Median Income
$68,125
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,000
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$614
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Morganton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population266
Median Age46.9 yrs
Density341/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,125
Per Capita$39,364
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$1,298M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,000
Rent$614
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$485,539
Health
Obesity38.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain60.3 in/yr
Elevation1,806 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+91.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Libraries1
Is Morganton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morganton receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Morganton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morganton is $68,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morganton is $225,000, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $614 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Morganton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Morganton has a population of 266 with a density of 341 people per square mile. The median age is 46.9 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (87.2%).
Population
46.9yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Morganton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.8% |
| 87% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Morganton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Morganton is $68,125, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income: Morganton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,125 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,364 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $859 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,918 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 828 |
| County GDP | $1,298M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,910 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Morganton is $225,000, 20% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $614 (47% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $485,539.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $485,539 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $614 |
| 47% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,910 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.29% |
In Morganton, 38.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.5% report depression. 26.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Morganton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,245/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Crime Rates: Morganton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Morganton has an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 60.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 60.3 inches |
| 59% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 3.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,806 ft (550 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8750°N, 84.2443°W |
| County FIPS | 13111 |