Median Income
$81,019
8% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
122/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.3%
56% higher than US avg
How Caroleen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population261
Median Age25.0 yrs
Density235/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$81,019
Per Capita$27,986
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty19.3%
County GDP$2,490M
Commute28 min
Housing
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$179,834
Housing Units213
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent122/100K
Property7,067/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured15.3%
Smoking21.1%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain52.1 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation858 ft (262 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute28 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Caroleen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Caroleen receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Caroleen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Caroleen is $81,019, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 19.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Caroleen is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,067 per 100,000, 261% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Caroleen enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Caroleen has a population of 261 with a density of 235 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 25.0 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (77.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 31.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.0yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Caroleen is $81,019, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,986 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,498 business establishments, including 113 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,019 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,986 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.3% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,490M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 136 |
| Retail | 205 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,834. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 213 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,341. 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 213 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,341 |
| 5% below US avg |
In Caroleen, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227. The dentist ratio is 1:3,821. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Caroleen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 15.3% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,227 |
| Dentists | 1:3,821 |
| Mental Health | 1:512 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
Caroleen has a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,067 per 100,000, 261% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Caroleen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Caroleen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 121.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,067.4/100K |
| 261% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Caroleen enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°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 52.1 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 858 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 858 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 235/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2811°N, 81.7914°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Rutherford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greenville Spartanburg International (GSP) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.1"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
35 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
38 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
34 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Cherokee, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Fran (1996, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
90 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
348 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 383 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
26 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
28 km |
4 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
3 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2008 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY RIDGE (12,405 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
57 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Caroleen has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 39°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.1") and April the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Caroleen. 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 | $698 |
| Toddler | $615 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $613 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $490 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caroleen
What is the population of Caroleen?
Caroleen has a population of 261 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 235 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Caroleen expensive to live in?
Caroleen 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 $81,019, 8% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Caroleen safe?
Caroleen is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,067 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Caroleen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Caroleen?
Caroleen enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Caroleen?
The job market in Caroleen is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 1,498 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Caroleen?
Schools in Caroleen score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Caroleen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Caroleen?
The obesity rate in Caroleen is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 15.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227.
What is transportation like in Caroleen?
The average commute in Caroleen is 28 minutes. 92.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Caroleen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Caroleen is 77.4% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 31.0% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.