Median Income
$73,667
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$214,700
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.9%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$958
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Sims Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population366
Median Age30.8 yrs
Density1,664/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,667
Per Capita$30,102
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$11,573M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$214,700
Rent$958
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$297,268
Housing Units169
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured24.3%
Smoking17.1%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Elevation206 ft (63 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.9%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+12.5%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute30 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations16
Libraries7
Is Sims a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sims receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Sims stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sims is $73,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sims is $214,700, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sims enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sims has a population of 366 with a density of 1,664 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 30.8 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (73.5%), with 28.1% Hispanic, 16.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.9% of residents, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
366
Total Population
2023 Census
30.8yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.9%
6% above US avg
Spanish
12.5%
7% below US avg
The median household income in Sims is $73,667, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,102 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,104 business establishments, including 352 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,667 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,102 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,009 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,104 |
| County GDP | $11,573M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 352 |
| Healthcare | 353 |
| Retail | 575 |
| Manufacturing | 117 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,488 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Sims is $214,700, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,268, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $958 (18% 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. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $3,488. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $214,700 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $297,268 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $958 |
| 18% 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 | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,488 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.62% |
In Sims, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 24.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713. The dentist ratio is 1:3,849. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sims vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.7% |
| Uninsured | 24.3% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,713 |
| Dentists | 1:3,849 |
| Mental Health | 1:880 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,163/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 353 |
Sims enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. The area receives 1.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 72% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 206 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.5°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 206 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,664/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7593°N, 78.0603°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Johnston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional (RWI)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 71.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
22 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 |
293 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
205 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
177 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
159 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
201 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
230 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
247 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
275 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
282 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
173 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
398 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 957 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
63 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
54 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
6 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Sims has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Sims. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $813 |
| Preschool | $646 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $648 |
| Preschool | $588 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sims
What is the population of Sims?
Sims has a population of 366 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 1,664 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Sims expensive to live in?
Sims 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 $73,667, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $214,700 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Sims?
Sims enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 1.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sims?
Sims has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 5,104 business establishments in the area, including 352 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sims?
The median home value in Sims is $214,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,268. For renters, the median monthly rent is $958. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,488.
How are the schools in Sims?
Schools in Sims score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.9% of adults in Sims hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 12.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sims?
The obesity rate in Sims is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 24.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713.
What is transportation like in Sims?
The average commute in Sims is 30 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sims?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sims is 73.5% White, 16.1% Black or African American, 28.1% Hispanic or Latino. 82.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.0% of residents have a disability. 75.7% have health insurance coverage.