Median Income
$72,759
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$348,100
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.7%
225% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Linville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population437
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density244/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$72,759
Per Capita$38,167
Unemployment11.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$890M
Housing
B+
Home Value$348,100
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$305,422
Housing Units371
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property2,332/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking13.9%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain64.8 in/yr
Sunny Days298/yr
Elevation3,688 ft (1,124 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Linville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Linville receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Linville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Linville is $72,759, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.7%, unemployment is notably high. 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 Linville is $348,100, 23% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Linville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,332 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Linville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 298 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 64.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Linville has a population of 437 with a density of 244 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 36.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% above 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 Linville is $72,759, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,167. The average weekly wage is $855, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.7% (above 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 698 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 22.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,759 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $855 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,291 |
| Gini Index | 0.492 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.7% |
| 225% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 698 |
| County GDP | $890M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,227 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.2% |
The median home value in Linville is $348,100, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,422, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 371 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $348,100 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,422 |
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 | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 371 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,227 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.21% |
In Linville, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,466. The dentist ratio is 1:2,196. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Linville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,466 |
| Dentists | 1:2,196 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,111/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Linville has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,332 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Linville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Linville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 145.8/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,332.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 41 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Linville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 298 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 64.8 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 3,688 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 298 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,688 ft (1,124 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 244/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0675°N, 81.8714°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Avery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
64.8"
70% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
49 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 14, 2025.
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
47 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
29 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
68 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
22 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
45 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
167 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
208 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 317 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
37 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2006 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2005 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF2 |
71 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 |
23 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
27 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
85 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
26 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
20 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
35 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
55 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,026 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
SUNRISE |
1,906 |
24 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,879 |
34 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,812 |
41 km |
| 2016 |
RAILROAD GRADE 2016 |
1,790 |
28 km |
| 2013 |
CALIFORNIA CREEK |
1,758 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
Linville has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 29°F in January to 66°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 52.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and December the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Linville. 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 | $1,029 |
| Toddler | $653 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $766 |
| Toddler | $639 |
| Preschool | $624 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Linville
What is the population of Linville?
Linville has a population of 437 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 244 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Linville expensive to live in?
Linville 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 $72,759, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $348,100 (23% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Linville safe?
Linville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,332 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Linville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Linville?
Linville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 298 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 64.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Linville?
The job market in Linville faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $855. There are 698 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Linville?
The median home value in Linville is $348,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,422. The homeownership rate is 77.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,227.
How are the schools in Linville?
Schools in Linville score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in Linville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Linville?
The obesity rate in Linville is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,466.
What are the demographics of Linville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Linville is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.7% of the population are military veterans. 36.4% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.