Median Income
$51,155
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,200
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Kelly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population706
Median Age30.3 yrs
Density61/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 23%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,155
Per Capita$38,356
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,864M
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,200
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$161,117
Housing Units384
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property3,131/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking15.5%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 40%
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Kelly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kelly receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kelly stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kelly is $51,155, 32% 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kelly is $125,200, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kelly is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,131 per 100,000, 60% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Kelly enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Kelly has a population of 706 with a density of 61 people per square mile, spread across 11.6 square miles. The median age is 30.3 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (58.8%), with 23.1% White, 18.1% Hispanic. 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%. 4.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.3yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Kelly is $51,155, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,356. The average weekly wage is $931, 35% 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 677 business establishments, including 54 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
| Median HH Income | $51,155 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,356 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,588 |
| Gini Index | 0.526 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 677 |
| County GDP | $1,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Kelly is $125,200, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,117, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 384 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $3,744. 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,200 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,117 |
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 | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 384 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Kelly, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 14.6% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218. The dentist ratio is 1:2,265. 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kelly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,218 |
| Dentists | 1:2,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 16,588/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Kelly has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,131 per 100,000, 60% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kelly receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Kelly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,131.4/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Kelly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.7°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 11.6 sq mi (30.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 61/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4640°N, 78.3110°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bladen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 29, 2012.
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 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 |
153 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
119 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
106 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
153 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
188 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
145 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
65 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
180 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
18 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
285 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
419 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 1,175 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
15 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
12 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
53 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
46 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
56 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
43 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
57 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
59 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
61 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP43 |
1,259 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
EDNA BUCK ROAD |
1,256 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Kelly has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.2") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Kelly. 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 | $474 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $500 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly
What is the population of Kelly?
Kelly has a population of 706 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 61 people per square mile, spread across 11.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Kelly expensive to live in?
Kelly 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 $51,155, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,200 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kelly safe?
Kelly is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,131 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kelly receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kelly?
Kelly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Kelly?
The job market in Kelly is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 677 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Kelly?
The median home value in Kelly is $125,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,117. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,744.
How are the schools in Kelly?
Schools in Kelly have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Kelly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kelly?
The obesity rate in Kelly is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218.
What are the demographics of Kelly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kelly is 23.1% White, 58.8% Black or African American, 18.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability. 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
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