Cost of Living in Laurinburg, NC
Population 15,079 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Laurinburg's median household income of $39,258 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (32% here). At 10.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Laurinburg is about 35 miles southwest of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Fayetteville's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laurinburg
The median home value in Laurinburg is $121,500 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $766/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,258/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.3%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 52.1°F. Overall, Laurinburg has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 55 | 59 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 66 | 58 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 64 | 52 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.11 | 2.57 | 3.25 | 2.69 | 3.31 | 4.17 | 3.86 | 3.79 | 4.92 | 2.69 | 2.94 | 2.88 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laurinburg, NC?
Laurinburg has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Laurinburg, NC?
The median gross rent in Laurinburg is $766 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laurinburg?
The median home value in Laurinburg is $121,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laurinburg?
The median household income in Laurinburg is $39,258 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laurinburg, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laurinburg is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Laurinburg, NC affordable?
Yes, Laurinburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Laurinburg?
Laurinburg has average high temperatures of 74.7°F and average lows of 52.1°F. Annual precipitation is 40.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Laurinburg at a Glance
- Population
- 15,079
- Median Income
- $39,258
- Home Value
- $121,500
- Median Rent
- $766/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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