Murphy, NC
Full City Profile · North Carolina · Cherokee County County
2.5
/5.0
C+
Fair
1,356
Population
528/sq mi density
$36,989
Median Income
$30,645 per capita
$221,100
Home Value
$278,231 Zillow
$354
Median Rent
19.2% income on rent
57°F
Avg Temperature
359
Violent Crime/100K
3,885 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.8 / 5.0
$36,989 median income, 5.4% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.3 / 5.0
$221,100 home value, $354/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
359 violent crimes/100K
C+
Education
3.0 / 5.0
24.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Murphy enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.3 inches. The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg | |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F (3°C) | 5.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 41°F (5°C) | 5.3 in | |
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 5.3 in | |
| April | 56°F (13°C) | 5.2 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 4.8 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.4 in | |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 5.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 4.7 in | |
| September | 69°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 3.5 in | Driest |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 4.6 in | |
| December | 41°F (5°C) | 6.0 in | Wettest |
Murphy has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 38°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and October the driest (3.5").