Cost of Living in East Flat Rock, NC

Population 6,468 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

71
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives East Flat Rock a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $207,000.

Geographically, East Flat Rock lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Charlotte. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 74

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

About the Cost of Living in East Flat Rock

The median home value in East Flat Rock is $207,400 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $977/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,679/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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 66.4°F and lows of 44.4°F. Overall, East Flat Rock has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$207,400
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$308,518
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$977/mo
26% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.7x
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 64.2%
Renter-occupied 35.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$977
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,591/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
19.2 min
29% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.6%
Carpooled
12.0%
Walked
2.7%
Work from home
1.3%

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
$59,679
20% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,609
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Labor Force Participation
65.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 7.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.5
Male median age 37.1
Female median age 32.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.4°F
Avg Low
44.4°F
Annual Precip
51.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485158677480838277685850
Low °F 272935425159636256443430
Precip" 4.393.653.954.284.244.775.324.734.363.463.884.38

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Flat Rock, NC?

East Flat Rock has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.

What is average rent in East Flat Rock, NC?

The median gross rent in East Flat Rock is $977 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Flat Rock?

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

What is the median income in East Flat Rock?

The median household income in East Flat Rock is $59,679 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Flat Rock, NC?

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

Is East Flat Rock, NC affordable?

Yes, East Flat Rock is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in East Flat Rock?

East Flat Rock has average high temperatures of 66.4°F and average lows of 44.4°F. Annual precipitation is 51.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

East Flat Rock at a Glance

Population
6,468
Median Income
$59,679
Home Value
$207,400
Median Rent
$977/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Avg High Temp
66.4°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in North Carolina →
🗺️ County data for North Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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