Median Income
$96,250
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$263,000
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,144
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Lake Royale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,959
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density455/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,250
Per Capita$43,356
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$128,428M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$263,000
Rent$1,144
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$242,501
Housing Units2,145
Rent Burden13.3%
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.6%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain49.8 in/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score6.57
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 62%
Commute35 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries23
Is Lake Royale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Royale receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Lake Royale stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Royale is $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Royale is $263,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,144 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Royale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Lake Royale has a population of 2,959 with a density of 455 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,959
Total Population
2023 Census
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Royale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Royale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Royale is $96,250, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,356 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,477. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 50,997 business establishments, including 2,765 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Royale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,250 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,356 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,477 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $117,835 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 50,997 |
| County GDP | $128,428M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 2,765 |
| Healthcare | 3,559 |
| Retail | 3,595 |
| Manufacturing | 605 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,347 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Lake Royale is $263,000, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,501. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $379,000 with homes selling in an average of 62 days. Homes sell for 98.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,144 (2% 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. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $5,347 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $263,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,501 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $379,000 |
| Median List Price | $369,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $379,000 |
| Median List Price | $369,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $192 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 62 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.5% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 45 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,144 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,145 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,347 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.03% |
In Lake Royale, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 16.6% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,157. The dentist ratio is 1:1,344. 98.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Royale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,157 |
| Dentists | 1:1,344 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,322/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3,559 |
Lake Royale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 455/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.9649°N, 78.1922°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.8"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 61.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0414 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 12.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.09 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.30 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 12, 1993.
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
20 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 |
231 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
229 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
196 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
253 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
273 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
129 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
151 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
120 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
292 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
299 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
191 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
248 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
219 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
354 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 716 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
80 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Lake Royale has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Lake Royale. 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 | $1,331 |
| Toddler | $1,088 |
| Preschool | $817 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $938 |
| Toddler | $872 |
| Preschool | $875 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Royale
What is the population of Lake Royale?
Lake Royale has a population of 2,959 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 455 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Lake Royale expensive to live in?
Lake Royale 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 $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $263,000 (7% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,144 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake Royale?
Lake Royale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 49.8 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Lake Royale?
The job market in Lake Royale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,477. There are 50,997 business establishments in the area, including 2,765 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Royale?
The median home value in Lake Royale is $263,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,501. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $379,000, with homes typically selling within 62 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,144. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,347.
How are the schools in Lake Royale?
Schools in Lake Royale score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Lake Royale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Royale?
The obesity rate in Lake Royale is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 98.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,157.
What is transportation like in Lake Royale?
The average commute in Lake Royale is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Royale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Royale is 93.7% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.