Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cape Fear, NC
Thinking of moving to Cape Fear, NC? With a friendly population of about 21,500, Cape Fear offers a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living (median home price around $340,000), and a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year. Commutes average just under 24 minutes, and families benefit from quality local schools and easy access to healthcare. Enjoy the coastal charm, reasonable rents, and an active community—Cape Fear is a great place to call home!
Demographics - Cape Fear, NC
Demographics - Cape Fear, NC
Cape Fear is home to about 21,500 residents, with a median age of 43.2 years, offering a balanced mix of ages and backgrounds. The population is predominantly White, with notable Black and Asian communities, and around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
21,500
Density:
180 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
14.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cape Fear, NC?
Cape Fear boasts a cost of living index just below the national average, making it an affordable choice for many. Median home values are around $340,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are $1,350, with utilities and everyday expenses remaining reasonable. North Carolina’s flat state income tax and affordable grocery and healthcare costs add to the city’s financial appeal.
Median House Value:
$340,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.2
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
104.3
Utilities:
101.4
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Cape Fear, NC a safe place to live?
Residents enjoy relative safety in Cape Fear, with violent crime rates lower than many urban areas at 290 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a welcoming and secure environment for families and individuals alike. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 345.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Cape Fear, NC year-round?
Cape Fear experiences a mild climate with warm summers, gentle winters, and pleasant springs and falls, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. The area receives about 56.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows in the mid-30s to summer highs near 90°F.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $68,700, with a family income averaging $78,900, supporting a comfortable lifestyle. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the area’s low unemployment rate and reasonable commute times foster a stable community. Poverty rates are moderate, and public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the area’s suburban feel.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$68,700
Family Income:
$78,900
Per Capita Income:
$36,700
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
33.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cape Fear, NC?
Families in Cape Fear benefit from quality public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as private education options like Cape Fear Academy. Higher education is easily accessible, with Cape Fear Community College and the University of North Carolina Wilmington located within a short drive. The city’s commitment to education supports lifelong learning and community involvement.
Public Schools
Name:
Cape Fear Elementary School
Street:
1886 NC-133, Rocky Point, NC 28457
Phone:
910-602-4970
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Cape Fear Middle School
Street:
1886 NC-133, Rocky Point, NC 28457
Phone:
910-602-3541
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Cape Fear Academy
Street:
3900 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
Phone:
910-791-0287
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Cape Fear Community College
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
City:
Wilmington
State:
NC
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
18,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through several major hospitals, including Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 86% of the population covered by health insurance, comprehensive care is readily available. Healthcare services in Cape Fear are reliable and well-regarded within the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Address:
2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone:
(910) 667-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Address:
1638 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone:
(910) 615-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
72.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cape Fear, NC?
The median home price in Cape Fear is $340,000, and about 74% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a stable housing market. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,350 and a moderate vacancy rate, while home values have appreciated by 5.5% over the past year. New construction and low foreclosure rates indicate ongoing growth and investment in the area.
Median Home Price:
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.5%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Cape Fear are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with resources available both online and at regional offices. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services conveniently from the Raleigh headquarters or through the state DMV website. The process is streamlined to support the needs of new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
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.