Cost of Living in Rockfish, NC

Population 3,807 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Rockfish a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $191,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 8 miles southwest of Fayetteville, Rockfish falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 94

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

About the Cost of Living in Rockfish

The median home value in Rockfish is $191,000 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,236/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,046/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 73.6°F and lows of 52.4°F. Overall, Rockfish has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$191,000
37% below avg
Median Rent
$1,236/mo
6% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.9x
Favors buying
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 73.5%
Renter-occupied 26.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,236
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,850/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
34.4 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.4%
Carpooled
5.7%
Work from home
17.9%

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
$63,046
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,712
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
36% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
Labor Force Participation
65.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.8%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 32.6
Female median age 38.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.6°F
Avg Low
52.4°F
Annual Precip
44.6"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 545865758289918984756557
Low °F 343642516068727065534236
Precip" 3.152.783.083.153.114.894.955.364.873.233.042.97

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rockfish, NC?

Rockfish has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rockfish, NC?

The median gross rent in Rockfish is $1,236 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rockfish?

The median home value in Rockfish is $191,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rockfish?

The median household income in Rockfish is $63,046 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rockfish, NC?

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

Is Rockfish, NC affordable?

Yes, Rockfish is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Rockfish?

Rockfish has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 52.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rockfish at a Glance

Population
3,807
Median Income
$63,046
Home Value
$191,000
Median Rent
$1,236/mo
Unemployment
6.6%
Avg High Temp
73.6°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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