Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Caroleen, NC
Thinking of moving to Caroleen, NC? This small town of around 500 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at just $88,000 and rents near $750. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, short average commutes of 25 minutes, and access to essential healthcare nearby. While the cost of living is low, local schools and basic amenities provide a close-knit community feel—making Caroleen a great option for those seeking a slower pace and budget-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Caroleen, NC
Demographics - Caroleen, NC
Caroleen, NC is a small, close-knit community of about 500 people, with a median age of 45. The population is predominantly White, with a nearly equal gender balance and a low percentage of non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a moderate population density, fostering a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Population:
501
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
10.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Caroleen, NC?
Caroleen offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $88,000 and average rents at $750. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees. State income taxes are moderate at 5.25%.
Median House Value:
$88,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Caroleen, NC a safe place to live?
Caroleen experiences lower violent crime rates compared to many areas, with a 1 in 345 chance of being affected, though property crime is more common with a 1 in 48 chance. The overall crime index suggests residents should remain vigilant, especially regarding property safety. Nonetheless, the town maintains a relatively safe environment for its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,390
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Caroleen, NC year-round?
Residents in Caroleen enjoy a mild climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and winters rarely dipping below 28°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 62% of days, making it ideal for those who appreciate varied but generally pleasant weather throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $38,500, with a poverty rate of 22.5% and an unemployment rate just over 5%. Most adults have completed high school, and commutes average about 25 minutes. While incomes are modest, the friendly atmosphere and affordable housing foster a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$47,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,500
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
22.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.0%
Bachelors or More:
11.0%
Education
How are the schools in Caroleen, NC?
Education in Caroleen is served by public schools like Chase High School and Cliffside Elementary, offering favorable student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Higher education is within reach at Isothermal Community College, located just 10 miles away. The community values education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Chase High School
Street:
1603 Chase High Rd
Phone:
828-247-0644
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Cliffside Elementary School
Street:
220 Cliffside St
Phone:
828-657-3334
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Colleges
Name:
Isothermal Community College
City:
Spindale
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Caroleen is supported by nearby facilities such as Rutherford Regional Health System, offering general and emergency care. Residents benefit from a physician availability rate of 1.6 per 1,000 people and health insurance coverage for 85% of the population. The health care index reflects accessible and essential services for a rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rutherford Regional Health System
Address:
288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone:
(828) 286-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Caroleen, NC?
Caroleen's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $88,000 and a two-bedroom rent averaging $750. The homeownership rate stands at 59%, and property values have seen modest appreciation over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it an accessible market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$88,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in Rutherfordton. Standard services such as licensing and registration are available both in person and online. Local contact information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
221 E. Water Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
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.