Methodology & Sources
This page lists where the numbers on CLT Relocation Guide come from, how current they are, and which tools give estimates rather than official figures. If a source changes or you find an error, email mikeperlosky@ivesterjackson.com. See also About this site.
Property tax rates
Used on: Property tax calculator, neighborhood mortgage estimates, guides
Source: FY 2026–27 rates adopted by each county and town: Mecklenburg County Jurisdiction Tax Rate chart; Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston and Anson county budgets; York and Lancaster County (SC) 2026 millage sheets. South Carolina figures assume an owner-occupied home assessed at 4%.
How current: Verified October 2026. Rates change every July 1.
Cost of living vs. the national average
Used on: National-average guide, homepage, pros & cons
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (all items), 2024 data released February 2026, via FRED. Covers the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area, not the city alone. U.S. = 100.
How current: Verified October 2026. BEA publishes a new year each winter.
City-to-city cost comparisons
Used on: Cost of living by city
Source: Directional indexes compiled from Numbeo and BestPlaces public data (2024), relative to Charlotte = 100.
How current: Treat as directional estimates; methodology differs from BEA.
Cost of living calculator
Used on: Calculator
Source: AI-generated estimates for a typical household, created when you run the comparison. Not live market data and not a quote.
How current: Generated on demand.
NC income tax
Used on: Moving-from guides, NC income tax guide, cost-of-living pages
Source: NC Department of Revenue; S.B. 257 (signed July 2026): 3.99% for 2026, 3.49% for 2027–2029, 3.24% for 2030–2032, 2.99% from 2033.
How current: Verified October 2026.
Mortgage rates
Used on: Mortgage calculator and neighborhood estimates
Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (national weekly averages), with FRED as a backup source.
How current: Pulled live; Freddie Mac updates every Thursday.
Schools by neighborhood
Used on: Neighborhood schools pages
Source: SchoolDigger school lists and statewide ranks for schools in or near each neighborhood’s ZIP code, or our curated GreatSchools list if the live lookup is unavailable. These are nearby schools, not assigned schools; assignment depends on your street address and the district.
How current: School lists refresh weekly.
Neighborhood school score
Used on: Neighborhood pages
Source: Concierge Relocation editorial score based on the public school ratings of the schools that commonly serve the area.
How current: Reviewed periodically.
CMS magnet and lottery information
Used on: School guides
Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board decisions and School Choice calendar, as reported by CMS and local news (WFAE).
How current: Verified October 2026 (2027-28 magnet changes).
Commute times
Used on: Commute tool
Source: Google Maps drive-time estimates; trip costs use the gas price, mileage and other inputs you enter.
How current: Calculated when you run it.
Featured listings
Used on: Neighborhood pages
Source: Current for-sale listings from the Realtor.com feed; the card shows the median-priced home in the ZIP code.
How current: Pulled live.
Page last reviewed October 17, 2026. Nothing on this site is legal, tax or financial advice; confirm figures with the county tax office, school district or your lender before making decisions.