Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Morganton, NC
Thinking of moving to Morganton, NC? With a friendly population of around 17,570 and affordable median home prices near $178,000, Morganton offers a low cost of living and short average commutes of 19 minutes. Enjoy mild seasons, 62% sunny days, and access to local healthcare at UNC Health Blue Ridge. While property crime rates are slightly above the national average, the city’s community feel, reasonable rents, and local schools make Morganton a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Morganton, NC
Demographics - Morganton, NC
Morganton is a small city of about 17,570 residents, with a median age of 41.6 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, but also includes significant Black, Asian, and other minority populations. Around 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
17,570
Density:
1,290 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.2%
Black:
12.7%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
10.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Morganton, NC?
Morganton offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $178,000 and average rents around $850. The city's cost of living index is well below the national average, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities particularly budget-friendly. State income tax is a flat 5.25%, helping families manage their finances.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
95.6
Housing:
67.3
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Morganton, NC a safe place to live?
While Morganton experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 41 chance annually, violent crime remains relatively uncommon at 1 in 314. The overall crime index suggests residents should take typical precautions but can expect a generally safe environment. Community policing and engagement contribute to neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
318
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,440
Crime Index:
2,758
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 314
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Morganton, NC year-round?
Morganton enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging highs of 48°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 62% of the year. This pleasant climate is ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in Morganton is $48,200, and the area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 19 minutes. Public transportation use is minimal, with most people relying on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$57,700
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$41,400
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
16.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Morganton, NC?
Morganton offers a mix of public, private, and charter schools, including Morganton Day School and Walter R. Johnson Middle School, as well as access to Western Piedmont Community College. Class sizes are manageable, supporting personalized learning. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Appalachian State University less than an hour away.
Public Schools
Name:
Morganton Day School
Street:
305 W Concord St
Phone:
828-437-6782
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Walter R. Johnson Middle School
Street:
701 Lenoir Rd
Phone:
828-430-7340
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
New Dimensions Charter School
Street:
550 Lenoir Rd
Phone:
828-437-5753
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
Western Piedmont Community College
City:
Morganton
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
20,600
Healthcare
Morganton residents benefit from access to healthcare services at UNC Health Blue Ridge, a full-service hospital with emergency care. The city has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. The local healthcare index reflects quality services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Health Blue Ridge - Morganton
Address:
2201 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655
Phone:
(828) 580-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.9%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Morganton, NC?
The housing market in Morganton is accessible, with a median home price of $178,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $850. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen healthy home appreciation rates in recent years. Rental vacancies are moderate, giving newcomers options for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Morganton are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at a nearby office in Hildebran. Residents can access licensing, vehicle registration, and other services both in person and online. The DMV is conveniently located within a short drive from the city center.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
302 South Center Street, Hildebran, NC 28637
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.