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Overall Rating: 87/100 · 716,000 veterans (7.2% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against North Carolina veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Fully exempt
0.77% average effective rate
$45,000 of appraised value
100% P&T service-connected (or SAH): excludes first $45,000 of appraised value, no income/age test. Nothing below 100% P&T.
Source ↗Some exemptions available
$28,000
VA Medical Center
508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705
(919) 286-0411
Full service, research, cardiology
VA Medical Center
1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 638-9000
Full service, geriatrics, mental health
VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-7911
Full service, PTSD, geriatrics
Tuition assistance
Guard members
4-year value: $18,000
Median Home
$220,000
1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL Index
88
Unemployment
4.1%
Major employers: Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), VA facilities
Pros: Massive Army presence, very affordable, huge vet community (18.5%!)
Cons: Higher crime, military town feel, limited non-military jobs
Median Home
$395,000
1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL Index
101
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: Research Triangle, tech companies, state government
Pros: Great job market, excellent schools, growing tech hub
Cons: Housing costs rising, traffic, less military connection
Median Home
$375,000
1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL Index
98
Unemployment
3.4%
Major employers: Banking (BoA, Wells Fargo), finance, healthcare
Pros: Strong economy, banking hub, growing
Cons: Traffic, rising costs, limited VA access
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Eligible veterans and National Guard members receive a preference in state government hiring; when a numerically scored test or exam is used, 10 additional points are added to the final score. The preference applies to initial employment, promotions, transfers, and reductions in force.
Official source ↗North Carolina resident veterans rated 50% or more service-connected disabled by the VA qualify for discounted lifetime licenses (e.g., $14 combination hunting/inland fishing; $110 Sportsman). Applications must be certified by NC DMVA.
Official source ↗North Carolina veterans may add a 'VETERAN' designation to a driver's license or ID card as proof of prior service; the designation is free though standard renewal/duplicate fees apply.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled qualify for one free Disabled Veteran plate with the standard registration fee waived on one vehicle; apply using DMV Form MVR-33A, often certified by a Veterans Service Officer.
Official source ↗State veterans homes operate in Black Mountain, Fayetteville, Kinston, and Salisbury. Open to honorably discharged North Carolina resident veterans who are referred by a physician or otherwise disabled; spouses receiving VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation may also qualify. Fees apply.
Official source ↗The unmarried surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (or who received a VA specially adapted housing grant) may exclude up to $45,000 of the home's assessed value from property tax, provided the spouse continues to own and occupy the residence.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.