North Carolina
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
North Carolina vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in North Carolina
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winston-Salem | A+ | 50.1 | 249,545 | $61,319 | 278 | 96 |
| 2 | Raleigh | A | 48.7 | 467,665 | $67,955 | 473 | 104 |
| 3 | Apex | B+ | 47.6 | 73,664 | $58,616 | 302 | 105 |
| 4 | Greensboro | B | 47.2 | 299,035 | $64,319 | 355 | 97 |
| 5 | Chapel Hill | B | 46.5 | 61,960 | $67,788 | 463 | 97 |
| 6 | Charlotte | C+ | 45.7 | 874,579 | $75,085 | 292 | 82 |
| 7 | Durham | C | 45.4 | 283,506 | $62,068 | 283 | 107 |
| 8 | Asheville | C | 44.8 | 94,589 | $61,976 | 305 | 97 |
| 9 | Cary | D | 44.0 | 174,721 | $54,751 | 318 | 107 |
| 10 | Wilmington | F | 44.0 | 115,451 | $77,499 | 375 | 102 |
More South States
North Carolina Rankings Overview
North Carolina earns an overall grade of C+ with a composite score of 47.7 out of 100, ranking #31 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (69/100) while its biggest challenge is Fiscal Health (35/100).
Economy & Employment in North Carolina
With an unemployment rate of 3.5% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), North Carolina performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $66,880, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in North Carolina
North Carolina's violent crime rate of 380 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks #32 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #31 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Carolina's overall ranking?
North Carolina ranks #31 out of 50 states with a composite score of 47.7/100 and a grade of C+.
Is North Carolina a good place to live?
North Carolina scores 47.7/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in North Carolina?
The violent crime rate in North Carolina is 380 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does North Carolina's economy compare?
North Carolina's median household income is $66,880 with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in North Carolina?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in North Carolina are Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and Apex.