Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,000
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Atlantic Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population541
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density588/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$33,132
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$3,739M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,000
Ownership89.3%
Zillow$227,038
Housing Units397
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property3,440/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain59.5 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute32 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Atlantic a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atlantic receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Atlantic has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atlantic is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atlantic is $157,000, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Atlantic is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Atlantic enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Atlantic has a population of 541 with a density of 588 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.9% of residents, while 11.1% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.9%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.1%
17% below US avg
The median household income in Atlantic is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,132 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $879, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,721 business establishments, including 264 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,132 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,892 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,721 |
| County GDP | $3,739M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 264 |
| Healthcare | 197 |
| Retail | 365 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Atlantic is $157,000, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,038, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 397 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,947. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,000 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $227,038 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Housing Units | 397 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.51% |
In Atlantic, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,632. The dentist ratio is 1:1,196. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atlantic vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,632 |
| Dentists | 1:1,196 |
| Mental Health | 1:494 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,599/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 197 |
Atlantic has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Atlantic receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Atlantic vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 189.8/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,440.1/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Atlantic enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°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 59.5 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 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.6°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 588/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8813°N, 76.3433°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Carteret County County |
| Nearest Airport | Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.5"
56% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
37 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
50 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
13 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
173 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
115 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
144 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
113 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
100 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
227 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1986 |
EF2 |
99 km |
3 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
59 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
8 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
8 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
7 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
14 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
8 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
7 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
8 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
56 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
16 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
64 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Atlantic has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 47°F in February to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.7") and April the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Atlantic. 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 | $861 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $746 |
| Toddler | $565 |
| Preschool | $565 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlantic
What is the population of Atlantic?
Atlantic has a population of 541 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 588 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 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 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is Atlantic expensive to live in?
Atlantic 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,000 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atlantic safe?
Atlantic is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Atlantic receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atlantic?
Atlantic enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Atlantic?
The job market in Atlantic is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $879. There are 2,721 business establishments in the area, including 264 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atlantic?
The median home value in Atlantic is $157,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,038. The homeownership rate is 89.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,947.
How are the schools in Atlantic?
Schools in Atlantic score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.7% of adults in Atlantic hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atlantic?
The obesity rate in Atlantic is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,632.
What is transportation like in Atlantic?
The average commute in Atlantic is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atlantic?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atlantic is 84.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 88.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.1% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
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