Cost of Living in Spring Lake, NC
Population 11,613 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Spring Lake is a smaller North Carolina community of around 12000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,497 and housing costs ($101,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 7 miles north of Fayetteville, Spring Lake falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Fayetteville's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Spring Lake
The median home value in Spring Lake is $101,300 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,228/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,497/year is 32% 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 73.6°F and lows of 52.4°F. Overall, Spring Lake has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% 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 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 82 | 89 | 91 | 89 | 84 | 75 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 65 | 53 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.15 | 2.78 | 3.08 | 3.15 | 3.11 | 4.89 | 4.95 | 5.36 | 4.87 | 3.23 | 3.04 | 2.97 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Spring Lake, NC?
Spring Lake has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Spring Lake, NC?
The median gross rent in Spring Lake is $1,228 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Spring Lake?
The median home value in Spring Lake is $101,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Spring Lake?
The median household income in Spring Lake is $50,497 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Spring Lake, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Spring Lake is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Spring Lake, NC affordable?
Yes, Spring Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Spring Lake?
Spring Lake 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.
Spring Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 11,613
- Median Income
- $50,497
- Home Value
- $101,300
- Median Rent
- $1,228/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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