Median Income
$44,700
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,100
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Walnut Cove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,046
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density809/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,700
Per Capita$23,794
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$1,756M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$184,100
Rent$642
Ownership52.2%
Zillow$244,217
Housing Units800
Rent Burden30.6%
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking19.0%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Elevation635 ft (194 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute26 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Walnut Cove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walnut Cove receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Walnut Cove offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walnut Cove is $44,700, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walnut Cove is $184,100, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Walnut Cove enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches, including 8.7 inches of snow.
Walnut Cove has a population of 2,046 with a density of 809 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (61.2%), with 5% Hispanic, 27.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,046
Total Population
2023 Census
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Walnut Cove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Walnut Cove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Walnut Cove is $44,700, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,794 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 844 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Walnut Cove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,794 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,320 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 844 |
| County GDP | $1,756M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Walnut Cove is $184,100, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,217, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% 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. 52.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 800 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,909 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,100 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,217 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.8% |
| Housing Units | 800 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Walnut Cove, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713. The dentist ratio is 1:6,454. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walnut Cove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,713 |
| Dentists | 1:6,454 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,067/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Walnut Cove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. The area receives 8.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 635 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 635 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 809/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2935°N, 80.1409°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Stokes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.51"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
41 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
86 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 28, 2001 |
2 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Feb 4, 2021 |
1 km SSW of Sparta, North Carolina |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 17, 2023 |
2 km N of Pembroke, Virginia |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Oct 17, 2003 |
5 km E of Gratton, Virginia |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
178 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
197 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
222 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 203 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
46 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
LUMBER PLANT |
779 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
MERRITT CK |
750 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
PINE ROAD |
582 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Walnut Cove has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Walnut Cove. 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 | $735 |
| Toddler | $566 |
| Preschool | $542 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Cove
What is the population of Walnut Cove?
Walnut Cove has a population of 2,046 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 809 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Walnut Cove expensive to live in?
Walnut Cove 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 $44,700, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,100 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Walnut Cove?
Walnut Cove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches, with 8.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Walnut Cove?
Walnut Cove has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 844 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walnut Cove?
The median home value in Walnut Cove is $184,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,217. For renters, the median monthly rent is $642. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,909.
How are the schools in Walnut Cove?
Schools in Walnut Cove score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Walnut Cove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walnut Cove?
The obesity rate in Walnut Cove is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,713.
What is transportation like in Walnut Cove?
The average commute in Walnut Cove is 26 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walnut Cove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut Cove is 61.2% White, 27.7% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.