Median Income
$78,125
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$277,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.3%
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gloucester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population514
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density357/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,125
Per Capita$32,683
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,739M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$277,000
Ownership85.2%
Zillow$358,744
Housing Units271
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property3,440/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.3%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain55.7 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.3%
High School+99.7%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute36 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Gloucester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gloucester 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, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Gloucester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gloucester is $78,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gloucester is $277,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gloucester is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
27.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gloucester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gloucester has a population of 514 with a density of 357 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gloucester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gloucester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gloucester is $78,125, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,683 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $879, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,721 business establishments, including 264 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Gloucester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,125 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,683 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,892 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,721 |
| County GDP | $3,739M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 264 |
| Healthcare | 197 |
| Retail | 365 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in Gloucester is $277,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,744, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 271 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,947. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $277,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $358,744 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.8% |
| Housing Units | 271 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.42% |
In Gloucester, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,632. The dentist ratio is 1:1,196. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gloucester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,632 |
| Dentists | 1:1,196 |
| Mental Health | 1:494 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,599/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 197 |
Gloucester has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gloucester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gloucester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 189.8/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,440.1/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gloucester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°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 55.7 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 6 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.8°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 357/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7321°N, 76.5386°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Carteret County County |
| Nearest Airport | Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.7"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.89"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
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 |
47 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
63 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 |
292 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
26 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
48 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
7 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
7 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
212 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
34 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
101 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
53 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
153 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
101 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
248 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 182 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1986 |
EF2 |
81 km |
3 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1982 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1974 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FISH DAY (21,772 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
48 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
39 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
30 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
30 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
30 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
37 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
28 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
52 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
52 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
BT-11 |
2,193 |
27 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
WOODPECKER FIRE |
2,015 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Gloucester has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and April the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Gloucester. 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 | $861 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $746 |
| Toddler | $565 |
| Preschool | $565 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gloucester
What is the population of Gloucester?
Gloucester has a population of 514 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 357 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Gloucester expensive to live in?
Gloucester 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 $78,125, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $277,000 (2% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gloucester safe?
Gloucester is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gloucester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gloucester?
Gloucester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gloucester?
Gloucester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $879. There are 2,721 business establishments in the area, including 264 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 12.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gloucester?
The median home value in Gloucester is $277,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,744. The homeownership rate is 85.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,947.
How are the schools in Gloucester?
Schools in Gloucester score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.3% of adults in Gloucester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.7% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gloucester?
The obesity rate in Gloucester is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,632.
What is transportation like in Gloucester?
The average commute in Gloucester is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gloucester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gloucester is 94% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
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