Median Income
$44,698
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,600
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
533/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Elm City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,173
Median Age49.6 yrs
Density546/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 30%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,698
Per Capita$26,776
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$5,166M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,600
Rent$829
Ownership65.4%
Zillow$229,925
Housing Units545
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent533/100K
Property3,823/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured15.1%
Smoking20.8%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation132 ft (40 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute28 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations16
Libraries7
Is Elm City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elm City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Elm City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elm City is $44,698, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elm City is $106,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 533 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,823 per 100,000, 95% above the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Elm City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Elm City has a population of 1,173 with a density of 546 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 49.6 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (65.4%), with 29.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.1% of residents, while 7.9% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.6yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.1%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.9%
41% below US avg
The median household income in Elm City is $44,698, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,776 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,155 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,698 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,776 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,414 |
| Gini Index | 0.476 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,155 |
| County GDP | $5,166M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 200 |
| Retail | 328 |
| Manufacturing | 85 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,409 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Elm City is $106,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,925, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% 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. 65.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 545 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,409. 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,925 |
| Median List Price | $84,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $84,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $168 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.6% |
| Housing Units | 545 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,409 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.20% |
In Elm City, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 43.2% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.5% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 15.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,528. The dentist ratio is 1:2,241. 92.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elm City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.2% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.1% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,528 |
| Dentists | 1:2,241 |
| Mental Health | 1:456 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.7% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,403/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 200 |
Elm City has a violent crime rate of 533 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,823 per 100,000, 95% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elm City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elm City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 532.9/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,822.6/100K |
| 95% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 89 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elm City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 44.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 132 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.5°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 132 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 546/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8040°N, 77.8567°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wilson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
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 |
125 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
195 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
168 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
145 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
194 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
218 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
241 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
117 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
102 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
258 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
268 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
215 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,025 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
53 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
12 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
69 km |
6 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
62 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
66 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Elm City has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Elm 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $483 |
| Toddler | $504 |
| Preschool | $616 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elm City
What is the population of Elm City?
Elm City has a population of 1,173 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 546 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Elm City expensive to live in?
Elm 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 $44,698, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elm City safe?
The violent crime rate in Elm City is 533 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,823 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elm City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elm City?
Elm City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Elm City?
The job market in Elm City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 2,155 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elm City?
The median home value in Elm City is $106,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,925. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,409.
How are the schools in Elm City?
Schools in Elm City score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Elm City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elm City?
The obesity rate in Elm City is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 15.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 92.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,528.
What is transportation like in Elm City?
The average commute in Elm City is 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elm City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elm City is 29.7% White, 65.4% Black or African American. 92.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.9% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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