Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
695/100K
83% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.3%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
132% higher than US avg
How Cary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population370
Median Age26.3 yrs
Density521/mi²
Male / Female60% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans1.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$24,109
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty28.8%
County GDP$107M
Commute39 min
Housing
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$115,092
Housing Units113
Rent Burden17.3%
Crime
F
Violent695/100K
Property6,492/100K
Health
Obesity48.3%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking24.5%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain55.3 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation100 ft (30 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score4.44
Community
2024 VoteR 31% / D 68%
Commute39 min
Broadband70.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Cary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cary receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Cary has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cary is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 28.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 695 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,492 per 100,000, 231% above the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cary enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cary has a population of 370 with a density of 521 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 26.3 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.5% female and 59.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (78.4%), with 16.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 1.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.3yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Cary is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,109 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $744, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 142 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,109 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $744 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,350 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.8% |
| 132% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 142 |
| County GDP | $107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,975 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,092. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,975. 17.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,975 |
| 15% below US avg |
In Cary, 48.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.3% of residents, above the national average. 48.1% have high blood pressure. 24.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.0% report binge drinking. 42.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.1% report depression. 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,663. 1.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.3% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.1% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 11.5% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.5% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.6% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.6% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,336 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 6.8% |
| Premature Death | 21,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Cary has a violent crime rate of 695 per 100,000 residents, 83% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,492 per 100,000, 231% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cary receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 694.8/100K |
| 83% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,491.9/100K |
| 231% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 304 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 55.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 100 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 521/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8056°N, 90.9246°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sharkey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.3"
45% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.18"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 9, 2019.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
44 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
80 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 2 |
246 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 3 |
223 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
247 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
175 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
257 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
739 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 274 fatalities, 3,388 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF5 |
70 km |
47 |
| Mar 3, 1966 |
EF5 |
78 km |
58 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
53 km |
38 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
8 km |
17 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
57 km |
10 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
15 km |
58 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
56 km |
13 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
89 km |
3 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
577 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
65°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
Cary has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.2") and August the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Cary. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $510 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cary
What is the population of Cary?
Cary has a population of 370 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 521 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.5% female and 59.5% male.
Is Cary expensive to live in?
Cary is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Cary safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cary, with a violent crime rate of 695 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,492 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cary receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cary?
Cary enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cary?
Cary has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $744. There are 142 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Cary?
Schools in Cary have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.2% of adults in Cary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cary?
The obesity rate in Cary is 48.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.5% of adults are smokers. 42.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,663.
What is transportation like in Cary?
The average commute in Cary is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cary is 16.2% White, 78.4% Black or African American. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 1.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
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