Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spruce Pine, NC
Thinking of moving to Spruce Pine, NC? With a small-town vibe and a population just over 2,100, Spruce Pine offers affordable living—median home prices are around $164,000, and average rents are only $750. Residents enjoy quick commutes (under 20 minutes), beautiful mountain scenery, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, local schools and healthcare facilities serve the community well, making this a scenic and budget-friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Spruce Pine, NC
Demographics - Spruce Pine, NC
Spruce Pine is a close-knit mountain town with a population of just over 2,100 residents. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of nearly 46, and a balanced gender ratio. Around 7.5% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
2,116
Density:
1,016 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.5%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spruce Pine, NC?
With a cost of living index well below the national average, Spruce Pine is an affordable place to settle. Median home values are about $164,000 and average rents are $750, making housing especially budget-friendly. Utilities and everyday expenses are also generally lower compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
89.8
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Spruce Pine, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Spruce Pine are somewhat higher than the national average, with a 1 in 43 chance of property crime and a 1 in 453 chance of violent crime. While these statistics warrant attention, many residents still enjoy a small-town sense of community. Staying aware and taking common precautions can help ensure peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
221
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,320
Crime Index:
2,541
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 453
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Spruce Pine, NC year-round?
Spruce Pine experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 81°F and cool winters dipping to about 24°F. The area enjoys 62% sunny days each year and receives over 51 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate a temperate mountain climate.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Spruce Pine tend to have modest incomes, with a median household income around $38,000. The poverty rate is higher than average at 23.5%, but the area features short commutes and a strong sense of local connection. Most residents have at least a high school education, and unemployment remains relatively low.
Median Income:
$24,300
Household Income:
$38,150
Family Income:
$47,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$28,900
Income Female:
$21,600
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.4%
Education
How are the schools in Spruce Pine, NC?
Spruce Pine offers quality local schools, including Deyton Elementary, Harris Middle, and Mitchell High, all with favorable student-teacher ratios. Mayland Community College, located just 2 miles away, expands educational opportunities for residents of all ages. The town's schools are well-integrated into the community, supporting lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Deyton Elementary School
Street:
308 Harris St
Phone:
828-766-3340
Students:
308
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Harris Middle School
Street:
121 Harris St
Phone:
828-766-3348
Students:
246
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Name:
Mitchell High School
Street:
6585 NC Hwy 226 S
Phone:
828-766-3400
Students:
521
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Colleges
Name:
Mayland Community College
City:
Spruce Pine
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, offering general and emergency care in town. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 89% of residents insured, basic healthcare needs are well covered locally. The community's healthcare index indicates reliable medical services for a town of this size.
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spruce Pine, NC?
The Spruce Pine housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $164,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $750. Most residents own their homes, and property values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year. The area has a stable rental market and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Spruce Pine are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, offering licensing and registration support. Residents can access resources online or visit nearby field offices for their needs. The state DMV website provides up-to-date information on requirements and procedures.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2611 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson, NC 27893
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.