County

Onslow County, North Carolina Retirement Score

Onslow County is a stronger fit for retirees who prioritize climate comfort and relative affordability, but it is less appealing for those who prioritize lower coastal risk or stronger healthcare access.

Overall Retirement Score
50
Around average

Quick takeaway

Best for: mild weather, relative affordability, coastal North Carolina living

Think twice if: lower hazard exposure matters most, stronger healthcare access is essential

Score breakdown

Affordability
28
Expensive for retirees
Healthcare Access
60
Around average
Climate Comfort
76
Above average
Disaster Risk
48
Below average
Air Quality
62
Around average
Retiree Fit
23
Weak

At a glance

Median rent
$1,265
Median home value
$236,400
Age 65+
14%
Climate
Mild winters, humid summers
Healthcare
Mixed access signals
Risk
Elevated coastal risk tradeoff
Air quality
Around average

Good fit for

Retirees who want mild weather, relative affordability, coastal North Carolina living.

Less ideal for

Retirees who want lower hazard exposure matters most, stronger healthcare access is essential.

Biggest strengths

  • Mild weather is a standout strength.
  • Relative affordability supports the overall profile.
  • The county has a practical mix of livability and retirement fit.

Biggest tradeoffs

  • Lower hazard exposure matters most is the clearest drawback.
  • Housing costs or regional tradeoffs may matter more here than in cheaper alternatives.

Affordability

Onslow County scores above average for affordability. Housing costs are manageable relative to many peer places.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare access is around average and a workable part of the profile.

Climate Comfort

Climate comfort is above average because of mild winters, humid summers.

Disaster Risk

Disaster risk is below average and a meaningful consideration here.

Air Quality

Air quality is around average and more neutral than decisive.

Retiree Fit

Retiree fit is around average and plays a secondary role here.

Similar places to consider

Brunswick County, Nc

Similar for key retirement tradeoffs, but with a different mix of cost, climate, risk, or healthcare.

New Hanover County, Nc

Similar for key retirement tradeoffs, but with a different mix of cost, climate, risk, or healthcare.

Horry County, Sc

Similar for key retirement tradeoffs, but with a different mix of cost, climate, risk, or healthcare.

How to interpret this retirement score

Use the overall score as a quick summary, then look at the category scores to see whether affordability, healthcare access, climate comfort, air quality, disaster risk, or retiree fit is driving the result. A place can still be a good fit for you even if one category is a clear tradeoff.

Best next step after this page

Use compare pages when you have two realistic finalists. If you are still building the shortlist, use the related rankings and the broader state page to find nearby or similarly ranked alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is Onslow County, North Carolina affordable for retirees?

Onslow County scores above average for affordability and looks more manageable than many peers.

What is the biggest retirement tradeoff here?

Lower hazard exposure matters most.

What to do next

Use this page as a narrowing step, then compare it directly against nearby or similarly ranked counties and metros. The overall score is the summary; the category scores explain the tradeoffs.