Cost of Living in River Road, NC
Population 3,518 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
River Road's median household income of $47,978 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 (21% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, River Road lies roughly 90 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Chesapeake. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Chesapeake's $359,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in River Road
The median home value in River Road is $187,700 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $787/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,978/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 73.2°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, River Road has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
River Road 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 | 65 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.32 | 3.85 | 3.18 | 4.25 | 4.60 | 6.26 | 6.81 | 6.33 | 3.56 | 3.33 | 3.63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in River Road, NC?
River Road has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in River Road, NC?
The median gross rent in River Road is $787 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in River Road?
The median home value in River Road is $187,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in River Road?
The median household income in River Road is $47,978 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in River Road, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in River Road is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is River Road, NC affordable?
Yes, River Road is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in River Road?
River Road has average high temperatures of 73.2°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 53". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
River Road at a Glance
- Population
- 3,518
- Median Income
- $47,978
- Home Value
- $187,700
- Median Rent
- $787/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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