Median Income
$62,177
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,100
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Carthage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,840
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density416/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,177
Per Capita$33,210
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$5,743M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,100
Rent$856
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$343,066
Housing Units1,300
Rent Burden38.1%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain47.8 in/yr
Elevation526 ft (160 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carthage receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Carthage stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carthage is $62,177, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carthage is $194,100, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 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
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Carthage 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. Annual precipitation totals 47.8 inches.
Carthage has a population of 2,840 with a density of 416 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 16.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,840
Total Population
2023 Census
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Carthage is $62,177, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,210 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,472 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,177 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,210 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,613 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,472 |
| County GDP | $5,743M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 308 |
| Retail | 363 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,754 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in Carthage is $194,100, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,066, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $192,500 with homes selling in an average of 89 days. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% 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. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,300 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $4,754 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,100 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $343,066 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $192,500 |
| Median List Price | $239,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $192,500 |
| Median List Price | $239,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $150 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 89 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 7.1% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,470 |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,300 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,754 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.45% |
In Carthage, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 15.9% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:901. The dentist ratio is 1:1,702. 79.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carthage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:901 |
| Dentists | 1:1,702 |
| Mental Health | 1:366 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 308 |
Carthage 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. Annual precipitation totals 47.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 526 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.7°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 526 ft (160 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 416/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3223°N, 79.4109°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Moore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field (FAY) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.8"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.67"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 26, 2019.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
67 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
80 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
20 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 |
226 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
179 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
299 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
181 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
189 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
169 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
169 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
179 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 51 fatalities, 1,361 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
81 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
9 km |
6 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
12 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,968 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
67 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
65 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
OVERHILLS |
1,436 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
CHUCKS FIRST BIG ONE |
1,252 |
40 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
STRAUSBURG ROAD |
1,219 |
39 km |
| 2017 |
GARDNER FARM LANE |
1,112 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,090 |
21 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
1,083 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
HORSESHOE LAKE |
990 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR CREEK |
872 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
871 |
51 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
823 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
820 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
53°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Carthage has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.7") and May the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Carthage. 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 | $817 |
| Toddler | $665 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $795 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $605 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carthage
What is the population of Carthage?
Carthage has a population of 2,840 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 416 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Carthage expensive to live in?
Carthage 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 $62,177, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,100 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Carthage?
Carthage 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. Annual rainfall totals 47.8 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Carthage?
The job market in Carthage is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 3,472 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage is $194,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,066. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $192,500, with homes typically selling within 89 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,754.
How are the schools in Carthage?
Schools in Carthage score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Carthage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carthage?
The obesity rate in Carthage is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:901.
What is transportation like in Carthage?
The average commute in Carthage is 25 minutes. 71.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carthage?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is 77.3% White, 16.7% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.