Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Haw River, NC
Considering a move to Haw River, NC? This small town of about 2,400 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $187,000 and average rents near $965. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year and short commutes averaging 22 minutes. While crime rates are moderate, Haw River boasts a friendly community, access to nearby colleges, and a relaxed pace of life—making it a great fit for those seeking affordability and small-town charm.
Demographics - Haw River, NC
Demographics - Haw River, NC
Haw River is home to approximately 2,400 residents, offering a balanced mix of ages with a median age of 38.7 years and a fairly even gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with significant Black and Hispanic populations, and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives the town a comfortable, small-town feel.
Population:
2,400
Density:
1,080 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.5%
Black:
18.8%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
17.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Haw River, NC?
Living in Haw River is affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.1—well below the national average. Median home values are around $187,000 and average monthly rents are $965, making housing especially budget-friendly. Utilities and transportation costs also remain reasonable, contributing to the area’s appeal for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$187,000
Gross Rent:
$965
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$395
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
92.3
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Haw River, NC a safe place to live?
Haw River experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 260 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,150 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 384, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 46. Residents generally find the town safe, though it’s wise to take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 384
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Haw River, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters that rarely dip below 29°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring comfortable spring and fall temperatures.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
50°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Haw River’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $48,700 and a family income of $55,400, with a poverty rate of 14.6%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and the unemployment rate is a relatively low 4.1%. The community is primarily English-speaking, with a small percentage of non-English speakers and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$55,400
Per Capita Income:
$23,300
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$965
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Haw River, NC?
Families in Haw River benefit from access to local public schools such as Haw River Elementary and Graham High School, both offering manageable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to higher education, including Alamance Community College and Elon University within a short drive, make the area supportive for lifelong learning. The community’s educational attainment is solid, with over 83% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Haw River Elementary School
Street:
701 E Main St
Phone:
336-578-0177
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Graham High School
Street:
903 Trollinger Rd, Graham, NC
Phone:
336-570-6700
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Burlington Christian Academy
Street:
621 E Sixth St, Burlington, NC
Phone:
336-227-0288
Students:
640

Colleges
Name:
Elon University
City:
Elon
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Alamance Community College
City:
Graham
State:
NC
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Haw River is supported by facilities like Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center nearby, and residents benefit from a physician density of 2.2 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 87%, ensuring most people can access needed care. The area’s healthcare index of 79.1 indicates reliable services for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center
Address:
1240 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
Phone:
(336) 538-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Haw River, NC?
The housing market in Haw River is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $187,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $965. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and the vacancy rate for rentals is 8.1%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates add to the market’s stability.
Median Home Price:
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$965
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Haw River residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Raleigh and accessible via the state DMV website. Local services include vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential motor vehicle needs. The DMV provides support through its phone line and online resources for easy access.
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.