Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,900
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
220/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,688
45% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Atkinson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population487
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density492/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$24,041
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$1,864M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,900
Rent$1,688
Ownership88.0%
Zillow$213,191
Housing Units158
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent220/100K
Property3,763/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking19.6%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain55.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation62 ft (19 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 40%
Commute33 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Atkinson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atkinson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Atkinson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atkinson is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atkinson is $135,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,688 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Atkinson is below the national average at 220 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,763 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Atkinson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Atkinson has a population of 487 with a density of 492 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.3% female and 40.7% male. The city is predominantly White (63%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 5.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.7% of residents, while 20.3% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.7%
2% above US avg
Spanish
20.3%
51% above US avg
The median household income in Atkinson is $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,041 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 677 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,041 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,588 |
| Gini Index | 0.526 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 677 |
| County GDP | $1,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Atkinson is $135,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,191, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,688 (45% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 158 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,744. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,191 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,688 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.0% |
| Housing Units | 158 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Atkinson, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218. The dentist ratio is 1:2,265. 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,218 |
| Dentists | 1:2,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 16,588/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Atkinson has a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,763 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.9/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,762.5/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Atkinson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 55.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 62 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 492/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5275°N, 78.1697°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bladen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.9"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 6, 1994.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
166 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
116 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
143 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
144 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
52 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
45 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
9 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
42 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
272 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
96 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
22 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
12 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
45 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
32 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
42 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
45 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
64 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
49 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
59 km |
| 2020 |
CRO LONG POINT C-39/40 RX |
1,448 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
42 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
47 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP43 |
1,259 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
7.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Atkinson has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 44°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.2") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Atkinson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $500 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Atkinson
What is the population of Atkinson?
Atkinson has a population of 487 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 492 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.3% female and 40.7% male.
Is Atkinson expensive to live in?
Atkinson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,688 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atkinson safe?
Atkinson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,763 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atkinson?
Atkinson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Atkinson?
The job market in Atkinson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 677 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atkinson?
The median home value in Atkinson is $135,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,191. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,688. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,744.
How are the schools in Atkinson?
Schools in Atkinson have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.6% of adults in Atkinson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atkinson?
The obesity rate in Atkinson is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218.
What is transportation like in Atkinson?
The average commute in Atkinson is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 96% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atkinson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atkinson is 63% White, 5.1% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 79.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.3% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
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