COUNTY REPORT NC

Chowan County, North Carolina

2 ZIP codes · Avg score 72/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04

In current tracking cycles, Chowan County — spanning 2 ZIP codes — records above-average water quality outcomes; the county's compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards.

How Chowan County Compares

Chowan County72/100
North Carolina avg73/100
National avg68/100

How Chowan County Compares

B
County Grade
72/100
Avg Safety Score
2
ZIP Codes
6
Water Systems

Chowan County scores 1 points below the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 4 points above the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04

B
County Grade
72
Avg Safety Score
2
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 27932 (78/100)
Lowest ZIP: 27957 (65/100)
$161K
Median Home Value
$1,950
Avg Remediation (121% of home value)

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 16.7 (asthma 11.8%, diabetes 18.1%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $5,655, driven primarily by sea_level

Infrastructure: 0.395% avg pipe failure probability, 50% of ZIPs at high risk

62.5% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 11.8% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 18.1% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 41.7% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1979
Median Build Year
62.5%
Pre-1978 Housing
40%
Pipe Failure Probability
50%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
Low
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $5,655

Sea Level Rise $3,000/yr
Flood $2,100/yr
Energy Code Gap $405/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

7,396 housing units in Chowan County

Pre-1940 10%
1940–1959 14%
1960–1979 28%
1980–1999 35%
2000+ 13%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).

Water Safety Affordability

How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Chowan County

$161K
Median Home Value
$1,950
Est. Remediation Cost
1.2%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value low burden

Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Chowan County, representing a small fraction of property value.

Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.

Health Outcomes vs National Average

CDC PLACES data for Chowan County residents

Asthma 11.8% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 18.1% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 41.7% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 5 systems in Chowan County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Chowan Company Water System 11,722 4
2 Edenton, Town of 5,500 4
3 PERQUIMANS COUNTY WATER SYSTEM 12,320 4
4 Hertford Water System 2,145 4
5 Minzie`s Creek Sanitary District 191 4

6 total water systems serve Chowan County.

All ZIP Codes in Chowan County

2 ZIP codes tracked in Chowan County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 27932 Edenton 78 B 4 (2 health) $207K
2 27957 Merry Hill 65 C 0 $115K

Recommended Buyer Guides for Chowan County

Independent picks. EPA-grounded. Matched here.

Overview

Chowan County in North Carolina covers 2 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (72/100).

1 of 2 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations have been documented.

← Back to North Carolina water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in Chowan County?
Chowan County receives a grade of B, indicating generally safe tap water across its 2 ZIP codes.
How many water systems serve Chowan County?
Chowan County is served by 6 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 2 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in Chowan County?
The primary environmental risk factor in Chowan County is sea_level. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $5,655 per homeowner.
How old are homes in Chowan County?
The median home build year in Chowan County is 1979. 62.5% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does Chowan County compare to North Carolina?
Chowan County has an average water safety score of 72/100, which is below the North Carolina state average of 73/100.

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