Median Income
$74,597
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
472/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Iron Station Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population722
Median Age23.5 yrs
Density306/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans17.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$74,597
Per Capita$22,765
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,745M
Commute18 min
Housing
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$405,339
Housing Units315
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent472/100K
Property4,415/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking15.2%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation836 ft (255 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+82.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.43
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute18 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Iron Station a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iron Station receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Iron Station has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iron Station is $74,597, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. 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%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 472 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,415 per 100,000, 125% above the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Iron Station enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches, including 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Iron Station has a population of 722 with a density of 306 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 23.5 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (78.7%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.5yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Iron Station 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
Iron Station vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Iron Station is $74,597, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,765 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,071, 25% 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 2,604 business establishments, including 134 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Iron Station vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,597 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,345 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,604 |
| County GDP | $4,745M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 134 |
| Healthcare | 177 |
| Retail | 272 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,090 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,339. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 315 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $4,090 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% 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 | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 315 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,090 |
| 17% above US avg |
In Iron Station, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,299. The dentist ratio is 1:2,165. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iron Station vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,299 |
| Dentists | 1:2,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,153 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,826/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 177 |
Iron Station has a violent crime rate of 472 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,415 per 100,000, 125% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Iron Station receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Iron Station vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 472.1/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,415.4/100K |
| 125% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 60 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iron Station enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°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 49.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 836 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 836 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 306/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4539°N, 81.1547°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.5"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 14, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
35 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
82 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
225 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
84 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
370 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 341 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
39 km |
4 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF2 |
48 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 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,918 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
SUNRISE |
1,906 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,879 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,812 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
TOMBSTONE |
1,747 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
DOBSON KNOB |
1,720 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
OAK MT. FIRE |
1,677 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,554 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Iron Station has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 41°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.6") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Iron Station. 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 | $854 |
| Toddler | $741 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $831 |
| Toddler | $608 |
| Preschool | $647 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Station
What is the population of Iron Station?
Iron Station has a population of 722 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 306 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Iron Station expensive to live in?
Iron Station 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 $74,597, 1% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Iron Station safe?
The violent crime rate in Iron Station is 472 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 4,415 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Iron Station receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iron Station?
Iron Station enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.5 inches, with 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Iron Station?
The job market in Iron Station is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,071. There are 2,604 business establishments in the area, including 134 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Iron Station?
Schools in Iron Station score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Iron Station hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iron Station?
The obesity rate in Iron Station is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,299.
What is transportation like in Iron Station?
The average commute in Iron Station is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iron Station?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iron Station is 78.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.