Cost of Living in Oxford, NC
Population 8,897 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $48,135, median household incomes in Oxford land roughly 35% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Oxford is about 30 miles northeast of Durham, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Durham's $355,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oxford
The median home value in Oxford is $177,200 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $986/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,135/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 5.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Oxford has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Oxford 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 | 52 | 56 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 50 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.43 | 2.78 | 4.10 | 3.53 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 5.02 | 4.71 | 5.15 | 3.37 | 3.32 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
💨 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 Oxford, NC?
Oxford has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oxford, NC?
The median gross rent in Oxford is $986 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oxford?
The median home value in Oxford is $177,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oxford?
The median household income in Oxford is $48,135 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oxford, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oxford is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Oxford, NC affordable?
Yes, Oxford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Oxford?
Oxford has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.1". Average annual snowfall is 5.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oxford at a Glance
- Population
- 8,897
- Median Income
- $48,135
- Home Value
- $177,200
- Median Rent
- $986/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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