Violent Crime
37/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.7%
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.4%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Montreat Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population474
Median Age20.1 yrs
Density174/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$10,950
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$21,262M
Commute10 min
Housing
Ownership47.6%
Zillow$598,547
Housing Units757
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
F
Violent37/100K
Property1,696/100K
Health
Obesity30.4%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking11.9%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.8 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation2,709 ft (826 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.15
Community
2024 VoteR 37% / D 62%
Commute10 min
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Montreat a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Montreat receives an overall livability score of 2.0 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. Montreat has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Montreat is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Montreat enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Montreat has a population of 474 with a density of 174 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 20.1 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.8% female and 57.2% male. The city is predominantly White (73.8%), with 4.4% Hispanic, 16.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.4% of residents, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.1yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.4%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.6%
16% above US avg
Per capita income is $10,950 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,130, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (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 13,107 business establishments, including 971 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $10,950 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,130 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,785 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 13,107 |
| County GDP | $21,262M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 971 |
| Healthcare | 1,283 |
| Retail | 1,329 |
| Manufacturing | 331 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 40.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $598,547. Homes sell for 95.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 757 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $5,058 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $598,547 |
| Median List Price | $795,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $795,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $365 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 47.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.4% |
| Housing Units | 757 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,058 |
| 45% above US avg |
In Montreat, 30.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 17.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:711. The dentist ratio is 1:1,278. 76.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Montreat vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.4% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.6% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 26.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:711 |
| Dentists | 1:1,278 |
| Mental Health | 1:112 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 75.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,557/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,283 |
Montreat has a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,696 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Montreat receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Montreat vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 36.9/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,695.8/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Montreat enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 301 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 53.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 2,709 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,709 ft (826 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 174/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6480°N, 82.2992°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Buncombe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Asheville Regional (AVL) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.8"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0440 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
75 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
52 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
26 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
30 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 |
152 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
239 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 408 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF2 |
80 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 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
20 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
53 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
10 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
19 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
HALLS TOP |
2,464 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
BROWN GAP CREEK-A |
2,210 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
11 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,026 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
SUNRISE |
1,906 |
41 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,879 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,812 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
Montreat has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 38°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.4") and December the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Montreat. 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 | $826 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $768 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $600 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Montreat
What is the population of Montreat?
Montreat has a population of 474 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 174 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
Is Montreat expensive to live in?
Montreat is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Montreat safe?
Montreat is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Montreat receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Montreat?
Montreat enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.8 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Montreat?
The unemployment rate in Montreat is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,130. There are 13,107 business establishments in the area, including 971 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Montreat?
Schools in Montreat score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.7% of adults in Montreat hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Montreat?
The obesity rate in Montreat is 30.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 17.6% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 76.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:711.
What is transportation like in Montreat?
The average commute in Montreat is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 40.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Montreat?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Montreat is 73.8% White, 16.7% Black or African American, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 84.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.