Cost of Living in Granite Falls, NC
Population 4,921 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Granite Falls stay well under national norms: a median home value of $203,000 against median household incomes of $74,250 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in North Carolina. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Granite Falls is about 50 miles northwest of Concord, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Granite Falls
The median home value in Granite Falls is $203,100 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $845/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,250/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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 69.1°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Granite Falls has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
Granite Falls has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.21 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.86 | 4.35 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.49 | 3.62 | 3.85 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Granite Falls, NC?
Granite Falls has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Granite Falls, NC?
The median gross rent in Granite Falls is $845 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Granite Falls?
The median home value in Granite Falls is $203,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Granite Falls?
The median household income in Granite Falls is $74,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Granite Falls, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Granite Falls is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Granite Falls, NC affordable?
Yes, Granite Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Granite Falls?
Granite Falls has average high temperatures of 69.1°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Granite Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 4,921
- Median Income
- $74,250
- Home Value
- $203,100
- Median Rent
- $845/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs