Median Income
$50,893
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
63/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$916
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Cove City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population583
Median Age55.8 yrs
Density911/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,893
Per Capita$27,476
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$307M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,800
Rent$916
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$183,518
Housing Units268
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent63/100K
Property378/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation48 ft (15 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+10.4%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute23 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations18
Libraries4
Is Cove City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cove City receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cove City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cove City is $50,893, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cove City is $78,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cove City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cove City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Cove City has a population of 583 with a density of 911 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 55.8 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59% female and 41% male. The city is predominantly White (61.1%), with 7% Hispanic, 28% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.8yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cove City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cove City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cove City is $50,893, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,476 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $926, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 212 business establishments, including 7 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). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cove City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,893 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,476 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $926 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,814 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 212 |
| County GDP | $307M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,715 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Cove City is $78,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,518, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $916 (21% 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. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 268 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $2,715 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,518 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $916 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 268 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,715 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.45% |
In Cove City, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 39.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 15.6% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,543. 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cove City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,543 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,350 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,786/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Cove City has a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 378 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cove City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cove City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.0/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 378.0/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cove City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 57.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 48 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.0°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 48 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 911/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1890°N, 77.3205°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.2"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
180 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
119 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
295 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
110 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
157 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
38 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
104 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
33 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
202 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 846 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
45 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
2 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
41 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
76 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
59 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
92 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
78 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
43 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
36 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
36 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Cove City has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.3") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Cove City. 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 | $569 |
| Toddler | $566 |
| Preschool | $547 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $494 |
| Toddler | $531 |
| Preschool | $509 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cove City
What is the population of Cove City?
Cove City has a population of 583 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 911 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59% female and 41% male.
Is Cove City expensive to live in?
Cove City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,893, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cove City safe?
Cove City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cove City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cove City?
Cove City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Cove City?
The job market in Cove City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $926. There are 212 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cove City?
The median home value in Cove City is $78,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,518. For renters, the median monthly rent is $916. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,715.
How are the schools in Cove City?
Schools in Cove City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Cove City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 10.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cove City?
The obesity rate in Cove City is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,543.
What is transportation like in Cove City?
The average commute in Cove City is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cove City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cove City is 61.1% White, 28% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.0% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.