Home Value
$181,800
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$995
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Riegelwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population539
Median Age59.2 yrs
Density175/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans1.9%
Economy
Per Capita$38,774
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$8,081M
Commute23 min
Housing
Home Value$181,800
Rent$995
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$199,805
Housing Units284
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property2,008/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking16.8%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation32 ft (10 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Riegelwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riegelwood receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Riegelwood faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riegelwood is $181,800, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $995 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Riegelwood 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
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Riegelwood 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.
Riegelwood has a population of 539 with a density of 175 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 59.2 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (70.5%), with 4.6% Hispanic, 18.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 1.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.2yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riegelwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riegelwood vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $38,774. The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Riegelwood vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $38,774 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% 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 | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Riegelwood is $181,800, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,805. Monthly rent averages $995 (14% 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. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 284 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,085 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,800 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,805 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $995 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 284 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,085 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Riegelwood, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 15.2% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% 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: Riegelwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,289 |
| Dentists | 1:2,392 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,048/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 248 |
Riegelwood 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, Riegelwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riegelwood 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 |
| Traffic Accidents | 51 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riegelwood 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 32 feet, near sea level.
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 | 32 ft (10 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 175/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3401°N, 78.2204°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Brunswick County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.20"
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 |
147 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
55 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
104 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
147 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
129 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
164 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
29 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
39 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
234 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
373 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 895 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
55 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
2 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
12 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
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 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
50 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
53 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
59 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
51 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
44 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
38 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
LEGENDS |
1,666 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
38 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
47 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
56 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP43 |
1,259 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Riegelwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.2") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Riegelwood. 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 Riegelwood
What is the population of Riegelwood?
Riegelwood has a population of 539 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 175 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Riegelwood expensive to live in?
Riegelwood 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 $181,800 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $995 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Riegelwood safe?
Riegelwood 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, Riegelwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riegelwood?
Riegelwood 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 Riegelwood?
The job market in Riegelwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate 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 23 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riegelwood?
The median home value in Riegelwood is $181,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,805. For renters, the median monthly rent is $995. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,085.
How are the schools in Riegelwood?
Schools in Riegelwood score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in Riegelwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riegelwood?
The obesity rate in Riegelwood is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 12.9% 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 Riegelwood?
The average commute in Riegelwood is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riegelwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riegelwood is 70.5% White, 18.9% Black or African American, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are military veterans. 25.8% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
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