Cost of Living in Burgaw, NC

Population 3,249 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

72
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Burgaw offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $207,000 — costs less than 3.2 times median household income of $65,514, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Burgaw sits roughly 25 miles north of Wilmington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 78

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Burgaw

The median home value in Burgaw is $207,400 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,020/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,514/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 74.4°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Burgaw has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$207,400
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$506,169
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,020/mo
22% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 66.9%
Renter-occupied 33.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,020
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,634/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.9 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.0%
Carpooled
7.5%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
9.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$65,514
12% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,008
Unemployment Rate
11.5%
140% above avg
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Labor Force Participation
48.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 7.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.1
Male median age 44.9
Female median age 46.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.4°F
Avg Low
54.4°F
Annual Precip
60.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.9"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576067758187908884766760
Low °F 363844536169737267564539
Precip" 3.813.473.973.074.545.676.868.168.694.663.563.69
Snow" 0.70.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

93%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
18
Public schools
9,810
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Burgaw, NC?

Burgaw has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.

What is average rent in Burgaw, NC?

The median gross rent in Burgaw is $1,020 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Burgaw?

The median home value in Burgaw is $207,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Burgaw?

The median household income in Burgaw is $65,514 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Burgaw, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Burgaw is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Burgaw, NC affordable?

Yes, Burgaw is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Burgaw?

Burgaw has average high temperatures of 74.4°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 60.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Burgaw at a Glance

Population
3,249
Median Income
$65,514
Home Value
$207,400
Median Rent
$1,020/mo
Unemployment
11.5%
Avg High Temp
74.4°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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