Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alarka, NC
Considering a move to Alarka, NC? This quiet mountain community of about 1,400 residents features affordable living with a median home price around $215,000 and average rents near $900. Enjoy low crime rates, a relaxed average commute of 27 minutes, and beautiful weather with 61% sunny days a year. While education and healthcare options are modest, Alarka’s scenic setting and low cost of living make it a peaceful choice for those seeking small-town charm.
Demographics - Alarka, NC
Demographics - Alarka, NC
Alarka, NC is a small community of about 1,400 residents, notable for its low population density and a median age of 51, which points to a mature population. The area is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a close-knit and homogeneous community.
Population:
1,400
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alarka, NC?
Alarka offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $215,000 and average rents around $900 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value and a lower cost of daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
84.5
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Alarka, NC a safe place to live?
Alarka experiences low crime rates compared to national averages, with only 145 violent crimes and 940 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, where the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 690.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
940
Crime Index:
1,085
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Alarka, NC year-round?
The climate in Alarka features comfortable summers with highs around 84°F and mild winters with lows near 28°F. With 61% sunny days and over 56 inches of annual rainfall, the area offers a pleasant mix of sunshine and lush, green scenery.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The median household income in Alarka is $46,200, with a poverty rate of 15.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is about 27 minutes, reflecting a small-town lifestyle with modest incomes and a tight-knit community feel.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$46,200
Family Income:
$55,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,700
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.3%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Alarka, NC?
Educational opportunities in Alarka include local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a nearby private school option. For higher education, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee is just 17 miles away, offering programs for over 12,000 students.
Public Schools
Name:
Swain County High School
Street:
1415 Fontana Rd
Phone:
828-488-2152
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Swain County Middle School
Street:
135 Arlington Ave
Phone:
828-488-3480
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Victory Baptist School
Street:
278 Victory Church Rd
Phone:
828-488-0136
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and surgical care at nearby facilities like Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% of residents insured, healthcare coverage is adequate for a rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Swain Community Hospital
Address:
45 Plateau St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone:
(828) 488-2155
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harris Regional Hospital
Address:
68 Hospital Rd, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone:
(828) 586-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alarka, NC?
Alarka’s housing market is characterized by a high owner-occupancy rate of over 83% and a median home price of $215,000. Home values have appreciated nearly 7% in the past year, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $900.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Alarka residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Sylva. Local DMV services are accessible for vehicle registration and licensing needs, with a convenient online portal available for many transactions.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 W. Main St, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.