At a Glance
Median Income
$35,076
$12,587 per capita
Median Rent
$836/mo
34.7% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
29.4%
93.2% high school+
Unemployment
13.6%
21.5% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
39.7%
18.2% smoking rate
How Cullowhee Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Cullowhee's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Cullowhee a Good Place to Live?
B
3.0 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Cullowhee residents earn a median household income of $35,076 , which is 53% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $12,587. The unemployment rate stands at 13.6% (278% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,271 business establishments, including 132 restaurants.
Education
29.4% of adults in Cullowhee hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(13% below the national average).
93.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
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 totals 54.2 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population7,300
Median Age20.9 yrs
Density1,916/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Foreign Born6.1%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
D
Median Income$35,076
Per Capita$12,587
Unemployment13.6%
Poverty21.5%
County GDP$2,188M
Avg Weekly Wage$933
Housing
B+
Home Value
Rent$836
Ownership7.7%
Zillow$417,238
Housing Units1,969
Rent Burden34.7%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Diabetes12.8%
Smoking18.2%
Heart Disease7.3%
Premature Death10,730/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F
Rain54.2 in/yr
Elevation2,155 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.4%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+16.4%
School Score5.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute20 min
Broadband57.2%
Internet Speed58 Mbps
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Did You Know?
The median home in Cullowhee was built in 2004.
The nearest airport is Asheville Regional (37 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.490 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
7.7% of the population has a disability.
There are 132 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 9 fatal vehicle crashes.