Median Income
$145,417
94% higher than US avg
Home Value
$423,800
50% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
68.0%
102% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,756
51% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Walnut Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,684
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density791/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$145,417
Per Capita$77,922
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$3,627M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$423,800
Rent$1,756
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$435,231
Housing Units592
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured2.2%
Smoking14.0%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain52.3 in/yr
Elevation93 ft (28 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+68.0%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+32.8%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Commute29 min
Broadband98.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Walnut Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walnut Creek receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Walnut Creek stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walnut Creek is $145,417, which is significantly higher than the national average / 94% above $75,149. This places Walnut Creek among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walnut Creek is $423,800, 50% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,756 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Walnut Creek is a highly educated community / 68.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Walnut Creek enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Walnut Creek has a population of 1,684 with a density of 791 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,684
Total Population
2023 Census
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Walnut Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Walnut Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Walnut Creek is $145,417, which is 94% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $77,922 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,412 business establishments, including 98 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 18.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Walnut Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $145,417 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $77,922 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,120 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,412 |
| County GDP | $3,627M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 98 |
| Healthcare | 176 |
| Retail | 221 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,312 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |
The median home value in Walnut Creek is $423,800, 50% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,231. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $712,500 with homes selling in an average of 64 days. Homes sell for 97.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,756 (51% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 592 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,312. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $423,800 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,231 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $712,500 |
| Median List Price | $529,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $712,500 |
| Median List Price | $529,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $149 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 64 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,756 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 592 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,312 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.78% |
In Walnut Creek, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 2.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,765. The dentist ratio is 1:1,762. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walnut Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 2.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,765 |
| Dentists | 1:1,762 |
| Mental Health | 1:566 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 14,785/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 176 |
Walnut Creek enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 96% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 93 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.3°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 93 ft (28 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 791/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3094°N, 77.8747°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lenoir County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kinston Regional Jetport At Stallings Field (ISO)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.3"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
7.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 95.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 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 |
254 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
167 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
161 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
117 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
133 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
127 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
148 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
183 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
184 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
199 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
43 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
252 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
248 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 1,012 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
9 km |
16 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
CRO HUNTERS CREEK C-37 RX |
1,616 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
SHAKEN CREEK |
1,469 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
CRO LONG POINT C-39/40 RX |
1,448 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,399 |
49 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,319 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
SR8 |
1,311 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
WOLF ISLAND |
1,310 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
JUNIPER ROAD TWO |
1,307 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
7.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Walnut Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (7.0") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Walnut Creek. 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 | $684 |
| Preschool | $566 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $642 |
| Toddler | $564 |
| Preschool | $521 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Creek
What is the population of Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek has a population of 1,684 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 791 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is Walnut Creek expensive to live in?
Walnut Creek 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 $145,417, 94% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $423,800 (50% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,756 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 52.3 inches, with 2.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Walnut Creek?
The job market in Walnut Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 1,412 business establishments in the area, including 98 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 18.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walnut Creek?
The median home value in Walnut Creek is $423,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,231. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $712,500, with homes typically selling within 64 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,756. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,312.
How are the schools in Walnut Creek?
Schools in Walnut Creek have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 68.0% of adults in Walnut Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 32.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walnut Creek?
The obesity rate in Walnut Creek is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 2.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,765.
What is transportation like in Walnut Creek?
The average commute in Walnut Creek is 29 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walnut Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut Creek is 93.7% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.