Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Waccamaw, NC
Considering a move to Lake Waccamaw, NC? This lakeside town of 1,355 residents offers a relaxed pace, affordable housing (median home price around $212,000), and a cost of living well below the national average. Enjoy 65% sunny days a year and beautiful outdoor surroundings, with an average commute of 28.5 minutes. While crime rates are moderate, the community is close-knit, schools are small, and nearby healthcare options are available in Whiteville. Lake Waccamaw is perfect for those seeking peaceful living and easy access to nature.
Demographics - Lake Waccamaw, NC
Demographics - Lake Waccamaw, NC
Lake Waccamaw is a small, close-knit community of 1,355 residents, with a median age of 50.2, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White (77.5%), with a significant Black community (17%) and a low percentage of non-English speakers. With a population density of 340 per square mile, the area offers a peaceful lifestyle away from the crowds.
Population:
1,355
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.5%
Black:
17.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Waccamaw, NC?
Lake Waccamaw offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $212,000 and average rent around $850. The overall cost of living index is 85.6, making it significantly lower than the national average. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility costs and North Carolina’s flat state income tax rate of 5.25%.
Median House Value:
$212,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Lake Waccamaw, NC a safe place to live?
The town experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,850 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 475 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 54 chance of property crime. While safety is generally good, it’s wise for newcomers to be aware of their surroundings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Waccamaw, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy mild winters with lows around 34°F and warm summers reaching up to 90°F. The area receives over 50 inches of rain annually and boasts 65% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The climate supports a relaxed, lakeside lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Lake Waccamaw’s households have a median income of $52,000, with a family income of $63,000 and a poverty rate of 14.8%. Most neighbors are well-educated, as nearly 90% have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average about 28.5 minutes. The community is friendly and stable, with low public transportation usage and affordable housing options.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
28.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Waccamaw, NC?
Local students attend small public schools, including Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary and East Columbus Junior-Senior High, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Southeastern Community College in nearby Whiteville serves higher education needs and is just 13 miles away. The education system supports a family-oriented environment with accessible schooling options.
Public Schools
Name:
Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary School
Street:
121 School Rd, Hallsboro, NC 28442
Phone:
910-646-4092
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
East Columbus Junior-Senior High School
Street:
32 Gator Lane, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
Phone:
910-646-4092
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Colleges
Name:
Southeastern Community College
City:
Whiteville
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by Columbus Regional Healthcare System in nearby Whiteville, offering general and emergency services. The town has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage. Healthcare is accessible and reliable, making it suitable for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Columbus Regional Healthcare System
Address:
500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC 28472
Phone:
(910) 642-8011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Waccamaw, NC?
Lake Waccamaw features a stable housing market with a median home price of $212,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. Most homes are owner-occupied (77.3%), and the area has low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Home values have seen a modest annual appreciation of 3.1%, reflecting a healthy investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$212,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Whiteville at 307 Smith Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other essential DMV services locally or online. For assistance, the DMV can be reached at 1-919-715-7000 or through their official website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
307 Smith Ave, Whiteville, NC 28472
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.