Median Income
$30,109
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$540
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Pinnacle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population416
Median Age54.4 yrs
Density115/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans29.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$30,109
Per Capita$19,885
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,756M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Rent$540
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$291,870
Housing Units296
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Elevation1,038 ft (316 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute28 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Pinnacle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pinnacle receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Pinnacle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pinnacle is $30,109, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $540 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Pinnacle enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches, including 6.2 inches of snow.
Pinnacle has a population of 416 with a density of 115 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 54.4 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (68.8%), with 7.9% Hispanic, 10.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.9% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 29.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 44.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
416
Total Population
2023 Census
54.4yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.9%
17% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Pinnacle is $30,109, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 844 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,109 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,320 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 844 |
| County GDP | $1,756M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,870. Monthly rent averages $540 (54% 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. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 296 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $2,909 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $540 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 296 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
In Pinnacle, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713. The dentist ratio is 1:6,454. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pinnacle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,713 |
| Dentists | 1:6,454 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,067/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Pinnacle enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,038 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.4°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,038 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 115/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3228°N, 80.4232°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Stokes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.48"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
51 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
118 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
61 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Mar 28, 2001 |
2 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
53 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
66 km |
| Jun 17, 2023 |
2 km N of Pembroke, Virginia |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
199 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
294 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
191 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
218 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,388 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,171 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,124 |
83 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
5 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,064 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
LUMBER PLANT |
779 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
MERRITT CK |
750 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
CHESTNUT |
737 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Pinnacle has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Pinnacle. 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 | $735 |
| Toddler | $566 |
| Preschool | $542 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinnacle
What is the population of Pinnacle?
Pinnacle has a population of 416 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 115 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.
Is Pinnacle expensive to live in?
Pinnacle 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 $30,109, 60% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $540 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Pinnacle?
Pinnacle enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches, with 6.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Pinnacle?
The job market in Pinnacle is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 844 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pinnacle?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $540. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,909.
How are the schools in Pinnacle?
Schools in Pinnacle score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.1% of adults in Pinnacle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pinnacle?
The obesity rate in Pinnacle is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713.
What is transportation like in Pinnacle?
The average commute in Pinnacle is 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pinnacle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pinnacle is 68.8% White, 10.3% Black or African American, 7.9% Hispanic or Latino. 91.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 29.9% of the population are military veterans. 44.5% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.