Cost of Living in Clinton, NC

Population 8,336 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Clinton run well below national norms — a median of $42,344 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $186,000). Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Clinton is about 35 miles east of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 61
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Clinton

The median home value in Clinton is $185,600 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $754/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,344/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 73.6°F and lows of 52.4°F. Overall, Clinton has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$185,600
39% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$146,490
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$754/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.5x
Favors renting
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 46.4%
Renter-occupied 53.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$754
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,368/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
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.9%
Carpooled
11.2%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
8.4%

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
$42,344
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,370
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
16% above avg
Poverty Rate
23.6%
Labor Force Participation
49.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.6%
Graduate degree 7.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.9
Male median age 37.6
Female median age 43.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.6°F
Avg Low
52.4°F
Annual Precip
44.6"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 545865758289918984756557
Low °F 343642516068727065534236
Precip" 3.152.783.083.153.114.894.955.364.873.233.042.97

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

81.1%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
23
Public schools
11,242
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clinton, NC?

Clinton has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Clinton, NC?

The median gross rent in Clinton is $754 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Clinton?

The median home value in Clinton is $185,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Clinton?

The median household income in Clinton is $42,344 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Clinton, NC?

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

Is Clinton, NC affordable?

Yes, Clinton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Clinton?

Clinton has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 52.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Clinton at a Glance

Population
8,336
Median Income
$42,344
Home Value
$185,600
Median Rent
$754/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
73.6°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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🗺️ County data for North Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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