Cost of Living in Raeford, NC
Population 4,545 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $43,311, median household incomes in Raeford land roughly 42% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Raeford sits roughly 15 miles west of Fayetteville. Housing prices track closely with Fayetteville's $172,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Raeford
The median home value in Raeford is $177,900 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $791/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,311/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 52.1°F. Overall, Raeford has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Raeford 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 | 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 Raeford, NC?
Raeford has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Raeford, NC?
The median gross rent in Raeford is $791 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Raeford?
The median home value in Raeford is $177,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Raeford?
The median household income in Raeford is $43,311 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Raeford, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Raeford is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Raeford, NC affordable?
Yes, Raeford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Raeford?
Raeford 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.
Raeford at a Glance
- Population
- 4,545
- Median Income
- $43,311
- Home Value
- $177,900
- Median Rent
- $791/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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