North Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Mills River is a small city in North Carolina with a population of 7,214. Residents earn $88,359 per year, which is 18% above the national average.
Based on current data, Mills River receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Mills River stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Mills River is $88,359, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Mills River is $358,500, 27% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,611 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Mills River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 92.1% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 7.9% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $88,359 |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $43,154 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,950 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 4,120 |
| County GDP | $6,372M |
| Restaurants | 250 |
| Healthcare | 324 |
| Retail | 407 |
| Manufacturing | 132 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,686 |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.03% |
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
| Census Median | $358,500 |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $525,466 |
| Median List Price | $682,000 |
| Median List Price | $682,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $294 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 17.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,611 |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 21.2% |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,686 |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.03% |
| Obesity | 28.5% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,875/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 324 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg | |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 51.4 inches |
| 35% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 2,229 ft (679 m) |
| Area | 22.4 sq mi (58.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 322/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3814°N, 82.5889°W |
| County FIPS | 37089 |
Winner: Republican by 14.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 41.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.6% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 322/sq mi |
| Total Area | 22.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 91.0% |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 324 |
| Restaurants | 250 |
| Retail Stores | 407 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Commute | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |