Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Catawba, NC
Considering a move to Catawba, NC? With a small-town population of just 620, Catawba offers affordable living—median home prices are around $205,000 and average rents are $900. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, low violent crime rates (175 per 100K), and quick commutes averaging 27 minutes. The area boasts a mild climate with 62% sunny days and public schools with close-knit class sizes. Explore the friendly community and cost-effective lifestyle Catawba has to offer!
Demographics - Catawba, NC
Demographics - Catawba, NC
Catawba, NC is a close-knit community with a population of 620, predominantly White at 88%, and a median age of 42.8 years. The town features a balanced gender ratio and a small but notable proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting modest diversity. Residents benefit from a quieter, slower-paced atmosphere typical of small towns.
Population:
620
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.2%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Catawba, NC?
Catawba offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $205,000 and average rents around $900 per month. The cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities generally manageable. State income tax is a flat 5.25%, further supporting budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$205,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
70.5
Utilities:
100.8
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
92.6
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Catawba, NC a safe place to live?
Catawba maintains a low violent crime rate of 175 incidents per 100,000 people, contributing to a sense of safety for residents. Property crime is more common, but overall crime rates are lower than many urban areas. Most residents feel secure in their daily lives and neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
175
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,655
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 571
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Catawba, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate, with winter lows averaging 28°F and summer highs reaching 89°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. Seasonal transitions are gentle, offering comfortable living conditions.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Catawba have a median income of $52,600, with family incomes averaging $61,000. Most residents are high school graduates, and the poverty rate stands at 13.2%. Commute times are reasonable at just under 27 minutes, and the community has a low unemployment rate of 4.3%.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$52,600
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
26.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Catawba, NC?
Families in Catawba benefit from local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Catawba Elementary and Bandys High School. While there are no private schools in town, higher education options like Catawba Valley Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University are within a short drive. The educational environment supports both young learners and adults pursuing further studies.
Public Schools
Name:
Catawba Elementary School
Street:
5415 Hudson Chapel Rd
Phone:
828-241-3131
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Bandys High School
Street:
5040 E. Bandys Cross Road
Phone:
704-462-2202
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Colleges
Name:
Catawba Valley Community College
City:
Hickory
State:
NC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,700
Name:
Lenoir-Rhyne University
City:
Hickory
State:
NC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Catawba residents have access to quality healthcare, with major facilities like Catawba Valley Medical Center nearby. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% of locals have health insurance. The healthcare index suggests services are accessible and affordable for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Address:
810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Phone:
(828) 326-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Catawba, NC?
The housing market in Catawba is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $205,000 and owner-occupied homes making up nearly 73% of the market. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $900 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. The area has seen steady home appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$205,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Catawba residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The main DMV office is located in Raleigh, and services are also available online for convenience. Residents benefit from streamlined state resources for all driving and registration needs.
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.