Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Penland, NC
Considering a move to Penland, NC? With a cozy community of around 250 residents, Penland offers affordable living, with median home prices at $175,000 and average rents near $830. Enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle with low crime rates, short 23-minute average commutes, and easy access to outdoor beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Schools are small and personal, while the mild climate features nearly 56% sunny days a year. Explore life in Penland if you’re seeking tranquility, affordability, and mountain charm.
Demographics - Penland, NC
Demographics - Penland, NC
Penland is a small, close-knit community of about 250 residents, with a median age of 47.2, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, and the low population density contributes to its quiet, rural character. A small percentage of non-English speakers and a balanced gender ratio add to the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
250
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Penland, NC?
Living costs in Penland are notably affordable, with a median home value of $175,000 and an average rent of $830. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing, utilities, and everyday expenses. State taxes remain steady at 5.25%, supporting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$960
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
69.4
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Penland, NC a safe place to live?
Penland experiences low crime rates compared to national averages, offering residents a sense of safety with just 210 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of encountering property crime is also relatively low, at 1 in 74. This makes Penland a reassuring choice for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,340
Crime Index:
1,550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Penland, NC year-round?
Penland enjoys a mild, four-season climate with comfortable summers averaging highs of 81°F and winters rarely dipping below 24°F. The area receives about 50 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 56% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can expect a pleasant mix of seasonal changes without extreme weather.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Penland’s residents typically earn a median household income of $42,000, with a poverty rate of 15.2%. Most neighbors commute about 23 minutes to work, and the community values education, as over 83% have completed high school. The town’s low unemployment rate and strong homeownership foster a stable and friendly environment.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$28,200
Income Female:
$26,100
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.4%
Education
How are the schools in Penland, NC?
Penland families benefit from small, supportive public schools like Deyton Elementary and Harris Middle, both located in neighboring Spruce Pine and offering low student-teacher ratios. The area is also served by Mayland Community College, just four miles away, providing higher education opportunities. This combination supports students from early years through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Deyton Elementary School
Street:
308 Harris St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone:
828-766-3340
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Harris Middle School
Street:
121 Harris St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone:
828-766-3690
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Colleges
Name:
Mayland Community College
City:
Spruce Pine
State:
NC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Penland is supported by facilities like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital located nearby, offering general and emergency services. There are about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 87.5%. This ensures reliable access to medical care for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Address:
125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone:
(828) 765-4201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Penland, NC?
Penland’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 76%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $830 and a modest vacancy rate. Home values are appreciating, signaling a healthy real estate market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Penland can access DMV services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Spruce Pine. Services include licensing, registration, and other vehicle-related needs, with a convenient location and online resources available. This ensures easy access for all transportation documentation needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
307 Pine Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone:
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.