Median Income
$78,750
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$172,400
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Sedalia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population680
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density340/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,750
Per Capita$38,963
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$46,945M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,400
Ownership99.3%
Zillow$183,828
Housing Units260
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property1,688/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking12.0%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation666 ft (203 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+13.2%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 60%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Sedalia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sedalia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sedalia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sedalia is $78,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sedalia is $172,400, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sedalia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,688 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sedalia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Sedalia has a population of 680 with a density of 340 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (76.9%), with 17.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.5% of residents, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.5%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.5%
22% below US avg
The median household income in Sedalia is $78,750, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,963. The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,452 business establishments, including 1,318 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. 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,750 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,192 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,452 |
| County GDP | $46,945M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,318 |
| Healthcare | 1,448 |
| Retail | 1,879 |
| Manufacturing | 544 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,308 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Sedalia is $172,400, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,828. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 99.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 260 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $5,308 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,400 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,828 |
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 | 99.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 99.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.7% |
| Housing Units | 260 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,308 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In Sedalia, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 38.7% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 13.6% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238. The dentist ratio is 1:1,640. 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sedalia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,238 |
| Dentists | 1:1,640 |
| Mental Health | 1:283 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,448 |
Sedalia has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,688 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 62 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sedalia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sedalia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 59.8/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,688.3/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 62 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sedalia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 666 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 666 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 340/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0758°N, 79.6177°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Guilford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0473 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
19 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Mar 28, 2011 |
2 km S of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
28 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
256 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
253 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
255 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
218 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
204 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
260 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
259 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 482 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
49 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
66 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
665 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
PINE ROAD |
582 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
565 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Sedalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and November the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Sedalia. 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 | $981 |
| Toddler | $760 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $746 |
| Toddler | $633 |
| Preschool | $635 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedalia
What is the population of Sedalia?
Sedalia has a population of 680 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 340 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Sedalia expensive to live in?
Sedalia 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 $78,750, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,400 (39% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sedalia safe?
Sedalia is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,688 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sedalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sedalia?
Sedalia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Sedalia?
The job market in Sedalia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 17,452 business establishments in the area, including 1,318 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sedalia?
The median home value in Sedalia is $172,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,828. The homeownership rate is 99.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,308.
How are the schools in Sedalia?
Schools in Sedalia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Sedalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 13.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sedalia?
The obesity rate in Sedalia is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 89.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238.
What is transportation like in Sedalia?
The average commute in Sedalia is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sedalia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sedalia is 17.1% White, 76.9% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 89.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
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