Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Washington, NC
Thinking of moving to Washington, NC? This charming city of about 9,875 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents near $790. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, short average commutes of under 20 minutes, and access to quality healthcare at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. While property crime rates are above national average, Washington boasts a small-town feel, scenic riverfront, and proximity to local colleges—making it an inviting option for those seeking value and a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Washington, NC
Demographics - Washington, NC
Washington, NC is a small city with a population of around 9,875, featuring a diverse community where over half identify as White and about 42% as Black. The median age is 44, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio with slightly more females. Its moderate population density and multicultural makeup provide a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
9,875
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
44
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.4%
Black:
42.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Washington, NC?
The cost of living in Washington is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 82.3 and median home values around $162,000. Residents benefit from relatively low rents averaging $790 and reasonable utility costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. State income tax is a flat 4.75%, further supporting financial stability.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
56.7
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
80.5
Health Care:
96.4
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Washington, NC a safe place to live?
Residents in Washington experience a higher property crime rate than the national average, with a 1 in 36 chance, but violent crime remains less frequent at 340 incidents per 100,000 people. While it's important to remain vigilant, the city still offers a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. Community-oriented policing efforts help maintain public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,740
Crime Index:
3,080
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Washington, NC year-round?
Washington enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows in the 30s and summer highs reaching the upper 80s. The city sees about 50 inches of annual rainfall and benefits from 62% of days being sunny, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct but generally comfortable year-round.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Washington typically earn a median income of about $38,900, with a poverty rate of 25.8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commuting is easy with an average travel time of under 19 minutes. The community is friendly and diverse, though public transportation usage is limited.
Median Income:
$24,600
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$33,700
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
25.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.3%
Education
How are the schools in Washington, NC?
Washington offers a range of educational options, including public schools with student-teacher ratios around 15:1 and access to local private institutions. Beaufort County Community College is just two miles away, while East Carolina University in Greenville expands higher education opportunities within a short drive. Families benefit from diverse and convenient schooling choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Eastern Elementary School
Street:
947 Hudnell St
Phone:
252-946-1611
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Washington High School
Street:
400 Slatestone Rd
Phone:
252-946-0858
Students:
860
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Pungo Christian Academy
Street:
983 W Main St, Belhaven
Phone:
252-943-2205
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
Beaufort County Community College
City:
Washington
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
East Carolina University
City:
Greenville
State:
NC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Washington is anchored by ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, which offers general, surgical, and emergency services. The city has a physician rate of nearly 2 per 1,000 residents, and about 88% of the population has health insurance. Access to essential medical care is reliable for both families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
ECU Health Beaufort Hospital
Address:
628 E 12th St, Washington, NC 27889
Phone:
(252) 975-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Washington, NC?
Washington's housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $162,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $790. About half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area enjoys a stable appreciation rate of 4.2% annually. The housing supply is healthy, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Washington are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Greenville. The DMV provides all licensing, registration, and vehicle-related services, and more information can be found on the official state DMV website. Access to necessary driving and identification documentation is straightforward.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
242 Spring Forest Rd, Greenville, NC 27834
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.