Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cherokee, NC
Thinking of moving to Cherokee, NC? With a cozy population of about 2,200, this vibrant community features affordable living—median home prices around $142,000 and average rent at $850. Residents enjoy a mild mountain climate with 56% sunny days and low commute times averaging 19 minutes. Cherokee’s standout features include its strong Native American heritage, access to local healthcare, and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Smoky Mountains. Explore local schools, low housing costs, and welcoming neighborhoods as you plan your move.
Demographics - Cherokee, NC
Demographics - Cherokee, NC
Cherokee, NC is home to approximately 2,200 residents, with a predominantly Native American community making up over 80% of the population. The area has a median age of 46 and a balanced gender ratio, offering a close-knit and culturally rich environment. Non-English speakers represent a small but notable part of the community, reflecting its unique local heritage.
Population:
2,200
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
11.5%
Black:
0.5%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cherokee, NC?
Cherokee offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rent around $850 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare manageable for most residents. State taxes are stable at 5.25%, further supporting budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
68.4
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
93.6
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Cherokee, NC a safe place to live?
Cherokee experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime is moderate. Residents have a 1 in 476 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a generally safe place to live. The overall crime index suggests that safety is a key feature of this small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,660
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Cherokee, NC year-round?
Residents in Cherokee enjoy a mild four-season climate, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cooler winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 56% sunny days, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. This comfortable weather supports year-round access to the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $38,100, with about 21.6% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commute times are short at under 20 minutes. Cherokee is known for its friendly, close-knit neighborhoods and a strong sense of local identity.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$38,100
Family Income:
$45,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$30,600
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
21.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cherokee, NC?
Cherokee is served by Cherokee Central Schools, known for a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.5, supporting personalized learning in a community-oriented environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are nearby at Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University, both within a short drive. This setup provides families with quality educational options from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Cherokee Central Schools
Street:
86 Elk Crossing Ln
Phone:
828-554-5000
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Community College
City:
Sylva
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,100
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Cherokee residents benefit from local access to Cherokee Indian Hospital, which offers emergency services and general care. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 86% of residents having health insurance, healthcare services are readily available. The local healthcare index indicates reliable and accessible medical support for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cherokee Indian Hospital
Address:
1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone:
(828) 497-9163
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.3%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cherokee, NC?
The housing market in Cherokee is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $142,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. Most homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 7.3% in the past year. The low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a healthy, attractive market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Cherokee residents are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles in nearby Bryson City. The office offers a full range of motor vehicle services and is accessible both in-person and online. For more information, residents can visit the official DMV website or contact the local office directly.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
199 Hemlock St, Bryson City, NC 28713
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.