Median Income
$44,659
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,100
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
162/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,098
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Catawba Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population632
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density136/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,659
Per Capita$29,894
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$12,403M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,100
Rent$1,098
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$310,868
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent162/100K
Property3,734/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault162/100K
Burglary1,948/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Elevation827 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+76.3%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 31%
Commute30 min
Libraries10
Is Catawba a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Catawba receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Catawba has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Catawba is $44,659, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Catawba is $138,100, 51% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,098 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Catawba is below the national average at 162 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,734 per 100,000, 90% above the national average.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Catawba enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Catawba has a population of 632 with a density of 136 people per square mile. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (77.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 19% Black.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.3% |
| 83% below US avg |
The median household income in Catawba is $44,659, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,659 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,894 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,072 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,206 |
| County GDP | $12,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 434 |
| Retail | 688 |
| Manufacturing | 358 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,232 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Catawba is $138,100, 51% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,098 (6% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,868.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,100 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,868 |
| Median List Price | $213,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $213,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $161 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 55.6% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,098 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $858 |
| 1 Bedroom | $908 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,095 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,372 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,232 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In Catawba, 37.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.2% report depression. 23.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Catawba vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,084/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 434 |
Catawba has a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,734 per 100,000 (90% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Catawba vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 162.3/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 162.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,733.8/100K |
| 90% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,948.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,785.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Catawba has an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.6 inches |
| 23% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 66.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Geography
| Elevation | 827 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 136/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7076°N, 81.0695°W |
| County FIPS | 37035 |