Cost of Living in Whispering Pines, NC

Population 5,081 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

154
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Whispering Pines sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Whispering Pines is about 25 miles northwest of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 163% higher than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 148
Rent 161

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

About the Cost of Living in Whispering Pines

The median home value in Whispering Pines is $452,800 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,122/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,517/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Whispering Pines has a cost of living index of 154 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$452,800
48% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$235,327
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,122/mo
61% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.8x
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 79.8%
Renter-occupied 20.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,122
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,736/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
32.4 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.6%
Carpooled
3.7%
Work from home
15.7%

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
$112,517
51% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,662
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
25% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
60.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.3%
Graduate degree 25.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.1
Male median age 37.3
Female median age 35.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.7°F
Avg Low
52.1°F
Annual Precip
40.2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 555967768389929085766658
Low °F 343642505968727064524136
Precip" 3.112.573.252.693.314.173.863.794.922.692.942.88

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Whispering Pines, NC?

Whispering Pines has a cost index of 154 (100 = national average). It is 54% above the national average.

What is average rent in Whispering Pines, NC?

The median gross rent in Whispering Pines is $2,122 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Whispering Pines?

The median home value in Whispering Pines is $452,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Whispering Pines?

The median household income in Whispering Pines is $112,517 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Whispering Pines, NC?

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

Is Whispering Pines, NC affordable?

Whispering Pines is above average in cost of living, with an index of 154 — about 54% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Whispering Pines?

Whispering Pines 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.

Whispering Pines at a Glance

Population
5,081
Median Income
$112,517
Home Value
$452,800
Median Rent
$2,122/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
74.7°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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