Median Income
$53,143
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$183,700
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,006
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Northwest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population690
Median Age51.9 yrs
Density96/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 30%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,143
Per Capita$28,131
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$8,081M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,700
Rent$1,006
Ownership87.1%
Zillow$199,805
Housing Units368
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property2,008/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured12.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute24 min
Broadband76.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Northwest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwest receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Northwest has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwest is $53,143, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwest is $183,700, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Northwest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,008 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Northwest enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Northwest has a population of 690 with a density of 96 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 51.9 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.6% female and 38.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (65.4%), with 29.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.9yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwest vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Northwest vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwest is $53,143, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,131 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,448 business establishments, including 347 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Northwest vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,143 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,131 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,448 |
| County GDP | $8,081M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 347 |
| Healthcare | 248 |
| Retail | 491 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,085 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Northwest is $183,700, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,805. Homes sell for 95.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,006 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,085 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,700 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,805 |
| Median List Price | $364,140 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $364,140 |
| $/Sq Ft | $158 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.3% |
| Price Drops | 47.1% |
| Inventory | 17 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,006 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.9% |
| Housing Units | 368 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,085 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Northwest, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 13.8% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289. The dentist ratio is 1:2,392. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northwest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,289 |
| Dentists | 1:2,392 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,048/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 248 |
Northwest has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,008 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Northwest receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 96.5/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,007.6/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwest enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.7°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 96/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3160°N, 78.1448°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Brunswick County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
140 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
199 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
182 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
123 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
157 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
41 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
32 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
32 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
271 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 775 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
56 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
9 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
12 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
26 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
48 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
48 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
45 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
40 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
30 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
35 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
51 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP43 |
1,259 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
EDNA BUCK ROAD |
1,256 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Northwest has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.4") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Northwest. 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 | $796 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $630 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $656 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwest
What is the population of Northwest?
Northwest has a population of 690 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 96 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.6% female and 38.4% male.
Is Northwest expensive to live in?
Northwest is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,143, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $183,700 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northwest safe?
Northwest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,008 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Northwest receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwest?
Northwest enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Northwest?
Northwest has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $994. There are 4,448 business establishments in the area, including 347 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northwest?
The median home value in Northwest is $183,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,805. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,006. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,085.
How are the schools in Northwest?
Schools in Northwest score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Northwest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwest?
The obesity rate in Northwest is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 12.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289.
What is transportation like in Northwest?
The average commute in Northwest is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northwest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwest is 29.7% White, 65.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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