Vance
North Carolina

What stands out

If you had to describe Vance County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is in the top 3% of American counties (47 per 100,000), unemployment is in the top 5% of American counties (5.8%), and homeownership is in the bottom 6% of American counties (59%). Within North Carolina it ranks 6th of 100 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Vance County, North Carolina. 42,492 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +116).

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 $48,340 a year, lower than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,261. Unemployment runs 5.8%, higher than 95% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,929 a year.

Home

The median home costs $188K, cheaper than 68% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $804 a month. Property tax is 0.83% of home value, roughly $1,107 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 59% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 60% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 47 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.9 years, shorter than 88% of American counties. There are 40 active physicians in the county, about 9.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 11.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.95 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 52% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 19 points. 64% 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 59°F, highs near 71 and lows near 48, warmer than 65% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 54 out of 100, riskier than 55% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 185 Mbps down, slower than 56% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.