North Carolina
Cherokee is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 1,631. Residents earn $48,173 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Cherokee receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cherokee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Cherokee is $48,173, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 30.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Cherokee is $192,700, 32% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $799 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
20.3% 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 5.7/10.
Cherokee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.7 inches, including 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 85.7% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,173 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $25,300 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,403 |
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 30.3% |
| 144% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 515 |
| County GDP | $916M |
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,369 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| Commute Time | 11.7 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
| Census Median | $192,700 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $799 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Studio | $645 |
| 1 Bedroom | $713 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $935 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,369 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.3% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 56.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Premature Death | 19,177/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg | |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 56.7 inches |
| 49% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 6.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,439 ft (743 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4860°N, 83.3011°W |
| County FIPS | 37173 |
Winner: Republican by 23.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 20.3% |
| 40% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.71 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Retail Stores | 98 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 11.7 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |