Violent Crime
302/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.9%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$635
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.2%
192% higher than US avg
How Castalia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population223
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density293/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
Per Capita$19,570
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty36.2%
County GDP$2,884M
Commute23 min
Housing
Rent$635
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$204,504
Housing Units187
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property1,208/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking18.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation306 ft (93 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.9%
High School+75.9%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute23 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Castalia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Castalia receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Castalia faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 36.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $635 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Castalia is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,208 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Castalia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Castalia has a population of 223 with a density of 293 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.9% female and 38.1% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.6%), with 42.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 31.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $19,570 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,100, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,676 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $19,570 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,100 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,748 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.2% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,676 |
| County GDP | $2,884M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,389 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,504. Monthly rent averages $635 (45% 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. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 187 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,389. 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $635 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 187 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,389 |
| 3% below US avg |
In Castalia, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 38.1% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,967. The dentist ratio is 1:9,317. 63.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Castalia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,967 |
| Dentists | 1:9,317 |
| Mental Health | 1:713 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,622/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Castalia has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,208 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Castalia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Castalia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 301.9/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,207.6/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Castalia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 48.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 306 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 306 ft (93 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 293/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0823°N, 78.0576°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.3"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 3, 2001.
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
229 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
205 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
203 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
249 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
276 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
121 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
151 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
114 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
127 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
285 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
292 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
184 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
240 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
233 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
352 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 767 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
87 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
12 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
6 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
21 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
53 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Castalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Castalia. 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 | $867 |
| Toddler | $644 |
| Preschool | $579 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $691 |
| Toddler | $627 |
| Preschool | $611 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Castalia
What is the population of Castalia?
Castalia has a population of 223 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 293 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.9% female and 38.1% male.
Is Castalia expensive to live in?
Castalia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. Renters pay a median of $635 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Castalia safe?
Castalia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,208 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Castalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Castalia?
Castalia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.3 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Castalia?
Castalia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,100. There are 1,676 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Castalia?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $635. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,389.
How are the schools in Castalia?
Schools in Castalia score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.9% of adults in Castalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.9% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Castalia?
The obesity rate in Castalia is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,967.
What is transportation like in Castalia?
The average commute in Castalia is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Castalia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Castalia is 42.2% White, 55.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 31.1% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
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