Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Balm, NC
Considering a move to Balm, NC? This charming town of 1,250 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $226,000 and average rents of just $850. Enjoy a peaceful, low-crime environment, short 26-minute commutes, and beautiful mountain weather with 62% sunny days each year. While schools and healthcare are accessible in nearby communities, Balm’s friendly vibe and scenic setting make it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in North Carolina.
Demographics - Balm, NC
Balm, NC is a small, tight-knit community of about 1,250 residents, with a median age of 46.2 and a population density of 180 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, and the gender ratio is nearly balanced. With only 3.1% non-English speakers, Balm offers a welcoming and familiar environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,250
Density:
180 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.1%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Balm, NC?
Living in Balm is affordable, with a median home value of $226,000 and average rent at $850. The cost of living index is below the national average, making everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation budget-friendly for residents. State taxes are moderate, and monthly homeowner costs remain relatively low.
Median House Value:
$226,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,035
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
93.4
Health Care:
94.9
Miscellaneous:
96.7
Crime
Is Balm, NC a safe place to live?
Balm enjoys a low crime rate, with just 102 violent crimes and 1,080 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 980 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. The overall crime index reflects the area’s secure, family-friendly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
102
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,182
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 980
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Balm, NC year-round?
Balm experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs around 80°F and cool winters dipping to 24°F at night. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 62% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and scenic mountain views.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Balm benefit from a median household income of $54,800 and a family income of $62,400, reflecting a modest but stable local economy. The community has a 13.2% poverty rate and an unemployment rate of 4.8%, while most households own their homes. With an average commute of just over 26 minutes, Balm offers a comfortable pace of life.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$26,200
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Balm, NC?
Balm offers access to quality education, with local options like Banner Elk Elementary School and Avery Christian Academy serving younger students. Higher education is within easy reach, with Lees-McRae College just 8 miles away and Appalachian State University in Boone about 20 miles from town. The area’s educational institutions support a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Banner Elk Elementary School
Street:
155 Banner Elk School Rd
Phone:
828-898-5310
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Private Schools
Name:
Avery Christian Academy
Street:
119 Old Montezuma Rd
Phone:
828-733-5245
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Lees-McRae College
City:
Banner Elk
State:
NC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
900
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Balm residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with Watauga Medical Center nearby in Boone offering general and emergency services. There are approximately 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. The local healthcare index suggests reliable medical support for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Watauga Medical Center
Address:
336 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone:
(828) 262-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Balm, NC?
The housing market in Balm is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $226,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.5%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $850 and a 6.4% vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, indicating a healthy demand for property.
Median Home Price:
$226,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, residents utilize the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Raleigh and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing and registration for Balm residents. Information and appointments are easily available through the official website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
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.