Median Income
$85,385
14% higher than US avg
Home Value
$207,600
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.1%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$983
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.9%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Stem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,064
Median Age30.4 yrs
Density858/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,385
Per Capita$31,466
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$4,941M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$207,600
Rent$983
Ownership97.0%
Zillow$319,209
Housing Units405
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property2,227/100K
Health
Obesity33.9%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation460 ft (140 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.1%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute32 min
Broadband97.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Stem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stem receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Stem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stem is $85,385, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stem is $207,600, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $983 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,227 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Stem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Stem has a population of 1,064 with a density of 858 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 30.4 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (59%), with 26.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.9% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.4yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.9%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
The median household income in Stem is $85,385, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,466 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,132 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,385 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,466 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,141 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,056 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,132 |
| County GDP | $4,941M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 142 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,288 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Stem is $207,600, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,209, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $983 (15% 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. 97.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 405 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2007. The average annual property tax is $3,288. 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $207,600 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,209 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.0% |
| Housing Units | 405 |
| Median Year Built | 2007 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,288 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Stem, 33.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,937. The dentist ratio is 1:3,439. 47.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,937 |
| Dentists | 1:3,439 |
| Mental Health | 1:253 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Stem has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,227 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Stem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Stem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 388.5/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,227.4/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Stem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°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 46.6 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 460 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.4°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 460 ft (140 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1957°N, 78.7222°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Granville County County |
| Nearest Airport | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.6"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively 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 |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 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 |
139 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
108 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
16 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 |
256 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
237 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
254 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
182 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
205 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
111 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
167 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
247 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
279 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 368 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
36 km |
4 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Stem has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and April the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Stem. 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 | $867 |
| Toddler | $687 |
| Preschool | $502 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $565 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stem
What is the population of Stem?
Stem has a population of 1,064 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 858 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Stem expensive to live in?
Stem 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 $85,385, 14% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $207,600 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $983 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Stem safe?
The violent crime rate in Stem is 389 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,227 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Stem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Stem?
Stem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Stem?
The job market in Stem is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 1,132 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stem?
The median home value in Stem is $207,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,209. For renters, the median monthly rent is $983. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 97.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,288.
How are the schools in Stem?
Schools in Stem score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.1% of adults in Stem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stem?
The obesity rate in Stem is 33.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 47.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,937.
What is transportation like in Stem?
The average commute in Stem is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stem is 59% White, 26.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 91.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.