Mitchell
North Carolina

What stands out

Three things set Mitchell County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 11% of American counties (11 of 100), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 14% of American counties (0.52%). Within North Carolina it ranks 1st of 100 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Mitchell County, North Carolina. 14,989 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +94).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,534 a year, lower than 66% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,859. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,216 a year.

Home

The median home costs $238K, pricier than 52% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $711 a month. Property tax is 0.52% of home value, roughly $993 a year on that median home, lower than 86% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 70% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 8.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.92 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 66% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 63 and lows near 42, colder than 65% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 11 out of 100, safer than 89% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 153 Mbps down, slower than 70% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.