Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairplains, NC
Considering a move to Fairplains, NC? This friendly community of about 2,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $139,000 and rents averaging $730. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, easy commutes (22 minutes on average), and a pleasant climate with 63% sunny days. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Fairplains features access to local healthcare and schools, making it a practical choice for those seeking small-town North Carolina charm and value.
Demographics - Fairplains, NC
Demographics - Fairplains, NC
Fairplains is a small and close-knit community of around 2,000 residents, with a median age of 44.2 years and a balanced gender distribution. The population is predominantly White, with minorities making up just under 18%, and about 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This lends the area a welcoming yet traditional small-town feel.
Population:
2,000
Density:
380 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairplains, NC?
Living in Fairplains is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $139,000. Monthly rents are modest at $730, and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious movers. Utilities run close to the national average, so residents enjoy savings without major trade-offs.
Median House Value:
$139,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
66.3
Utilities:
102.4
Transportation:
87.2
Health Care:
96.1
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Fairplains, NC a safe place to live?
Fairplains experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with property crimes being more common than violent incidents. Residents face about a 1 in 43 chance of property crime and a 1 in 345 chance of violent crime, so it's important to stay security-conscious. Despite these figures, many find the community supportive and proactive in safety efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,320
Crime Index:
2,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairplains, NC year-round?
The climate in Fairplains features mild winters with lows around 28°F and warm summers peaking near 87°F. Residents enjoy a comfortable four-season environment, 63% sunny days, and ample rainfall averaging 47 inches per year. This weather encourages outdoor activities throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Fairplains' households typically earn a median income of about $42,900, with a relatively high poverty rate near 20%. Most residents commute roughly 22 minutes to work, and the area has a strong sense of community with low public transit usage. The education level is solid, with over 80% holding a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$42,900
Family Income:
$53,600
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$23,800
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.3%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fairplains, NC?
Fairplains offers access to quality education with public schools like North Wilkes Middle and Mulberry Elementary, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also has private school options and is located just six miles from Wilkes Community College, supporting both K–12 and higher education needs. This makes the city family-friendly and appealing to learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
North Wilkes Middle School
Street:
2776 Yellow Banks Rd
Phone:
336-903-6224
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Mulberry Elementary School
Street:
190 Mulberry School Rd
Phone:
336-667-4641
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Millers Creek Christian School
Street:
5100 Boone Trail
Phone:
336-838-2517
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Wilkes Community College
City:
Wilkesboro
State:
NC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Fairplains is anchored by Wilkes Medical Center, a general and surgical hospital with emergency services nearby. The community has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance. This ensures reliable care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilkes Medical Center
Address:
1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone:
(336) 651-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairplains, NC?
The housing market in Fairplains is affordable and stable, with median home prices at $139,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $730. Owner occupancy rates are high, and homes have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, making it appealing for both buyers and renters. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$139,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Fairplains are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office in Raleigh and comprehensive online resources available. The DMV provides all standard vehicle and licensing services. For more information, residents can visit the state's official DMV website.
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.