Median Income
$92,344
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
367/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.0%
158% higher than US avg
How Spruce Pine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population197
Median Age22.7 yrs
Density212/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$92,344
Per Capita$19,817
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty32.0%
County GDP$1,337M
Commute20 min
Housing
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$190,374
Housing Units136
Rent Burden22.0%
Crime
F
Violent367/100K
Property4,236/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking20.1%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain58.7 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation1,016 ft (310 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute20 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Spruce Pine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spruce Pine receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Spruce Pine has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spruce Pine is $92,344, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 32.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Spruce Pine is below the national average at 367 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,236 per 100,000, 116% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Spruce Pine enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Spruce Pine has a population of 197 with a density of 212 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 22.7 years, 42% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66% female and 34% male. The city is predominantly White (64.5%), with 35.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 36.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.7yrs
Median Age
42% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Spruce Pine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Spruce Pine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Spruce Pine is $92,344, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,817 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $928, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 32.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 691 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Spruce Pine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,344 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,817 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $928 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,782 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.0% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 691 |
| County GDP | $1,337M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,544 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,374. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $1,544 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,544 |
| 56% below US avg |
In Spruce Pine, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 39.8% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,463. The dentist ratio is 1:4,562. 56.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spruce Pine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,463 |
| Dentists | 1:4,562 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,360 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 47.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,059/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Spruce Pine has a violent crime rate of 367 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,236 per 100,000, 116% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Spruce Pine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spruce Pine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 367.4/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,235.6/100K |
| 116% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spruce Pine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 301 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 58.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,016 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 59.6°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,016 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 212/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3929°N, 87.7296°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Alabama Regional (MSL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.7"
55% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 13, 2022.
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
46 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
53 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
6 km NNE of Coker, Alabama |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Opal (1995, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
279 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
689 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 244 fatalities, 2,207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
50 km |
72 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
76 km |
23 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
71 km |
16 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
73 km |
28 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
24 km |
28 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
40 km |
4 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 6, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 1957 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
63 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2016 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,112 |
33 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
43 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,764 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
36 km |
| 2015 |
BIG TREE |
2,288 |
29 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,264 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
BALLS MT. |
2,229 |
27 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,160 |
49 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
27 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
BK LEOLA/WARREN |
2,007 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
BNK MILL CREEK RX |
1,959 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
STINSON GAP |
1,922 |
39 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,845 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,826 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Spruce Pine has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 41°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Spruce Pine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $584 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $546 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $632 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spruce Pine
What is the population of Spruce Pine?
Spruce Pine has a population of 197 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 212 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66% female and 34% male.
Is Spruce Pine expensive to live in?
Spruce Pine is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $92,344, 23% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Spruce Pine safe?
Spruce Pine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 367 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,236 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Spruce Pine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spruce Pine?
Spruce Pine enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Spruce Pine?
The job market in Spruce Pine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $928. There are 691 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Spruce Pine?
Schools in Spruce Pine have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Spruce Pine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spruce Pine?
The obesity rate in Spruce Pine is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,463.
What is transportation like in Spruce Pine?
The average commute in Spruce Pine is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spruce Pine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spruce Pine is 64.5% White, 35.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 36.7% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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