Retiring in the US
North Carolina
For Americans thinking of retiring to North Carolina from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in North Carolina run at 94.3 against a US average of 100, with housing at 81.4. We cover North Carolina's 100 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and 3 towns in depth: Hendersonville (Henderson County), Pinehurst (Moore County) and Brevard (Transylvania County).
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Where North Carolina stands
Tier 14 of 16
Cost of living
94.3
Taxes on a retired couple
USD $3,126
Healthcare access
54 % of residents 65+
Safety
8.5 per 100,000 a year
Climate
4.6 months a year
Natural-hazard risk
USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings
North Carolina is not compared with a town — compare the towns below instead. Why?
North Carolina, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
North Carolina's 100 counties
Every county in North Carolina on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = more)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 100 counties, with their figures
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Alamance County
186,177 residents, 34,762 aged 65 or older (18.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.2 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Burlington, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,994 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 55 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Burlington, Graham, Mebane (Census, 1 July 2024).
Alamance County page → -
Alexander County
36,958 residents, 8,082 aged 65 or older (21.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.5 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,926 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Alexander County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Taylorsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Alexander County page → -
Alleghany County
11,479 residents, 3,602 aged 65 or older (31.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,812 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Alleghany County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Sparta (Census, 1 July 2024).
Alleghany County page → -
Anson County
21,758 residents, 4,663 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,516 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 20.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 11 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wadesboro, Polkton, Ansonville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Anson County page → -
Ashe County
27,514 residents, 8,213 aged 65 or older (29.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,542 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ashe County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.53 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 36 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jefferson, West Jefferson, Lansing (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ashe County page → -
Avery County
18,110 residents, 4,873 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,159 Lower than 78 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Avery County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Banner Elk, Newland, Elk Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Avery County page → -
Beaufort County
44,670 residents, 13,021 aged 65 or older (29.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,190 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 39 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Washington, Belhaven, Chocowinity (Census, 1 July 2024).
Beaufort County page → -
Bertie County
17,086 residents, 4,604 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,593 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 26.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 6 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Windsor, Aulander, Lewiston Woodville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bertie County page → -
Bladen County
30,007 residents, 7,184 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,008 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 18.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 14 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elizabethtown, Bladenboro, White Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bladen County page → -
Brunswick County
174,702 residents, 64,016 aged 65 or older (36.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.4 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wilmington, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,720 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 81 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Leland, Oak Island, St. James (Census, 1 July 2024).
Brunswick County page → -
Buncombe County
277,417 residents, 64,227 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.5 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Asheville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,814 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 71 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Buncombe County page → -
Burke County
88,655 residents, 20,538 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.5 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,194 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 69 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Morganton, Valdese, Drexel (Census, 1 July 2024).
Burke County page → -
Cabarrus County
249,725 residents, 36,829 aged 65 or older (14.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,380 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 64 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cabarrus County page → -
Caldwell County
81,105 residents, 18,464 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.5 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,923 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 58 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lenoir, Sawmills, Granite Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Caldwell County page → -
Camden County
11,315 residents, 2,127 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.9 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,856 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Camden County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Elizabeth City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Camden County page → -
Carteret County
70,469 residents, 21,235 aged 65 or older (30.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,323 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carteret County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $6.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carteret County page → -
Caswell County
22,563 residents, 5,721 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,255 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Caswell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Yanceyville, Milton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Caswell County page → -
Catawba County
170,172 residents, 34,900 aged 65 or older (20.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.5 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,867 Lower than 57 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 59 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hickory, Newton, Conover (Census, 1 July 2024).
Catawba County page → -
Chatham County
85,111 residents, 23,803 aged 65 or older (28.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.6 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,062 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chatham County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 67 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Siler City, Pittsboro, Cary (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chatham County page → -
Cherokee County
30,830 residents, 10,375 aged 65 or older (33.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,432 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cherokee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Andrews, Murphy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cherokee County page → -
Chowan County
14,082 residents, 4,133 aged 65 or older (29.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,318 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chowan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Edenton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chowan County page → -
Clay County
12,239 residents, 4,573 aged 65 or older (37.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,320 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clay County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Hayesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clay County page → -
Cleveland County
103,325 residents, 20,895 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,080 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Shelby, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cleveland County page → -
Columbus County
50,487 residents, 11,203 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,514 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 21.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 10 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Whiteville, Tabor City, Chadbourn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Columbus County page → -
Craven County
105,025 residents, 25,457 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,020 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 39 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: New Bern, Havelock, Trent Woods (Census, 1 July 2024).
Craven County page → -
Cumberland County
338,473 residents, 50,711 aged 65 or older (15.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fayetteville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,080 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 15.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 19 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cumberland County page → -
Currituck County
33,158 residents, 6,864 aged 65 or older (20.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.9 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,455 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Currituck County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Currituck County page → -
Dare County
38,245 residents, 11,213 aged 65 or older (29.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,647 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dare County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,029 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dare County page → -
Davidson County
180,182 residents, 37,392 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,938 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 70 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Thomasville, Lexington, High Point (Census, 1 July 2024).
Davidson County page → -
Davie County
45,855 residents, 11,086 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,028 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Davie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mocksville, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee (Census, 1 July 2024).
Davie County page → -
Duplin County
51,571 residents, 10,307 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,249 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 13.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 23 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wallace, Warsaw, Rose Hill (Census, 1 July 2024).
Duplin County page → -
Durham County
347,240 residents, 55,132 aged 65 or older (15.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.6 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,608 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 27 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh (Census, 1 July 2024).
Durham County page → -
Edgecombe County
49,121 residents, 11,336 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.0 Cheaper than 56 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rocky Mount, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,483 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 19.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 12 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 47 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Princeville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Edgecombe County page → -
Forsyth County
401,718 residents, 76,339 aged 65 or older (19.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,602 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 30 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons (Census, 1 July 2024).
Forsyth County page → -
Franklin County
82,037 residents, 15,525 aged 65 or older (18.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.2 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,087 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 63 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Louisburg, Franklinton, Wake Forest (Census, 1 July 2024).
Franklin County page → -
Gaston County
246,558 residents, 44,644 aged 65 or older (18.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,437 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 40 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gastonia, Mount Holly, Belmont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gaston County page → -
Gates County
10,234 residents, 2,452 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.9 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,485 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Gates County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Gatesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gates County page → -
Graham County
8,190 residents, 2,240 aged 65 or older (27.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,837 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Graham County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Dam (Census, 1 July 2024).
Graham County page → -
Granville County
61,421 residents, 12,277 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,180 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Granville County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oxford, Butner, Creedmoor (Census, 1 July 2024).
Granville County page → -
Greene County
20,700 residents, 4,087 aged 65 or older (19.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,932 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Greene County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Snow Hill, Hookerton, Walstonburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Greene County page → -
Guilford County
562,234 residents, 100,971 aged 65 or older (18.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.9 Cheaper than 28 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greensboro-High Point, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,757 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 29 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Greensboro, High Point, Summerfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Guilford County page → -
Halifax County
46,534 residents, 11,744 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,837 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 19.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 12 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roanoke Rapids, Enfield, Scotland Neck (Census, 1 July 2024).
Halifax County page → -
Harnett County
150,137 residents, 22,071 aged 65 or older (14.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,230 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 42 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dunn, Angier, Erwin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Harnett County page → -
Haywood County
63,369 residents, 17,887 aged 65 or older (28.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,813 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Haywood County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waynesville, Canton, Maggie Valley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Haywood County page → -
Henderson County
122,375 residents, 35,634 aged 65 or older (29.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.5 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Asheville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,632 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 81 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River (Census, 1 July 2024).
Henderson County page → -
Hertford County
19,015 residents, 5,154 aged 65 or older (27.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,259 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 19.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 13 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, Winton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hertford County page → -
Hoke County
56,939 residents, 7,458 aged 65 or older (13.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fayetteville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,167 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 18.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 14 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Raeford, Red Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hoke County page → -
Hyde County
4,554 residents, 1,298 aged 65 or older (28.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,581 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hyde County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $8.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hyde County page → -
Iredell County
211,798 residents, 38,673 aged 65 or older (18.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,955 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 66 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mooresville, Statesville, Troutman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Iredell County page → -
Jackson County
45,039 residents, 9,673 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,029 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jackson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sylva, Webster, Forest Hills (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jackson County page → -
Johnston County
256,448 residents, 38,940 aged 65 or older (15.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.2 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,014 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 77 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clayton, Smithfield, Selma (Census, 1 July 2024).
Johnston County page → -
Jones County
9,575 residents, 2,567 aged 65 or older (26.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,418 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jones County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Maysville, Pollocksville, Trenton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jones County page → -
Lee County
70,258 residents, 13,726 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,430 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 35 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sanford, Broadway (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lee County page → -
Lenoir County
55,837 residents, 12,527 aged 65 or older (22.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,777 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 20.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 11 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kinston, La Grange, Pink Hill (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lenoir County page → -
Lincoln County
98,654 residents, 21,415 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,853 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lincolnton, Maiden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
McDowell County
45,198 residents, 10,426 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,693 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McDowell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marion, Old Fort (Census, 1 July 2024).
McDowell County page → -
Macon County
39,232 residents, 12,441 aged 65 or older (31.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,321 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Macon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 47 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Franklin, Highlands (Census, 1 July 2024).
Macon County page → -
Madison County
22,553 residents, 5,713 aged 65 or older (25.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.5 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Asheville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,504 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Madison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.43 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 43 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mars Hill, Marshall, Hot Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Madison County page → -
Martin County
21,601 residents, 5,818 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,556 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Martin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Williamston, Robersonville, Jamesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Martin County page → -
Mecklenburg County
1,233,383 residents, 160,890 aged 65 or older (13.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,315 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 5 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 35 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mecklenburg County page → -
Mitchell County
15,062 residents, 4,153 aged 65 or older (27.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,643 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mitchell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spruce Pine, Bakersville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mitchell County page → -
Montgomery County
26,403 residents, 6,459 aged 65 or older (24.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,074 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Montgomery County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Troy, Biscoe, Mount Gilead (Census, 1 July 2024).
Montgomery County page → -
Moore County
110,619 residents, 28,048 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.3 Cheaper than 54 % of the other 3,142 US counties Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,671 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 62 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen (Census, 1 July 2024).
Moore County page → -
Nash County
99,365 residents, 21,514 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.0 Cheaper than 56 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rocky Mount, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,325 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 25 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rocky Mount, Nashville, Red Oak (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nash County page → -
New Hanover County
245,959 residents, 52,390 aged 65 or older (21.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.4 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wilmington, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,729 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 52 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
New Hanover County page → -
Northampton County
16,491 residents, 5,195 aged 65 or older (31.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,616 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 24.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 7 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gaston, Garysburg, Rich Square (Census, 1 July 2024).
Northampton County page → -
Onslow County
217,175 residents, 27,710 aged 65 or older (12.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.1 Cheaper than 31 % of the other 3,142 US counties Jacksonville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,053 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 74 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.51 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,242 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jacksonville, Holly Ridge, Swansboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Onslow County page → -
Orange County
152,498 residents, 27,545 aged 65 or older (18.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.6 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,999 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 81 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough (Census, 1 July 2024).
Orange County page → -
Pamlico County
12,758 residents, 4,453 aged 65 or older (34.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,795 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pamlico County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bayboro, Oriental, Alliance (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pamlico County page → -
Pasquotank County
42,201 residents, 8,910 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,176 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 16.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 18 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Elizabeth City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pasquotank County page → -
Pender County
72,111 residents, 14,295 aged 65 or older (19.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.4 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wilmington, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,033 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 46 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Surf City, Burgaw, Topsail Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pender County page → -
Perquimans County
13,490 residents, 4,025 aged 65 or older (29.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,906 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Perquimans County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hertford, Winfall (Census, 1 July 2024).
Perquimans County page → -
Person County
40,636 residents, 9,495 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.6 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,002 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 31 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Roxboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Person County page → -
Pitt County
182,936 residents, 29,672 aged 65 or older (16.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Greenville, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,734 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 37 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,189 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Greenville, Winterville, Ayden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pitt County page → -
Polk County
20,533 residents, 7,041 aged 65 or older (34.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,715 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Polk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tryon, Columbus, Saluda (Census, 1 July 2024).
Polk County page → -
Randolph County
149,516 residents, 30,971 aged 65 or older (20.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.9 Cheaper than 28 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greensboro-High Point, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,180 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 73 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Asheboro, Archdale, Trinity (Census, 1 July 2024).
Randolph County page → -
Richmond County
42,041 residents, 8,536 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,946 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 21.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 11 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rockingham, Hamlet, Ellerbe (Census, 1 July 2024).
Richmond County page → -
Robeson County
119,941 residents, 20,633 aged 65 or older (17.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,866 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 35.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 2 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lumberton, Red Springs, Pembroke (Census, 1 July 2024).
Robeson County page → -
Rockingham County
94,195 residents, 22,112 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.9 Cheaper than 28 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Greensboro-High Point, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,441 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 39 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Eden, Reidsville, Wentworth (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rockingham County page → -
Rowan County
155,096 residents, 30,888 aged 65 or older (19.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,110 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 9.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 38 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Salisbury, Kannapolis, China Grove (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rowan County page → -
Rutherford County
65,745 residents, 15,510 aged 65 or older (23.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,872 Lower than 57 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rutherford County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Forest City, Spindale, Rutherfordton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rutherford County page → -
Sampson County
61,504 residents, 11,617 aged 65 or older (18.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,453 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 13.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 22 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clinton, Roseboro, Garland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sampson County page → -
Scotland County
33,322 residents, 7,205 aged 65 or older (21.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,082 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 27.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 5 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Laurinburg, Wagram, Gibson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Scotland County page → -
Stanly County
68,830 residents, 13,992 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,829 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stanly County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Albemarle, Locust, Norwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stanly County page → -
Stokes County
46,126 residents, 11,366 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,927 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stokes County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: King, Walnut Cove, Danbury (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stokes County page → -
Surry County
72,287 residents, 16,575 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,940 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 57 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Surry County page → -
Swain County
14,024 residents, 3,079 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,281 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Swain County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Bryson City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Swain County page → -
Transylvania County
34,211 residents, 10,859 aged 65 or older (31.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,397 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Transylvania County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Brevard, Rosman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Transylvania County page → -
Tyrrell County
3,537 residents, 825 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,661 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Tyrrell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Columbia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tyrrell County page → -
Union County
267,674 residents, 40,644 aged 65 or older (15.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,839 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 74 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Indian Trail, Monroe, Waxhaw (Census, 1 July 2024).
Union County page → -
Vance County
42,638 residents, 9,119 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,551 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 25.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 7 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 89 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Henderson, Kittrell, Middleburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Vance County page → -
Wake County
1,257,235 residents, 180,904 aged 65 or older (14.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.2 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,302 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 80 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Raleigh, Cary, Apex (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wake County page → -
Warren County
18,898 residents, 5,574 aged 65 or older (29.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,310 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Warren County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Norlina, Warrenton, Macon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Warren County page → -
Washington County
10,638 residents, 3,146 aged 65 or older (29.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,310 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Washington County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Plymouth, Roper, Creswell (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page → -
Watauga County
54,786 residents, 10,272 aged 65 or older (18.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,181 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Watauga County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Boone, Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain (Census, 1 July 2024).
Watauga County page → -
Wayne County
122,278 residents, 23,014 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.5 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Goldsboro, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,275 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 24 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.52 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 37 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Fremont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wayne County page → -
Wilkes County
66,233 residents, 16,349 aged 65 or older (24.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,907 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 61 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, Ronda (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wilkes County page → -
Wilson County
81,150 residents, 17,114 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,597 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 13.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 23 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wilson, Elm City, Lucama (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wilson County page → -
Yadkin County
38,325 residents, 8,572 aged 65 or older (22.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.0 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winston-Salem, NC metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,186 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Yadkin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Yadkinville, Jonesville, Boonville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yadkin County page → -
Yancey County
19,084 residents, 5,526 aged 65 or older (29.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Carolina nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,495 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Yancey County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.40 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 45 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $7,994 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Burnsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yancey County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Where North Carolina stands, on the six criteria
North Carolina's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 14 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of North Carolina, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
94.3 Cheaper than 60% of the other 50 · housing 81.4 · goods 96.6 · utilities 88.6 · other services 98.2
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $3,126 (90% margin USD $3,113–$3,139) Lower than 50% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
54 % of residents 65+ Higher than 36% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
8.5 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 8.2–8.7) Lower than 24% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.6 months a year More than 32% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in North Carolina
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in North Carolina, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $19,170 in a bad year (from USD $12,670), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 31 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $7,994 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 11 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of North Carolina's 100 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
North Carolina adds no Medigap enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. North Carolina's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in North Carolina: Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), 1-855-408-1212 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to North Carolina: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to North Carolina, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
None of North Carolina's six figures is in the top fifth of the states.
Cons
None of North Carolina's six figures is in the bottom fifth of the states.
Also shown, not scored
North Carolina's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of North Carolina — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
11,197,968 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
2,119,438 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
21.3 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in North Carolina
We apply North Carolina's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
North Carolina's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 4.25 % North Carolina Department of Revenue: Tax Rate Schedules · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Taxable Social Security deducted (D-400 Schedule S): 100 % of it North Carolina Department of Revenue: Social Security and Railroad Retirement Benefits · checked Oct 26, 2026
- NC standard deduction, married filing jointly (no extra amount at 65): USD $25,500 North Carolina Department of Revenue: NC Standard Deduction or NC Itemized Deductions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- State sales tax 4.75 %, plus a 2 % or 2.25 % local rate: 4.75 % North Carolina Department of Revenue: Sales Tax Guidance for Newly Registered Taxpayers · checked Oct 26, 2026
Places in North Carolina we cover in depth
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