin County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 60.3, making it significantly easier to maintain a green space here than in most of North Carolina. This score beats the national average, thanks to a balanced Zone 7b climate and favorable soil characteristics.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county enjoys 46.6 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. With only 26 extreme heat days, turf is less likely to go dormant during the summer compared to southern neighbors.

Well-Drained Loam Provides a Strong Base

Yadkin features well-drained loam soil, which is the gold standard for gardening and turf management. While the pH of 5.47 is still slightly acidic, the 56.4% sand and 17.9% clay mix offers excellent structure for deep root growth.

Navigating Severe Dry Spells

Despite the high lawn score, 96.2% of the county currently experiences severe drought. Homeowners should maintain a taller grass height during these dry periods to shade the soil and protect the root zone from the 20 weeks of drought seen this year.

Peak Seeding Times for Yadkin

Tall Fescue is a regional favorite that performs exceptionally well in these loam soils. Start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 16 to take advantage of the 3,901 growing degree days available this season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yadkin County's county score?
Yadkin County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Yadkin County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Yadkin County ranks #28 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 Yadkin County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Yadkin County is $1,210, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Yadkin County a tax score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yadkin County?
The median household income in Yadkin County, North Carolina is $60,321 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yadkin County earns an income score of 40.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yadkin County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Yadkin County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Yadkin 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 Yadkin 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.