North Carolina / Burke County

Moving to Morganton, NC

Thinking of making a move to Morganton, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Morganton, NC

Considering a move to Morganton, NC? This welcoming community of 17,570 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $178,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Morganton's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Morganton, NC

Morganton has a population of 17,570 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 13% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Morganton is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.1. Median home values are around $178,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Morganton is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 318 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
50.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,200 and a low poverty rate of 16.3%. Over 83% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Morganton Day School and Walter R. Johnson Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Western Piedmont Community College and Appalachian State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UNC Health Blue Ridge - Morganton nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 90.9% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $178,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Morganton offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Morganton handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Hildebran. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
302 South Center Street, Hildebran, NC 28637
Phone
1-919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Morganton, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Morganton, review the core fields on this page: population 17,570, median home value $178,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 18.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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