Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Whittier, NC
Considering a move to Whittier, NC? This scenic small town of about 5,600 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $210,000 and average rents at $950. Crime rates are moderate, and the area enjoys a mild climate with 57% sunny days each year. Commute times average 27 minutes, and you'll find a strong sense of community, local schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Whittier is ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-friendly lifestyle at a lower cost of living.
Demographics - Whittier, NC
Demographics - Whittier, NC
Whittier, NC is a small community of about 5,600 people, with a median age of 47.3 and a diverse population that is predominantly White and Native American. The area maintains a near-even gender balance and a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a friendly and inclusive environment. Residents enjoy a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with low population density.
Population:
5,600
Density:
95 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.3%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Whittier, NC?
Living in Whittier is affordable, with median home values around $210,000 and average rents at $950—well below national averages. The overall cost of living index stands at 84.5, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Residents also benefit from moderate utility and transportation costs, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
71.1
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Whittier, NC a safe place to live?
Whittier experiences moderate crime rates, with about 216 violent crimes and 1,570 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 463, while property crime risk is 1 in 64. Overall, the community maintains a sense of safety typical for small towns in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
216
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,570
Crime Index:
1,786
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 463
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Whittier, NC year-round?
Residents of Whittier enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 27°F and summer highs reaching 83°F. The area receives about 53 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 57% sunny days, perfect for those who appreciate a mix of seasons and outdoor activities. The comfortable weather enhances Whittier’s appeal for nature lovers.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Whittier’s neighbors typically earn a median household income of $42,700, with about 19% living below the poverty line. Most residents commute roughly 27 minutes for work, and the area has an unemployment rate of 4.7%. The community is family-oriented, with high school graduation rates above 84% and a low percentage of public transport users.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$42,700
Family Income:
$53,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$30,800
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.1%
Education
How are the schools in Whittier, NC?
Families in Whittier have access to local public and private schools, such as Smokey Mountain Elementary and the Cherokee Boys Club School, both known for supportive learning environments and reasonable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University are within a 20-mile radius, offering a range of academic opportunities. The community values education, as reflected in its graduation rates and nearby college options.
Public Schools
Name:
Smokey Mountain Elementary School
Street:
884 US-441, Whittier, NC 28789
Phone:
828-497-5535
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cherokee Boys Club School
Street:
52 Cherokee Boys Club Loop, Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone:
828-497-9101
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Community College
City:
Sylva
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,700
Name:
Western Carolina University
City:
Cullowhee
State:
NC
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Local healthcare is anchored by two major hospitals—Swain Community Hospital and Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority—both offering emergency services within a short drive. There are approximately 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 88.4% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to care is reliable, with essential services nearby for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Swain Community Hospital
Address:
45 Plateau St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone:
(828) 488-2155
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
Address:
1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone:
(828) 497-9163
Type:
General & Tribal
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Whittier, NC?
Whittier’s housing market features a median home price of $210,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950, making homeownership attainable for many. About 74% of residents own their homes, and the area has seen healthy appreciation rates of over 6% in the past year. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Whittier residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Bryson City. The DMV offers a full range of services, including licensing and vehicle registration, with accessible customer support. Information and online services are available at the official North Carolina DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1832 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
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.