Median Income
$49,135
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,200
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$964
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Cooleemee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population984
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density1,312/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,135
Per Capita$27,463
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,200
Rent$964
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$129,352
Health
Obesity36.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.3 in/yr
Elevation692 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+91.7%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute32 min
Libraries2
Is Cooleemee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cooleemee receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Cooleemee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cooleemee is $49,135, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cooleemee is $134,200, 52% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $964 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cooleemee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Cooleemee has a population of 984 with a density of 1,312 people per square mile. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (69%), with 16.9% Hispanic, 10.4% Black.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cooleemee vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.9% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Spanish | 8.1% |
| 40% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Cooleemee vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cooleemee is $49,135, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Income: Cooleemee vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,135 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,463 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,070 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,128 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 49 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,821 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Cooleemee is $134,200, 52% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $964 (17% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,352.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,200 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,352 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $964 |
| 17% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,821 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Cooleemee, 36.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.1% report depression. 27.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Cooleemee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Crime Rates: Cooleemee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
Cooleemee has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation is 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 44.3 inches |
| 17% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 3.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 692 ft (211 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8112°N, 80.5569°W |
| County FIPS | 37059 |