Median Income
$47,304
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,800
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$549
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.2%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.3%
80% higher than US avg
How Carthage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,859
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density523/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,304
Per Capita$21,707
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty22.3%
County GDP$897M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,800
Rent$549
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$160,606
Health
Obesity46.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain57.8 in/yr
Elevation381 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+83.7%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute26 min
Libraries2
Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carthage receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Carthage offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carthage is $47,304, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carthage is $146,800, 48% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $549 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Carthage enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Carthage has a population of 4,859 with a density of 523 people per square mile. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (43.4%), with 36% White, 1.4% Hispanic.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 81.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Spanish | 18.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
The median household income in Carthage is $47,304, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,304 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,707 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $755 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,638 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.3% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 350 |
| County GDP | $897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,405 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Carthage is $146,800, 48% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $549 (53% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,606.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,800 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,606 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $549 |
| 53% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,405 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Carthage, 46.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.3% report depression. 41.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Carthage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.8% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,204/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Crime Rates: Carthage vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Carthage has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 57.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.9°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 57.8 inches |
| 52% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 381 ft (116 m) |
| Area | 9.3 sq mi (24.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 523/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7442°N, 89.5335°W |
| County FIPS | 28079 |