Median Income
$64,107
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$9,999
96% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.6%
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How JAARS Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population769
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density894/mi²
Male / Female76% / 24%
Largest GroupWhite 30%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,107
Per Capita$18,451
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,253M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$9,999
Ownership91.6%
Zillow$371,862
Housing Units293
Rent Burden29.1%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking13.4%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Elevation584 ft (178 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.6%
High School+77.8%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute39 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is JAARS a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, JAARS receives an overall livability score of 4.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. JAARS stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in JAARS is $64,107, 15% below 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 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in JAARS is $9,999, 96% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 77.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
JAARS 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. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches.
JAARS has a population of 769 with a density of 894 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 24.2% female and 75.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (69.8%), with 30.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
769
Total Population
2023 Census
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.8%
19% below US avg
The median household income in JAARS is $64,107, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,451 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,241, 13% 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 2,236 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 46.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,107 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,241 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,245 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,236 |
| County GDP | $5,253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 272 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 34.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 40.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 46.7% |
The median home value in JAARS is $9,999, 96% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,862, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 293 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $3,400. 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $9,999 |
| 96% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $371,862 |
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 | 91.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.4% |
| Housing Units | 293 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 34.00% |
In JAARS, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447. The dentist ratio is 1:2,490. 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: JAARS vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,447 |
| Dentists | 1:2,490 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
JAARS 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. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 584 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 894/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8645°N, 80.7503°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.79"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
46 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
78 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
4 km SW of Summit, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Jan 5, 2022 |
5 km SW of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
14 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 |
225 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
293 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
222 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
284 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
190 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
277 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
37 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
244 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 488 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
13 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
76 km |
5 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
94 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
30 km |
4 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNING UNIT (5,567 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
53 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,000 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
53°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
JAARS has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in JAARS. 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 | $962 |
| Toddler | $902 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $620 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About JAARS
What is the population of JAARS?
JAARS has a population of 769 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 894 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 24.2% female and 75.8% male.
Is JAARS expensive to live in?
JAARS 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 $64,107, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $9,999 (96% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in JAARS?
JAARS 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. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in JAARS?
The job market in JAARS is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,241. There are 2,236 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 46.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in JAARS?
The median home value in JAARS is $9,999. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,862. The homeownership rate is 91.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,400.
How are the schools in JAARS?
Schools in JAARS score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.6% of adults in JAARS hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 77.8% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is JAARS?
The obesity rate in JAARS is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447.
What is transportation like in JAARS?
The average commute in JAARS is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 40.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 46.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of JAARS?
The racial and ethnic makeup of JAARS is 30.2% White, 69.8% Black or African American. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.