Median Income
$36,417
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,494/100K
293% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$794
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.2%
56% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.3%
269% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
37.3%
201% higher than US avg
How South Henderson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,274
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density708/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
F
Median Income$36,417
Per Capita$14,700
Unemployment13.3%
Poverty37.3%
County GDP$1,689M
Commute30 min
Housing
A
Home ValueN/A
Rent$794
Ownership50.9%
Zillow$176,686
Housing Units446
Rent Burden42.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,494/100K
Property9,353/100K
Health
Obesity50.2%
Uninsured25.1%
Smoking28.4%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease9.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation511 ft (156 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+75.9%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 56%
Commute30 min
Broadband62.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is South Henderson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Henderson receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. South Henderson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Henderson is $36,417, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 37.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 1,494 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 9,353 per 100,000, 377% above the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
South Henderson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
South Henderson has a population of 1,274 with a density of 708 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (62%), with 17.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.3% of residents, while 16.7% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 73.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Henderson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.3%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.7%
25% above US avg
Social Characteristics
South Henderson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Henderson is $36,417, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,700 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 37.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 66 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. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Henderson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,417 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,700 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.3% |
| 269% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.3% |
| 201% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,689M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 118 |
| Retail | 171 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,844 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,686. Monthly rent averages $794 (32% 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. 50.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 446 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,844 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 42.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $794 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.1% |
| Housing Units | 446 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,844 |
| 19% below US avg |
In South Henderson, 50.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.6% of residents, above the national average. 47.5% have high blood pressure. 28.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.5% report binge drinking. 44.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.2% experience frequent mental distress. 25.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,637. The dentist ratio is 1:1,686. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Henderson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.2% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.5% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 13.3% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 6.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.4% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 44.6% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 20.4% |
| Short Sleep | 44.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.9% |
| Uninsured | 25.1% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,637 |
| Dentists | 1:1,686 |
| Mental Health | 1:336 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 40.8% |
| Premature Death | 16,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 118 |
South Henderson has a violent crime rate of 1,494 per 100,000 residents, 293% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 9,353 per 100,000, 377% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Henderson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Henderson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,493.6/100K |
| 293% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 9,353.0/100K |
| 377% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Henderson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°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 48.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 511 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 511 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 708/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3033°N, 78.4059°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Vance County County |
| Nearest Airport | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.6"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.8 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
138 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
17 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 |
267 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
269 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
237 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
242 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
289 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
159 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
191 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
126 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
277 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
256 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
272 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 381 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
57 km |
4 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
45 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
South Henderson has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 38°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in South Henderson. 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 | $695 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $579 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Henderson
What is the population of South Henderson?
South Henderson has a population of 1,274 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 708 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is South Henderson expensive to live in?
South Henderson 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 $36,417, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is South Henderson safe?
Public safety is a concern in South Henderson, with a violent crime rate of 1,494 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 9,353 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Henderson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Henderson?
South Henderson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.6 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in South Henderson?
The job market in South Henderson faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Henderson?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $794. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,844.
How are the schools in South Henderson?
Schools in South Henderson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.7% of adults in South Henderson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.9% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Henderson?
The obesity rate in South Henderson is 50.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.4% of adults are smokers. 44.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 25.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,637.
What is transportation like in South Henderson?
The average commute in South Henderson is 30 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Henderson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Henderson is 17.1% White, 62% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 83.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.7% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 73.9% have health insurance coverage.