Cost of Living in Havelock, NC

Population 16,471 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Havelock offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $187,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $64,433, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

Located 75 miles northeast of Wilmington, Havelock is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 61
Rent 97

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

About the Cost of Living in Havelock

The median home value in Havelock is $186,800 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,269/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,433/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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 74.2°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Havelock has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$186,800
39% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$228,302
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,269/mo
3% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,524/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
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 45.0%
Renter-occupied 55.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,269
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,883/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
18.2 min
33% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.7%
Carpooled
17.7%
Walked
4.6%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$64,433
14% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,437
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
6% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
Labor Force Participation
77.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.6%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 24.5
Male median age 23.1
Female median age 27.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.2°F
Avg Low
54.4°F
Annual Precip
57.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.8"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576066748187908984766760
Low °F 363844526169737268564640
Precip" 4.073.403.563.523.944.877.387.218.203.813.763.70
Snow" 0.60.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Havelock, NC?

Havelock has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Havelock, NC?

The median gross rent in Havelock is $1,269 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Havelock?

The median home value in Havelock is $186,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Havelock?

The median household income in Havelock is $64,433 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Havelock, NC?

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

Is Havelock, NC affordable?

Yes, Havelock is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Havelock?

Havelock has average high temperatures of 74.2°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 57.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Havelock at a Glance

Population
16,471
Median Income
$64,433
Home Value
$186,800
Median Rent
$1,269/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
74.2°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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