Median Income
$48,929
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,200
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
357/100K
6% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$873
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.3%
136% higher than US avg
How Bailey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population504
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,929
Per Capita$22,913
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty29.3%
County GDP$11,573M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,200
Rent$873
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$275,477
Housing Units288
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent357/100K
Property2,679/100K
Murder178.6/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary1,250/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking14.0%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.9 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation250 ft (76 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+76.9%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute28 min
Broadband72.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Bailey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bailey receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bailey has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bailey is $48,929, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 29.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bailey is $124,200, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bailey is below the national average at 357 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,679 per 100,000, 37% above the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bailey enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Bailey has a population of 504 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (42.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 11.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.4% of residents, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.4%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.6%
46% above US avg
The median household income in Bailey is $48,929, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,913 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,104 business establishments, including 352 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,929 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,913 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,009 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.3% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,104 |
| County GDP | $11,573M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 352 |
| Healthcare | 353 |
| Retail | 575 |
| Manufacturing | 117 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,488 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Bailey is $124,200, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,477, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $873 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,488. 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,200 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,477 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $873 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,488 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Bailey, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 16.8% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713. The dentist ratio is 1:3,849. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bailey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,713 |
| Dentists | 1:3,849 |
| Mental Health | 1:880 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,163/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 353 |
Bailey has a violent crime rate of 357 per 100,000 residents, 6% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 178.6. The murder rate is 178.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,679 per 100,000, 37% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,429, burglary at 1,250, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 35 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bailey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bailey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 357.1/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
| Murder | 178.6/100K |
| 2734% above US avg |
| Rape | 178.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,678.6/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,250.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,428.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 35 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bailey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 49.9 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 250 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.7°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 250 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7806°N, 78.1129°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Johnston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.9"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
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 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 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 |
293 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
212 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
211 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
183 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
165 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
235 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
227 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
119 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
133 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
99 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
280 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
287 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
297 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 955 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
58 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
59 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
50 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Bailey has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and November the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Bailey. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $813 |
| Preschool | $646 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $648 |
| Preschool | $588 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bailey
What is the population of Bailey?
Bailey has a population of 504 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Bailey expensive to live in?
Bailey 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 $48,929, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,200 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bailey safe?
Bailey is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 357 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,679 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bailey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bailey?
Bailey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Bailey?
The job market in Bailey is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 5,104 business establishments in the area, including 352 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bailey?
The median home value in Bailey is $124,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,477. For renters, the median monthly rent is $873. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,488.
How are the schools in Bailey?
Schools in Bailey score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Bailey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bailey?
The obesity rate in Bailey is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713.
What is transportation like in Bailey?
The average commute in Bailey is 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bailey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bailey is 42.7% White, 11.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
