Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Old Fort, NC
Considering a move to Old Fort, NC? This small community of about 1,300 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $180,000 and average rents near $825. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days and a short commute time of just 26 minutes. Crime rates are low, with only 210 violent crimes per 100k, and local schools provide solid student-teacher ratios. Old Fort is perfect for those seeking a quiet lifestyle, beautiful Blue Ridge scenery, and friendly, small-town charm.
Demographics - Old Fort, NC
Demographics - Old Fort, NC
Old Fort is a small town of about 1,300 residents, with a median age of 46.5 years and a population density of 630 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. This demographic makeup creates a friendly, close-knit environment ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
1,300
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
8.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Old Fort, NC?
The cost of living in Old Fort is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.2—well below the national average. Median home values are around $180,000, and average rents are $825, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility and transportation expenses, as well as low state income tax rates.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
97.6
Housing:
66.2
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
83.9
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Old Fort, NC a safe place to live?
Old Fort experiences low crime rates, with only 210 violent crimes and 1,780 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This provides a relatively safe environment, giving residents peace of mind and contributing to the town's appeal for families and retirees. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 476, further highlighting the community's safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,780
Crime Index:
1,990
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Old Fort, NC year-round?
Old Fort enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs around 85°F and cool winters with lows near 28°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it ideal for those who value outdoor activities and scenic beauty year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Old Fort have a median household income of $37,100 and a per capita income of $21,900, with about 17% living below the poverty line. The community features a high school graduation rate of 85.6% and an average commute time of 26 minutes, fostering a relaxed yet connected lifestyle. Public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town’s small size and car-friendly layout.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$37,100
Family Income:
$44,800
Per Capita Income:
$21,900
Income Male:
$29,200
Income Female:
$24,200
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Old Fort, NC?
Old Fort offers public education through Old Fort Elementary School, which maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.5 and serves around 450 students. While there are no private schools in town, residents are just 10 miles from McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, providing higher education and vocational training options nearby.
Public Schools
Name:
Old Fort Elementary School
Street:
128 Mauney Ave
Phone:
828-668-7646
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
McDowell Technical Community College
City:
Marion
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Old Fort residents have access to healthcare services including Mission Hospital McDowell just a short drive away, with emergency care available. The area offers 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 88% of residents have health insurance. The healthcare environment is sufficient for everyday needs and emergencies, providing reassurance for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mission Hospital McDowell
Address:
430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC 28752
Phone:
(828) 659-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Old Fort, NC?
Homebuyers will find Old Fort’s housing market appealing, with a median home price of $180,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 69%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $825 and a vacancy rate of 7.2%. The area has seen a 6.9% home appreciation rate over the past year, indicating a stable and growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles serves Old Fort residents, with the nearest branch located in Conover. Local drivers can access services online or by phone, making vehicle registration and licensing straightforward and convenient. For more information, residents can visit the official DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1105 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Conover, NC 28613
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.