Home Value
$86,800
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
629/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.6%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.6%
66% higher than US avg
How Prospect Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population850
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$32,284
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty20.6%
County GDP$5,045M
Commute28 min
Housing
Home Value$86,800
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$138,385
Housing Units280
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent629/100K
Property8,568/100K
Health
Obesity45.6%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking22.6%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation188 ft (57 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score4.11
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 36%
Commute28 min
Broadband78.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Prospect a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prospect receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Prospect has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 20.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prospect is $86,800, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 629 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 8,568 per 100,000, 337% above the national average.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Prospect enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Prospect has a population of 850 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.8%), with 2.2% White, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Per capita income is $32,284 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $884, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,176 business establishments, including 189 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. 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,284 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $884 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,814 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.6% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,176 |
| County GDP | $5,045M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 189 |
| Healthcare | 289 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,882 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Prospect is $86,800, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,385, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 280 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,882 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,800 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,385 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 280 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,882 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In Prospect, 45.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.3% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,972. The dentist ratio is 1:3,153. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prospect vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 14.3% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,972 |
| Dentists | 1:3,153 |
| Mental Health | 1:347 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Dental Visits | 54.8% |
| Premature Death | 18,938/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 289 |
Prospect has a violent crime rate of 629 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,568 per 100,000, 337% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 59 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Prospect receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prospect vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 628.5/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,567.7/100K |
| 337% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 59 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prospect enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 188 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.4°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 188 ft (57 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7358°N, 79.2252°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Robeson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lumberton Regional (LBT) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.71"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 14.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 3, 2022.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
130 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
56 km |
| Jan 3, 2022 |
5 km S of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
21 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 |
160 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
114 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
192 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
240 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
184 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
248 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
115 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
234 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
224 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
145 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
169 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
243 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
356 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,562 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
36 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
49 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
32 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
34 km |
12 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,968 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
48 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
49 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
26 km |
| 1998 |
981406 |
1,892 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
CM 15 16 17 |
1,871 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
35 km |
| 1998 |
980803 |
1,780 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
2000 1003 |
1,768 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
19990505 |
1,756 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
40 km |
| 1992 |
COMP 15 |
1,697 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
SCCRR-FY18-RX-COMP-14 |
1,687 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
4-NOV |
1,636 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,623 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
95 15 2 |
1,619 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Prospect has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 45°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.7") and April the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Prospect. 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 | $640 |
| Toddler | $561 |
| Preschool | $481 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $741 |
| Toddler | $474 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Prospect
What is the population of Prospect?
Prospect has a population of 850 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Prospect expensive to live in?
Prospect is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $86,800 (69% below the U.S. median).
Is Prospect safe?
Public safety is a concern in Prospect, with a violent crime rate of 629 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,568 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Prospect receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prospect?
Prospect enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Prospect?
The job market in Prospect is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $884. There are 2,176 business establishments in the area, including 189 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prospect?
The median home value in Prospect is $86,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,385. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,882.
How are the schools in Prospect?
Schools in Prospect have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 29.1% of adults in Prospect hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prospect?
The obesity rate in Prospect is 45.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,972.
What is transportation like in Prospect?
The average commute in Prospect is 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prospect?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prospect is 2.2% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.