Median Income
$62,917
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,200
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.3%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$847
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
28% higher than US avg
How Glen Alpine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,995
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density928/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,917
Per Capita$28,680
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty15.9%
County GDP$3,724M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,200
Rent$847
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$253,317
Housing Units710
Rent Burden26.7%
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking19.2%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Elevation1,187 ft (362 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.3%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute26 min
Broadband81.1%
EV Stations7
Libraries3
Is Glen Alpine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Glen Alpine receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Glen Alpine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Glen Alpine is $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Glen Alpine is $173,200, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
29.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Glen Alpine enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches.
Glen Alpine has a population of 1,995 with a density of 928 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 4.5% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,995
Total Population
2023 Census
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Glen Alpine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Glen Alpine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Glen Alpine is $62,917, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,680 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $942, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,725 business establishments, including 158 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Glen Alpine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,917 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,680 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $942 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,014 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,725 |
| County GDP | $3,724M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 158 |
| Healthcare | 177 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 111 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Glen Alpine is $173,200, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,317, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $334,250 with homes selling in an average of 314 days. Homes sell for 98.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $847 (27% 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. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 710 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,200 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,317 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $334,250 |
| Median List Price | $430,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $334,250 |
| Median List Price | $430,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $192 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 314 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 710 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Glen Alpine, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593. The dentist ratio is 1:2,044. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Glen Alpine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,593 |
| Dentists | 1:2,044 |
| Mental Health | 1:303 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,521/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 177 |
Glen Alpine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,187 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.9°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,187 ft (362 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 928/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7307°N, 81.7826°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.9"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.77"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 14, 2025.
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
39 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
60 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
85 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
35 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
86 km |
| Mar 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Cherokee, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
12 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Fran (1996, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
130 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
270 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 360 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
2 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2008 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2006 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY RIDGE (12,405 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
18 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
16 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
17 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
93 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
18 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
39 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
15 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
30 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
19 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
38 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,026 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
SUNRISE |
1,906 |
20 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,879 |
18 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,812 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
RAILROAD GRADE 2016 |
1,790 |
63 km |
| 2013 |
CALIFORNIA CREEK |
1,758 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Glen Alpine has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 39°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Glen Alpine. 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 | $783 |
| Toddler | $551 |
| Preschool | $484 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $675 |
| Toddler | $514 |
| Preschool | $518 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Glen Alpine
What is the population of Glen Alpine?
Glen Alpine has a population of 1,995 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 928 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Glen Alpine expensive to live in?
Glen Alpine 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 $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,200 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Glen Alpine?
Glen Alpine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.9 inches, with 4.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Glen Alpine?
Glen Alpine has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $942. There are 1,725 business establishments in the area, including 158 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Glen Alpine?
The median home value in Glen Alpine is $173,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,317. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $334,250, with homes typically selling within 314 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $847. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Glen Alpine?
Schools in Glen Alpine score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.3% of adults in Glen Alpine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Glen Alpine?
The obesity rate in Glen Alpine is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593.
What is transportation like in Glen Alpine?
The average commute in Glen Alpine is 26 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Glen Alpine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Glen Alpine is 90.2% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.