Cost of Living in Locust, NC

Population 5,529 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

83
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Locust is a smaller North Carolina community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,280 and housing costs ($286,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Locust sits roughly 14 miles southeast of Concord. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Concord's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 94
Rent 68

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

About the Cost of Living in Locust

The median home value in Locust is $285,800 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $887/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,280/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 50.2°F. Overall, Locust has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$285,800
6% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$356,847
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$887/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.9x
Favors renting
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 88.1%
Renter-occupied 11.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$887
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,501/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
36.0 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.1%
Carpooled
10.6%
Work from home
11.3%

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
$78,280
5% above avg
Per Capita Income
$31,392
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
18% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
52.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.7%
Graduate degree 6.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.4
Male median age 34.9
Female median age 36.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.3°F
Avg Low
50.2°F
Annual Precip
37.9"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 535764738087918983736355
Low °F 323541495765696862504034
Precip" 3.002.773.192.902.893.733.633.793.182.972.912.96

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Locust, NC?

Locust has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.

What is average rent in Locust, NC?

The median gross rent in Locust is $887 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Locust?

The median home value in Locust is $285,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Locust?

The median household income in Locust is $78,280 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Locust, NC?

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

Is Locust, NC affordable?

Yes, Locust is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Locust?

Locust has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Locust at a Glance

Population
5,529
Median Income
$78,280
Home Value
$285,800
Median Rent
$887/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
72.3°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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