Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Raeford, NC
Considering a move to Raeford, NC? This friendly city of about 5,400 has a small-town feel with affordable living: median home prices are $184,000 and average rent is just $910. Residents enjoy warm summers, 63% sunny days a year, and a manageable 25-minute average commute. While crime rates are above the national average, Raeford offers access to local healthcare, nearby colleges, and schools, making it a practical choice for families and those seeking value in North Carolina.
Demographics - Raeford, NC
Demographics - Raeford, NC
Raeford, NC is a diverse small city of about 5,375 residents, with a median age of 33 and a blend of White (34%), Black (39%), and other ethnic groups. The population density provides a close-knit suburban atmosphere, and around 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
5,375
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
34.2%
Black:
38.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
26.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Raeford, NC?
Raeford offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $184,000 and average rent at $910. The overall cost of living index is below the U.S. average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$184,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
100.8
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
96.2
Crime
Is Raeford, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Raeford are higher than the national average, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. Residents have a 1 in 38 chance of experiencing property crime and a 1 in 256 chance for violent crime, so it's wise to consider safety when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,600
Crime Index:
2,990
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Raeford, NC year-round?
Residents of Raeford enjoy mild winters, warm summers with highs up to 90°F, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city sees about 47.6 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine around 63% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible most days.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The community in Raeford has a median household income of $44,200 and a poverty rate of 24.4%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and commutes average around 25 minutes, reflecting a working-class, family-oriented environment.
Median Income:
$23,900
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$18,400
Income Male:
$30,600
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
24.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
6.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Raeford, NC?
Raeford provides a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Hoke County High School and West Hoke Middle School with student-teacher ratios around 16:1. Private schooling options and proximity to colleges such as Fayetteville Technical Community College and UNC Pembroke, both within 30 miles, add to the city’s appeal for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Hoke County High School
Street:
505 S Bethel Rd
Phone:
910-875-2156
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
West Hoke Middle School
Street:
200 NC-211
Phone:
910-875-3411
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
The Academy of Excellence
Street:
3485 Fayetteville Rd
Phone:
910-875-8607
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Fayetteville Technical Community College
City:
Fayetteville
State:
NC
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
27,000
Name:
UNC Pembroke
City:
Pembroke
State:
NC
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
8,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Raeford is supported by local facilities such as FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Hoke Campus, with 87.9% of residents having health insurance. There are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring access to essential medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Hoke Campus
Address:
6408 Fayetteville Rd, Raeford, NC 28376
Phone:
(910) 878-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.9%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Raeford, NC?
The housing market in Raeford is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $184,000 and a nearly even split between renters and homeowners. Home values have appreciated by about 3% in the past year, and the rental vacancy rate is below 7%.
Median Home Price:
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services locally at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office on Fayetteville Road, which offers vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. The office is conveniently located in the city for Raeford residents.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1802 Fayetteville Rd, Raeford, NC 28376
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.