Richmond
North Carolina

What stands out

What stands out about Richmond County: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (69 per 100,000), life expectancy is in the bottom 5% of American counties (70.5 years), and the share working from home is in the bottom 6% of American counties (2%). Within North Carolina it ranks 1st of 100 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Richmond County, North Carolina. 43,149 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -90).

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 $42,354 a year, lower than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,814. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 90% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,690 a year.

Home

The median home costs $137K, cheaper than 89% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $696 a month. Property tax is 0.98% of home value, roughly $1,095 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 69 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.5 years, shorter than 95% of American counties. There are 23 active physicians in the county, about 5.3 per 10,000 people. 10.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.82 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 74% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 15 points. 61% 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 63°F, highs near 74 and lows near 51, warmer than 75% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 75% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 223 Mbps down, faster than 60% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.