Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Burnsville, NC
Considering a move to Burnsville, NC? With a friendly population of 1,618, Burnsville offers affordable living—median home prices are around $222,500 and average rents are just $780. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes, mild mountain weather with 62% sunny days, and access to local schools with small class sizes. Crime rates are moderate, and the town is known for its scenic Blue Ridge setting and tight-knit community. Burnsville is a great fit for those seeking a slower pace, affordable housing, and beautiful surroundings.
Demographics - Burnsville, NC
Demographics - Burnsville, NC
Burnsville is a small, close-knit community with a population of 1,618 and a median age of nearly 50, reflecting a mature and settled population. The town is predominantly White at over 92%, with a modest share of non-English speakers, making it welcoming yet rooted in tradition. Residents enjoy a comfortable population density that contributes to a neighborly and peaceful atmosphere.
Population:
1,618
Density:
1,130 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.7
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.8%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Burnsville, NC?
Burnsville offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $222,500, and average rents are just $780, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees. Daily expenses such as utilities and groceries remain reasonable, helping residents maintain a good quality of life.
Median House Value:
$222,500
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
69.2
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Burnsville, NC a safe place to live?
Burnsville experiences moderate crime, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 64 and violent crime at 1 in 474. While property-related incidents are more common, the overall crime index suggests a level of safety typical for a small town. Residents enjoy a generally secure environment with active community engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
211
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,560
Crime Index:
1,771
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 474
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Burnsville, NC year-round?
The town enjoys a mild mountain climate, with winter lows averaging 25°F and summer highs reaching 82°F. Residents benefit from approximately 62% sunny days annually and a generous 48 inches of rainfall, making Burnsville ideal for those who appreciate four distinct seasons. The comfortable weather supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Burnsville typically earn a median income of about $41,600, with a poverty rate near 16%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 85% holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoys short average commute times of just over 18 minutes. Low public transport usage highlights a reliance on personal vehicles, reflecting the town’s rural charm.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$56,300
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$24,800
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Burnsville, NC?
Burnsville offers quality education through its public and private schools, with small class sizes—Mountain Heritage High School and Burnsville Elementary support a personalized learning environment. The area is also served by Mayland Community College, located just 13 miles away, providing accessible higher education and workforce training. Families benefit from a supportive educational community with attentive staff.

Public Schools
Name:
Mountain Heritage High School
Street:
333 Mountain Heritage High School Rd
Phone:
828-682-6103
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Burnsville Elementary School
Street:
395 Burnsville School Rd
Phone:
828-682-2281
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Arthur Morgan School
Street:
60 AMS Cir, Burnsville, NC 28714
Phone:
828-675-4262
Students:
50

Colleges
Name:
Mayland Community College
City:
Spruce Pine
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, located nearby in Spruce Pine, with emergency services available. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, Burnsville ensures basic medical needs are met. The town’s healthcare index reflects reliable service for a community of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Address:
125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone:
(828) 765-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
65.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Burnsville, NC?
Burnsville’s housing market is affordable and stable, with median home prices at $222,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $800. Homeownership is common, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, providing a sense of security for buyers and renters alike. Steady home appreciation rates indicate a healthy investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$222,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Burnsville are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at 108 Grove Rd. Residents enjoy convenient access to licensing and registration locally, with additional resources available on the state DMV website. The office provides all standard vehicle and driver-related services.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
108 Grove Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714
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.