Cost of Living in Erwin, NC

Population 4,617 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

63
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Erwin is a smaller North Carolina community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,077 and housing costs ($150,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 25 miles northeast of Fayetteville, Erwin falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49
Rent 83

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

About the Cost of Living in Erwin

The median home value in Erwin is $150,400 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,085/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,077/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, below 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, Erwin has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$150,400
51% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$229,497
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,085/mo
17% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6x
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 71.2%
Renter-occupied 28.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,085
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,699/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
34.7 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.6%
Carpooled
13.0%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
2.4%

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
$50,077
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,235
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
61% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.1%
Graduate degree 4.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46
Male median age 43.8
Female median age 47.7

🌤 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Erwin, NC?

Erwin has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.

What is average rent in Erwin, NC?

The median gross rent in Erwin is $1,085 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Erwin?

The median home value in Erwin is $150,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Erwin?

The median household income in Erwin is $50,077 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Erwin, NC?

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

Is Erwin, NC affordable?

Yes, Erwin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Erwin?

Erwin 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.

Erwin at a Glance

Population
4,617
Median Income
$50,077
Home Value
$150,400
Median Rent
$1,085/mo
Unemployment
1.9%
Avg High Temp
73.6°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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