Home Value
$152,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
328/100K
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Tar Heel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population72
Median Age56.3 yrs
Density313/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans64.0%
Economy
Per Capita$23,399
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,864M
Housing
Home Value$152,100
Ownership69.0%
Zillow$122,526
Housing Units55
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent328/100K
Property4,021/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.2%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.3 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation130 ft (40 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+82.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 40%
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Tar Heel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tar Heel receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Tar Heel faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tar Heel is $152,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tar Heel is below the national average at 328 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,021 per 100,000, 105% above the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Tar Heel 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 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Tar Heel has a population of 72 with a density of 313 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 56.3 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.3yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $23,399 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (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 677 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $23,399 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,588 |
| Gini Index | 0.526 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 677 |
| County GDP | $1,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 95.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Tar Heel is $152,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,526, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,744. 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,526 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 69.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.0% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,744 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.46% |
In Tar Heel, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218. The dentist ratio is 1:2,265. 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tar Heel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,218 |
| Dentists | 1:2,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 16,588/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Tar Heel has a violent crime rate of 328 per 100,000 residents, 14% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,021 per 100,000, 105% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tar Heel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tar Heel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 328.3/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,021.3/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 53 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tar Heel 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 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 53.3 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 130 feet.
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 | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 313/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7339°N, 78.7909°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bladen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lumberton Regional (LBT)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.3"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively 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: M2.5 on Jul 29, 2012.
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 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 |
164 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
170 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
127 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
159 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
215 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
104 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
196 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
107 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
53 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
103 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
195 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
391 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 63 fatalities, 1,693 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
7 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
6 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
67 km |
8 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
13 km |
12 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,944 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
88 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
27 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
OVERHILLS |
1,436 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
41 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,293 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
EDNA BUCK ROAD |
1,256 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
CHUCKS FIRST BIG ONE |
1,252 |
70 km |
| 2018 |
STRAUSBURG ROAD |
1,219 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
GARDNER FARM LANE |
1,112 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,090 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
1,083 |
16 km |
| 2024 |
HORSESHOE LAKE |
990 |
16 km |
| 2006 |
COW ISLAND |
878 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR CREEK |
872 |
17 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Tar Heel has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and November the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Tar Heel. 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 | $474 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $500 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tar Heel
What is the population of Tar Heel?
Tar Heel has a population of 72 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 313 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Tar Heel expensive to live in?
Tar Heel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $152,100 (46% below the U.S. median).
Is Tar Heel safe?
Tar Heel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 328 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,021 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tar Heel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tar Heel?
Tar Heel 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 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Tar Heel?
The job market in Tar Heel is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 677 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Tar Heel?
The median home value in Tar Heel is $152,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,526. The homeownership rate is 69.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,744.
How are the schools in Tar Heel?
Schools in Tar Heel have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.5% of adults in Tar Heel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tar Heel?
The obesity rate in Tar Heel is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 46.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,218.
What are the demographics of Tar Heel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tar Heel is 98.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.8% of residents have a disability. 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
