Median Income
$34,583
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,200
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
533/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,009
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.5%
154% higher than US avg
How Lucama Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,108
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density1,816/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$34,583
Per Capita$18,850
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty31.5%
County GDP$6,769M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,200
Rent$1,009
Ownership39.4%
Zillow$208,392
Housing Units426
Rent Burden49.2%
Crime
F
Violent533/100K
Property3,823/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured17.7%
Smoking17.4%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.4 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation126 ft (38 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+67.7%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations16
Libraries3
Is Lucama a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lucama receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Lucama has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lucama is $34,583, 54% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lucama is $98,200, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,009 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 533 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,823 per 100,000, 95% above the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Lucama enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Lucama has a population of 1,108 with a density of 1,816 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (42.5%), with 42.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86% of residents, while 14% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.0%
10% above US avg
Spanish
14.0%
4% above US avg
The median household income in Lucama is $34,583, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,850 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,557 business establishments, including 224 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,583 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,850 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $944 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,445 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.5% |
| 154% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,557 |
| County GDP | $6,769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 224 |
| Healthcare | 252 |
| Retail | 454 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,371 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.0% |
The median home value in Lucama is $98,200, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,392, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,009 (13% 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. 39.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 426 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,371. 49.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,200 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,392 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $131 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,009 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 49.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.6% |
| Housing Units | 426 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,371 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.43% |
In Lucama, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,947. The dentist ratio is 1:1,676. 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lucama vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.2% |
| Uninsured | 17.7% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,947 |
| Dentists | 1:1,676 |
| Mental Health | 1:354 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,854/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 252 |
Lucama has a violent crime rate of 533 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,823 per 100,000, 95% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lucama receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lucama vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 532.9/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,822.6/100K |
| 95% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lucama enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°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 49.4 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 126 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 126 ft (38 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,816/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6448°N, 78.0074°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.4"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 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 |
283 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
199 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
157 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
197 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
166 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
150 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
218 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
235 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
109 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
117 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
81 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
268 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
272 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
166 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
417 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 992 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
72 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
41 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
4 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
640 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
86 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
535 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lucama has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Lucama. 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 | $664 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $534 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $675 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucama
What is the population of Lucama?
Lucama has a population of 1,108 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 1,816 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Lucama expensive to live in?
Lucama 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 $34,583, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,200 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,009 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lucama safe?
The violent crime rate in Lucama is 533 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 3,823 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lucama receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lucama?
Lucama enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Lucama?
The job market in Lucama faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 2,557 business establishments in the area, including 224 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lucama?
The median home value in Lucama is $98,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,392. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,009. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,371.
How are the schools in Lucama?
Schools in Lucama have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.9% of adults in Lucama hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.7% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lucama?
The obesity rate in Lucama is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 17.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,947.
What is transportation like in Lucama?
The average commute in Lucama is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lucama?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lucama is 42.5% White, 42.5% Black or African American. 86% of residents speak only English at home, while 14% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
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