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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Morganton and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Morganton before you move.

Moving Help for Your Morganton, NC Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Morganton move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Morganton, NC Piano Movers Morganton, NC Cheap Movers Morganton, NC Small Movers Morganton, NC Apartment Movers Morganton, NC Long Distance Movers Morganton, NC

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Morganton, NC

Considering a move to Morganton, NC? This welcoming community of 16,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $225,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% 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 16,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 16% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
16,700
Density
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age
40.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.0%
Black
15.8%
Asian
2.0%
Others
10.2%

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 88.6. Median home values are around $225,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$225,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
88.6
Grocery
94.1
Housing
79.8
Utilities
96.5
Transportation
90.7
Health Care
92.4
Miscellaneous
90.2

Crime

Is Morganton, NC a safe place to live?

Morganton is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 365 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. 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
365
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,515
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 274
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in Morganton, NC year-round?

Morganton experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 30°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
30°F
Max
50°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,000 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$58,000
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$30,000
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
13.2%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
22.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.1%
Bachelors or More
18.9%

Education

How are the schools in Morganton, NC?

Morganton offers quality education options, with public schools like Morganton Elementary School and Walter 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Morganton Elementary School
Street
1100 S Sterling St
Phone
828-438-6330
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Walter Johnson Middle School
Street
2145 Hwy 181 N
Phone
828-437-0431
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Glen Alpine Elementary School
Street
106 2nd Ave
Phone
828-584-3667
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Western Piedmont Community College
City
Morganton
State
NC
Distance
2 miles
Students
3,000
Name
Lenoir-Rhyne University
City
Hickory
State
NC
Distance
22 miles
Students
2,600

Healthcare

Morganton residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UNC Health Blue Ridge – Morganton and UNC Health Blue Ridge – Valdese nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.1% 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
Name
UNC Health Blue Ridge – Valdese
Address
720 Malcom Blvd, Valdese, NC 28690
Phone
(828) 874-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.1%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Morganton, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $225,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Morganton offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Morganton handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. 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
Motor Vehicle Division, 1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
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 16,700, median home value $225,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 22.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

Ready to Move to Morganton, NC?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes