Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bessemer City, NC
Considering a move to Bessemer City, NC? This friendly small town of 5,644 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $183,000 and average rents near $960. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, a short 26-minute average commute, and access to reputable schools and nearby colleges. While crime rates are higher than average, Bessemer City features a welcoming community and proximity to Gastonia’s major amenities, making it a budget-friendly option for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Bessemer City, NC
Demographics - Bessemer City, NC
Bessemer City is a close-knit community of around 5,600 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a population density that gives it a small-town feel. The city is predominantly White (about 75%), with a significant Black community and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families and newcomers.
Population:
5,644
Density:
1,060 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.8%
Black:
16.8%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
7.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bessemer City, NC?
Living in Bessemer City is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home prices around $183,000. Residents benefit from low housing costs and moderate expenses on essentials like groceries and utilities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$183,000
Gross Rent:
$960
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.4
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
65.4
Utilities:
100.3
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Bessemer City, NC a safe place to live?
While Bessemer City offers a friendly environment, crime rates are higher than average, with a property crime rate translating to a 1 in 49 chance and a violent crime rate of 258 per 100,000 residents. Newcomers should remain aware and take standard precautions, but many locals value the town's sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
258
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,034
Crime Index:
2,292
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 387
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Bessemer City, NC year-round?
The city enjoys a mild four-season climate, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters rarely dipping below 30°F. Residents can look forward to 62% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate temperate weather and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of about $45,600 and a poverty rate just under 20%, reflecting a working-class population. Most residents drive to work, averaging a 26-minute commute, and educational attainment is moderate, with over three-quarters having a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$26,200
Household Income:
$45,600
Family Income:
$55,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$30,700
Income Female:
$23,600
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$960
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Bessemer City, NC?
Families in Bessemer City benefit from dedicated public schools, including Bessemer City High and Primary Schools, as well as private and charter options nearby. The city is also close to well-regarded colleges like Gaston College and Belmont Abbey College, providing local access to higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Bessemer City High School
Street:
119 Yellow Jacket Ln
Phone:
704-836-9601
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Bessemer City Primary School
Street:
119 W Pennsylvania Ave
Phone:
704-836-9110
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Pinnacle Classical Academy
Street:
920 E. Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC
Phone:
704-740-4040
Students:
1,100
Colleges
Name:
Gaston College
City:
Dallas
State:
NC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Belmont Abbey College
City:
Belmont
State:
NC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Bessemer City residents have convenient access to major hospitals such as CaroMont Regional Medical Center and Atrium Health Cleveland, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The area maintains a good ratio of physicians per capita and high health insurance coverage, supporting overall community health.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CaroMont Regional Medical Center
Address:
2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone:
(704) 834-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Atrium Health Cleveland
Address:
201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150
Phone:
(980) 487-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bessemer City, NC?
The housing market in Bessemer City is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $183,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 64%. Rent for a typical two-bedroom averages $960, and home values have shown steady appreciation, making it suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$183,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$960
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can easily access driver and vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at the Gastonia branch, just a short drive away. The NCDMV provides comprehensive licensing, registration, and title services for Bessemer City locals.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
NCDMV (North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles)
Address:
601 E. Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.