Median Income
$51,094
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,300
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
641/100K
69% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sunbury Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population264
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density108/mi²
Male / Female26% / 74%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,094
Per Capita$21,848
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$240M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,300
Ownership48.4%
Zillow$211,793
Housing Units79
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent641/100K
Property2,932/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking18.7%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain51.0 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation33 ft (10 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+13.9%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute35 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Sunbury a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sunbury receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, long commute times. Sunbury has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sunbury is $51,094, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sunbury is $163,300, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 641 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 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the national average.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sunbury enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Sunbury has a population of 264 with a density of 108 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 74.2% female and 25.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Sunbury is $51,094, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,848 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $854, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 204 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,094 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,848 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $854 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,895 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 204 |
| County GDP | $240M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,476 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Sunbury is $163,300, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,793, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,476 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,793 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $154 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 48.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.6% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,476 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.52% |
In Sunbury, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:10,383. 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sunbury vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:10,383 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,366/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Sunbury has a violent crime rate of 641 per 100,000 residents, 69% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sunbury receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sunbury vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 641.3/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,931.8/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sunbury enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 299 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 51.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 33 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.1°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4469°N, 76.6127°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Gates County County |
| Nearest Airport | Franklin Regional (FKN) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.0"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
166 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
123 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
180 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
223 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
234 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
184 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
176 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
145 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
276 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
344 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 32 fatalities, 480 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
12 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
12 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2017 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
18 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
17 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
NCMCR-FY14-RX-MIDDLE MARSH |
1,876 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
2-1-2 QUADRANGLE |
1,518 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
1 1 2 NORTH MARSH FY 10 |
1,506 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
1.1.2 NORTH MARSH |
1,418 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
TRIANGLE |
1,387 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
1.2.1 WEST MIDDLE MARSH |
1,338 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
1,298 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
SE BLOCKS |
1,278 |
20 km |
| 1999 |
SPENCER 1 |
1,185 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT 5 |
1,148 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Sunbury has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in February to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.5") and November the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Sunbury. 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 | $905 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $401 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $583 |
| Toddler | $495 |
| Preschool | $495 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunbury
What is the population of Sunbury?
Sunbury has a population of 264 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 108 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 74.2% female and 25.8% male.
Is Sunbury expensive to live in?
Sunbury 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 $51,094, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,300 (42% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sunbury safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sunbury, with a violent crime rate of 641 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 2,932 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sunbury receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sunbury?
Sunbury enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.0 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Sunbury?
The job market in Sunbury is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $854. There are 204 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sunbury?
The median home value in Sunbury is $163,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,793. The homeownership rate is 48.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,476.
How are the schools in Sunbury?
Schools in Sunbury score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Sunbury hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 13.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sunbury?
The obesity rate in Sunbury is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Sunbury?
The average commute in Sunbury is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 39.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sunbury?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunbury is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.