Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gilkey, NC
Thinking of moving to Gilkey, NC? This friendly rural community of about 850 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $148,000 and typical rents at $720. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, commute times under 30 minutes, and plenty of sunny days. While the cost of living is well below national averages, you'll find local schools, access to healthcare, and a strong sense of community. If you're seeking a quiet lifestyle with easy access to the outdoors, Gilkey is a great fit.
Demographics - Gilkey, NC
Demographics - Gilkey, NC
Gilkey, NC is a small rural community with a population of about 850, featuring a median age of 43 and a predominantly White demographic. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit feel, with a small percentage of non-English speakers adding to its diversity.
Population:
850
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gilkey, NC?
The cost of living in Gilkey is well below the national average, with a median home value of $148,000 and average rents around $720 per month. Residents benefit from affordable housing, moderate utility costs, and reasonable state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
69.8
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Gilkey, NC a safe place to live?
Gilkey experiences relatively low crime, with violent crime rates much lower than in larger cities and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Residents generally enjoy a safe and peaceful environment, ideal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Gilkey, NC year-round?
Gilkey offers four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 28°F and warm summers with highs near 89°F. The area enjoys about 62% sunny days annually and receives close to 48 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Gilkey enjoy a median household income of $51,700 and a family income of nearly $60,000, with a poverty rate of 13.8%. The community values education—over 80% have completed high school—and most people commute roughly 28 minutes for work.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$51,700
Family Income:
$59,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.9%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Gilkey, NC?
Gilkey offers access to well-rated public schools, including Rutherfordton Elementary and East Rutherford Middle, as well as private education at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Higher education is available nearby at Isothermal Community College, just 14 miles away, giving families a range of learning options.
Public Schools
Name:
Rutherfordton Elementary School
Street:
201 Green St
Phone:
828-287-3778
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
East Rutherford Middle School
Street:
259 E Church St
Phone:
828-245-3750
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Street:
2527 US Hwy 221A
Phone:
828-657-9998
Students:
1,350
Colleges
Name:
Isothermal Community College
City:
Spindale
State:
NC
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Gilkey residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby major hospitals like Rutherford Regional Health System and Atrium Health Cleveland. With nearly 88% health insurance coverage and a decent physician-to-resident ratio, medical needs are well supported in the area.
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
Name:
Atrium Health Cleveland
Address:
201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150
Phone:
(980) 487-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gilkey, NC?
Gilkey's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $148,000 and over three-quarters of homes being owner-occupied. The community experiences steady home appreciation and a healthy rental vacancy rate, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Raleigh and a helpful website for online transactions. The DMV provides essential resources for licensing, registration, and other transportation 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.