Median Income
$35,076
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.4%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.5%
73% higher than US avg
How Cullowhee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,300
Median Age20.9 yrs
Density1,916/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,076
Per Capita$12,587
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty21.5%
County GDP$2,188M
Commute20 min
Housing
B+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$836
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$410,787
Health
Obesity39.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain54.2 in/yr
Elevation2,155 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.4%
High School+93.2%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute20 min
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Cullowhee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cullowhee receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Cullowhee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cullowhee is $35,076, 53% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.
Education
29.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cullowhee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Cullowhee has a population of 7,300 with a density of 1,916 people per square mile. The median age is 20.9 years, 46% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (79.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 8.2% Black.
Population
20.9yrs
Median Age
46% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cullowhee vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.0% |
| 33% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Cullowhee vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cullowhee is $35,076, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income: Cullowhee vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,076 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,587 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,990 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.5% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,271 |
| County GDP | $2,188M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 110 |
| Retail | 179 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,687 |
| 5% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $410,787.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $317 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,294 |
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) | $3,687 |
| 5% above US avg |
In Cullowhee, 39.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.3% report depression. 27.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Cullowhee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.6% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 110 |
Crime Rates: Cullowhee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
Cullowhee has an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 54.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 54.2 inches |
| 43% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 4.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,155 ft (657 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3097°N, 83.1815°W |
| County FIPS | 37099 |