Median Income
$67,366
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,200
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
198/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$870
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Haw River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,581
Median Age35.2 yrs
Density833/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,366
Per Capita$28,609
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$9,014M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,200
Rent$870
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$295,171
Housing Units1,137
Rent Burden36.1%
Crime
F
Violent198/100K
Property1,822/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault158/100K
Burglary475/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured17.0%
Smoking18.8%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation566 ft (173 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute28 min
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Haw River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Haw River receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Haw River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Haw River is $67,366, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Haw River is $142,200, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Haw River is below the national average at 198 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,822 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Haw River enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Haw River has a population of 2,581 with a density of 833 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 35.2 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (78.1%), with 8.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 66.2% of residents, while 33.8% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 80.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.2yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Haw River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
66.2%
16% below US avg
Spanish
33.8%
152% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Haw River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Haw River is $67,366, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,609 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,010, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,409 business establishments, including 370 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. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Haw River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,366 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,609 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,010 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,841 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,409 |
| County GDP | $9,014M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 370 |
| Healthcare | 393 |
| Retail | 609 |
| Manufacturing | 189 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,444 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Haw River is $142,200, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,171, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $870 (25% 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. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,444. 36.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,200 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $295,171 |
| Median List Price | $409,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $409,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $203 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 30.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $870 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,137 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,444 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.42% |
In Haw River, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 17.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595. The dentist ratio is 1:1,781. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Haw River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.0% |
| Uninsured | 17.0% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,595 |
| Dentists | 1:1,781 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,571/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
Haw River has a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 158.4 per 100,000, robbery at 39.6, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,822 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,149, burglary at 475, vehicle theft at 198 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 25 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Haw River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Haw River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 198.0/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 39.6/100K |
| Assault | 158.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,821.8/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
| Burglary | 475.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,148.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 198.0/100K |
| Arson | 39.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 25 |
| Traffic Accidents | 144 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Haw River enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.2 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 566 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 566 ft (173 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 833/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0919°N, 79.3589°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Alamance County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.2 / 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 Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
42 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
50 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
15 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 |
256 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
248 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
293 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
163 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
235 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
241 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
116 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
200 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
221 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
252 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
276 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 537 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
60 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
16 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UWH NARROWS DAM RX (1,222 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Haw River has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Haw River. 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 | $620 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Haw River
What is the population of Haw River?
Haw River has a population of 2,581 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 833 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Haw River expensive to live in?
Haw River 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 $67,366, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,200 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Haw River safe?
Haw River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,822 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Haw River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Haw River?
Haw River enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Haw River?
The job market in Haw River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,010. There are 4,409 business establishments in the area, including 370 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Haw River?
The median home value in Haw River is $142,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,171. For renters, the median monthly rent is $870. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,444.
How are the schools in Haw River?
Schools in Haw River score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Haw River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Haw River?
The obesity rate in Haw River is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 17.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595.
What is transportation like in Haw River?
The average commute in Haw River is 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Haw River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Haw River is 78.1% White, 8.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 66.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 33.8% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 80.0% have health insurance coverage.
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