Cost of Living in Newton, NC
Population 13,223 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Newton sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 40 miles northwest of Concord, Newton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Newton
The median home value in Newton is $169,300 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,016/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,869/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 69.1°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Newton has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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 | 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Newton, NC?
Newton has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Newton, NC?
The median gross rent in Newton is $1,016 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $169,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Newton?
The median household income in Newton is $56,869 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Newton, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Newton is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Newton, NC affordable?
Yes, Newton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton 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.
Newton at a Glance
- Population
- 13,223
- Median Income
- $56,869
- Home Value
- $169,300
- Median Rent
- $1,016/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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