Median Income
$67,054
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$385,400
37% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,295
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.3%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Buxton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,451
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density185/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans19.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,054
Per Capita$42,574
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$3,087M
Commute16 min
Housing
B
Home Value$385,400
Rent$1,295
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$467,976
Housing Units906
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property2,986/100K
Health
Obesity31.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking12.7%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute16 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Buxton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buxton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Buxton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buxton is $67,054, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buxton is $385,400, 37% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,295 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buxton is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buxton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Buxton has a population of 1,451 with a density of 185 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 19.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.9%
4% above US avg
The median household income in Buxton is $67,054, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,574. The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,329 business establishments, including 351 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,054 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,574 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,329 |
| County GDP | $3,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 351 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 436 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Buxton is $385,400, 37% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $467,976, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,295 (11% 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. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 906 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $4,288 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $385,400 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $467,976 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,295 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 906 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.11% |
In Buxton, 31.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,518. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buxton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.3% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 27.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Buxton has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buxton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buxton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.2/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,986.2/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buxton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 302 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 61.6 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 6 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 185/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2533°N, 75.5383°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dare County Regional (MEO)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.6"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively 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 High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very 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 |
115 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
8 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
240 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
45 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
148 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
125 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
126 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
253 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
190 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
240 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
173 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
64 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
91 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 29 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1982 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1974 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1960 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1952 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2018 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2018 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 16, 2016 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
98 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 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
53 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
53 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
81 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Buxton has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 47°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.4") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Buxton. 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 | $997 |
| Toddler | $885 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $831 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $706 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buxton
What is the population of Buxton?
Buxton has a population of 1,451 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 185 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Buxton expensive to live in?
Buxton 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 $67,054, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $385,400 (37% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,295 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Buxton safe?
Buxton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Buxton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buxton?
Buxton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Buxton?
The job market in Buxton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 2,329 business establishments in the area, including 351 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buxton?
The median home value in Buxton is $385,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $467,976. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,295. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,288.
How are the schools in Buxton?
Schools in Buxton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.9% of adults in Buxton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buxton?
The obesity rate in Buxton is 31.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What is transportation like in Buxton?
The average commute in Buxton is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buxton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buxton is 95.1% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 19.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
