Violent Crime
265/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.4%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gulf Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population185
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density203/mi²
Male / Female31% / 69%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$29,069
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,261M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$262,502
Housing Units122
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent265/100K
Property3,402/100K
Health
Obesity29.4%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking13.7%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation247 ft (75 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.44
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Gulf a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gulf receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Gulf faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gulf is below the national average at 265 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,402 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Gulf enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°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 46.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gulf has a population of 185 with a density of 203 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.6% female and 31.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $29,069 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 1,866 business establishments, including 137 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,069 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,731 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,866 |
| County GDP | $4,261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 137 |
| Healthcare | 153 |
| Retail | 247 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,196 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,502. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 122 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,196 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 122 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,196 |
| 20% above US avg |
In Gulf, 29.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,944. The dentist ratio is 1:1,871. 64.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gulf vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,944 |
| Dentists | 1:1,871 |
| Mental Health | 1:459 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,122/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 153 |
Gulf has a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,402 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gulf receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gulf vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.1/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,402.1/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gulf enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°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 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 247 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.8°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 247 ft (75 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 203/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5576°N, 79.2808°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 26, 2019.
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
95 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
68 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 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 |
251 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
198 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
269 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
250 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
295 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
193 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
195 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
295 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 825 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
59 km |
4 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
25 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
12 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
98 km |
3 |
| Mar 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF2 |
87 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,968 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
OVERHILLS |
1,436 |
45 km |
| 2010 |
CHUCKS FIRST BIG ONE |
1,252 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
STRAUSBURG ROAD |
1,219 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
GARDNER FARM LANE |
1,112 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,090 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
1,083 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
HORSESHOE LAKE |
990 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR CREEK |
872 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
871 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
748 |
56 km |
| 1992 |
COMP 6 B |
737 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Gulf has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Gulf. 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 | $629 |
| Toddler | $513 |
| Preschool | $461 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $591 |
| Toddler | $509 |
| Preschool | $480 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gulf
What is the population of Gulf?
Gulf has a population of 185 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 203 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.6% female and 31.4% male.
Is Gulf expensive to live in?
Gulf is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Gulf safe?
Gulf is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,402 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gulf receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gulf?
Gulf enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°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 46.9 inches, with 2.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gulf?
The job market in Gulf is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 1,866 business establishments in the area, including 137 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Gulf?
Schools in Gulf score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Gulf hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gulf?
The obesity rate in Gulf is 29.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 64.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,944.
What are the demographics of Gulf?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gulf is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.