North Carolina
Murphy is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 1,356. Residents earn $36,989 per year, which is 51% below the national average.
Based on current data, Murphy receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Murphy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Murphy is $36,989, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Murphy is $221,100, 22% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $354 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
With 804 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 9,839 per 100,000, 402% above the national average.
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Murphy enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 93.7% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.3% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $36,989 |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,645 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,627 |
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 929 |
| County GDP | $1,184M |
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 115 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,030 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
| Commute Time | 12.0 min |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
| Census Median | $221,100 |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,947 |
| Census Median Rent | $354 |
| 70% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,650 |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,030 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 75.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,641/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
| Total Violent | 804.5/100K |
| 112% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 61.9/100K |
| Robbery | 123.8/100K |
| Assault | 618.8/100K |
| Total Property | 9,839.1/100K |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,918.3/100K |
| Theft | 7,858.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 61.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 55.3 inches |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 2.8 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,571 ft (479 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 528/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0943°N, 84.0249°W |
| County FIPS | 37039 |
Winner: Republican by 57.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 24.6% |
| 27% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 528/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Retail Stores | 115 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Commute | 12.0 min |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |