Beaufort County
NC · Pop. 44,597 · Suburban County
Beaufort County sits in North Carolina across 833 square miles, home to 44,597 people at 53.5 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $181,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.7%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 260-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F and average winter lows of 36.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Vidant Beaufort Hospital is 11.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 260-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.7% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $181,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Vidant Beaufort Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 11.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.5% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 18% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Beaufort County, NC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $181k
- Property tax
- 0.7%
- Growing season
- 260 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 49.7"
- Broadband
- 88%
- Nearest hospital
- Vidant Beaufort Hospital, 11.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Beaufort County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Beaufort County?
- Beaufort County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 260-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F, and average winter lows of 36.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $181,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.7%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Vidant Beaufort Hospital is 11.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore North Carolina Resources
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More counties in North Carolina
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The closest counties to Beaufort County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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