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Yancey County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#2 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
68.3
County Score
Property Tax 88.3Water Quality 86Safety 78.5

County Report Card

About Yancey County, North Carolina

Exceptional National Ranking

Yancey County excels with a composite score of 68.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests an exceptional quality of life compared to the vast majority of counties in the United States.

A North Carolina Standout

At nearly 24 points above the North Carolina average of 44.7, Yancey is one of the state's top performers. It sets a high bar for excellence in the western mountain region of the state.

Superior Safety and Low Taxes

Low taxes and excellent safety drive the high rankings, with an 88.3 Tax score and a 78.5 Safety score. An effective tax rate of just 0.476% combined with a Water score of 86.0 makes it a standout for health and finance.

Lagging Income Growth

The Income score of 24.9 is the primary outlier, as local wages haven't kept pace with other high-performing sectors. Despite a median home value of $222,300, the $54,961 median income suggests some residents may feel a financial pinch.

Best for Safety and Stability

Yancey is a premier destination for families prioritizing safety and environmental quality above all else. It is particularly attractive for those who can work remotely or are transitioning into a high-security, low-tax retirement.

Score breakdown

Tax88.3Cost70.8Safety78.5Health51.2Schools63.6Income24.9Risk57.8Water86Weather60.6
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.7
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 →
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Nearby counties

Mitchell County
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70.9
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Madison County
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Buncombe County
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McDowell County
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Avery County
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Deep Dives

Yancey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yancey County

via TaxByCounty

Yancey offers the lowest national tax rate

Yancey County's effective tax rate of 0.476% ranks among the lowest in the nation, far below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. Residents here pay roughly 60% less in annual property taxes than the typical American homeowner.

North Carolina's friendliest tax rate

Yancey County's 0.476% effective rate is significantly lower than North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the most tax-favorable counties in the state. The median tax bill of $1,058 undercuts the state median by $375, offering substantial savings.

Yancey leads regional affordability

Yancey County's 0.476% rate is the lowest among nearby northwestern North Carolina counties, beating Wilkes County's 0.621%, Yadkin County's 0.686%, and Wilson County's 0.831%. This makes Yancey a notable tax haven regionally.

Your annual Yancey tax bill

On Yancey County's median home value of $222,300, property owners pay approximately $1,058 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay around $1,192, while those without mortgages pay roughly $943.

Still worth checking your assessment

Despite Yancey's low overall tax rate, individual homeowners may still be overassessed compared to market value. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor is a simple way to confirm your property is valued fairly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yancey County

via CostByCounty

Yancey holds its own nationally

Yancey County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits solidly below the national average, offering renters reasonable housing costs relative to earnings. With median household income of $54,961 against median rent of $807/month, Yancey delivers affordability that aligns with national standards.

Below-average housing burden in NC

At 17.6%, Yancey County's rent-to-income ratio undercuts the North Carolina state average of 18.6%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties for renters. This advantage holds even as Yancey maintains the region's highest median home value at $222,300.

Yancey offers affordable homes with value

Yancey County renters enjoy the second-best rent-to-income ratio (17.6%) in this comparison, while homeowners benefit from a median home value of $222,300—the highest among these four counties. This suggests strong property appreciation potential alongside current affordability.

Modest rent, reasonable owner costs

Yancey County households allocate $807 monthly for rent or $618 for mortgage payments against a $54,961 annual median income ($4,580/month). Renters spend 17.6% of income on housing while homeowners commit just 13.5%, leaving substantial resources for other needs.

Yancey: affordability with equity growth

Relocating to Yancey County means accessing affordable rent and mortgages while positioning yourself in a housing market with strong appreciation potential—the region's highest median home values signal investor confidence. Compare Yancey's mountain lifestyle and job market to neighboring Wilkes and Yadkin, knowing your housing dollars stretch farther here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yancey County

via IncomeByCounty

Yancey income trails U.S. median

Yancey County's median household income of $54,961 falls $19,794 below the national median of $74,755, a 26% shortfall that reflects limited high-wage employment. Despite this gap, Yancey performs better than Wilkes and Wilson, suggesting a more diversified mountain economy.

Below state average but competitive

Yancey's $54,961 median sits $6,111 below North Carolina's state median of $61,072, placing the county in the lower half statewide. However, the modest gap suggests Yancey has stronger economic fundamentals than many rural counties, likely bolstered by tourism and mountain-related industries.

Mid-range earner in this group

Yancey earns more than Wilkes ($50,438) and Wilson ($51,381) but less than Yadkin ($60,321), positioning it as the third-strongest county among these four. This ranking reflects Yancey's mountain location and seasonal economy, which creates both opportunities and income volatility.

Moderate rent costs, high home prices

Yancey's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is manageable, but the median home value of $222,300 is the highest among these four counties—a steep price relative to household income. This gap signals that homeownership may be financially challenging for typical Yancey households despite strong mountain property appeal.

Plan before buying mountain property

Yancey's booming home values create wealth for current owners but can trap renters in a high-cost housing market relative to income. Before purchasing, households should ensure a solid down payment fund (20% minimum) and stable income to avoid stretching budgets to the breaking point.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yancey County

via CrimeByCounty

Yancey County Among Nation's Safest

Yancey County features a nearly perfect safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 512.5 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Standout in North Carolina

The county significantly exceeds the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Yancey’s total crime rate of 512.5 is remarkably low compared to the statewide average of 2,050.0.

Unmatched Security in the Region

Yancey is far safer than Wilson County, which has a crime rate over four times higher at 2,103.8. This county provides a uniquely secure haven within the Appalachian mountains.

Minimal Violent Crime Activity

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of 107.9 per 100K. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 404.6, confirming that criminal activity is minimal across the board.

Maintaining Peace of Mind

Residents in Yancey County enjoy high levels of security but should still practice common-sense home safety. Using smart locks and keeping valuables out of sight ensures these industry-leading safety scores continue.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yancey County

via HealthByCounty

Yancey County outpaces national averages

Yancey County residents live an average of 76.0 years, nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 79.2 years and the longest lifespan among these four counties. Only 16.8% of adults report being in poor or fair health, the lowest rate in this cohort and well below the national average of 18%, suggesting a healthier, more resilient population.

Among North Carolina's healthiest counties

Yancey County's life expectancy of 76.0 years exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years by 1.6 years, placing it at the top of this peer group. The uninsured rate of 12.8% sits just above the state average of 12.5%, demonstrating strong health insurance coverage compared to state norms.

Clear health leader in mountain region

Yancey County's life expectancy of 76.0 years outpaces all three neighboring counties by at least 1.4 years, and its poor-health rate of 16.8% is the lowest in the group. The county also leads in primary care provider density with 59 per 100,000 residents—more than double Yadkin County's capacity—suggesting robust healthcare infrastructure.

Strong access drives strong outcomes

Yancey County boasts the highest provider density of the four counties, with 59 primary care providers and 238 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Just 12.8% of residents lack insurance, and the lowest poor-health rate in this cohort suggests that robust provider networks and high insurance coverage directly correlate with better population health outcomes.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Yancey County residents should ensure continuous health insurance coverage to maintain the county's strong health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment or apply for North Carolina Medicaid if your circumstances change, keeping access to the high-quality provider network your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yancey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate and Focused School Network

Yancey County operates a highly focused system of only seven public schools serving 2,038 students. This network consists of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one centralized high school for the entire county.

Regional Leader in Graduation Rates

Yancey County boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state and national averages. Its school score of 56.4 is the highest in the region, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,852.

Home of Mountain Heritage High

The Yancey County Schools district manages every campus in the county with no charter school competition. Mountain Heritage High School is the primary secondary institution, serving 639 students as the county's largest school.

Exclusively Rural and Personal

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit environment where the average school size is just 291 students. This small scale is exemplified by Cane River Middle, which serves only 191 students.

Invest in High-Performing Yancey

With graduation rates that lead the state, Yancey County is a premier destination for education-focused home buyers. Explore the beautiful mountain landscape for homes that offer access to these top-performing, intimate local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yancey County

via RiskByCounty

Yancey County faces very low disaster risk

Yancey County's composite risk score of 42.24 ranks it as very low and well below North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county enjoys one of the most favorable natural disaster risk profiles in the state, though residents should remain prepared for localized hazards.

Yancey is among the state's safest

At 42.24, Yancey County's composite score ranks it securely in the bottom tier of disaster risk statewide. The county's very low rating reflects substantially below-average exposure to natural hazards compared to North Carolina's 100 counties.

Yancey ties with Yadkin as the region's safest

Yancey County's 42.24 score nearly matches Yadkin County (38.36), making both the safest communities in this cluster. The two far outpace neighboring Wilkes County (82.63) and Wilson County (76.27), creating a stark divide between the western mountains and other regions.

Hurricane and wildfire risks are primary concerns

Yancey County's highest hazard exposures come from hurricanes (54.94) and wildfires (51.78), both well below state averages. Earthquake (51.97) and flood (55.38) risks remain low, while tornado risk (35.08) is among the state's lowest, creating an exceptionally balanced and manageable risk landscape.

Keep basic coverage in place as a precaution

Yancey County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides substantial protection for most residents. A flood policy remains a reasonably priced safeguard, and reviewing your coverage every few years ensures you're protected as your home's value changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yancey County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold mountain outlier

Yancey County averages just 47.5°F, falling far below the national median temperature. Its high-elevation terrain creates a climate more common in the northern United States.

North Carolina's cold peak

At 47.5°F, Yancey is nearly 12 degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It is one of the coldest and wettest counties in the entire state.

Extremely high precipitation levels

The county receives a massive 72.7 inches of rain annually, dwarfing the state average of 51.5 inches. It also records 50.9 inches of snow, far exceeding any nearby Piedmont counties.

Brutal winters and cool summers

Summer is incredibly mild with an average of 63°F and only one day of extreme heat. Winters are harsh, with January averaging 29.4°F and heavy snow accumulation.

Gear up for heavy snow

Residents must own serious snow removal equipment and high-performance heating systems. Air conditioning is rarely needed, as July temperatures peak at a comfortable 64.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yancey County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic high-elevation mountain soils

Soil in Yancey County is quite acidic with a pH of 4.95, which is typical for high-altitude environments. This falls below the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a defining trait of the county's lush, rugged terrain.

A balanced mix of mountain minerals

The soil composition includes 49.4% sand, 27.2% silt, and 15.9% clay. This relatively even split allows for a versatile growing environment that supports heavy forest growth. It provides a stable structure that resists erosion better than purely sandy soils.

Superior organic matter and water capacity

Yancey County boasts a massive 10.19% organic matter content, doubling the state average of 5.12%. It also leads the region in available water capacity at 0.145 in/in. These numbers indicate a highly fertile, sponge-like soil that is exceptionally productive.

Moisture-rich profile for forest health

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high organic matter and silt content suggest excellent moisture management. The soil likely acts as a natural reservoir for mountain springs and local vegetation. This hydrology supports the county's vibrant, high-elevation ecosystems.

Cool-weather favorites in zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a is perfect for cool-season crops like kale, potatoes, and various root vegetables. The incredibly rich organic matter gives you a significant advantage in any gardening project. Start your mountain garden today to see how much these fertile soils can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yancey County

via LawnByCounty

Cool Mountain Growth in Zone 7a

Yancey County presents a unique challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 38.7, falling below the national median. The high-altitude Zone 7a climate creates a short, wet growing season that differs greatly from the rest of the state.

Abundant Rain and Rare Heat

Lawns here are drenched by 72.7 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the ideal 50-inch threshold and increasing the risk of fungal issues. Conversely, heat stress is rare with only 1 day per year reaching 90°F.

Balancing High Acidity and Moisture

The soil pH sits at a low 4.95, requiring significant intervention to reach the 6.0 sweet spot for grass. Although drainage data is limited, the 49.4% sand content helps move some of the excessive annual rainfall away from the roots.

Facing Unexpected Severe Drought

Even with record rainfall, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. During these rare dry spells, it is vital to avoid over-fertilizing, as salts can burn the grass when water is scarce.

Seeding for the High Country

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue are ideal for Yancey’s temperate July average of 64.5°F. Wait until the mountain air warms after the late spring frost on May 16 to begin your planting projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yancey County's county score?
Yancey County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 68.3 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 Yancey County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Yancey County ranks #2 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 Yancey County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Yancey County is $1,058, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Yancey County a tax score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yancey County?
The median household income in Yancey County, North Carolina is $54,961 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yancey County earns an income score of 24.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yancey County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Yancey County scores 68.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Yancey 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 Yancey County with other counties side by side.

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