Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Morganton, North Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 17,082 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (67% White). Given that fact, Morganton could be considered less diverse than other cities. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Morganton, only 49% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Morganton will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Morganton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Morganton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
The livability score in Morganton is 68/100 and the city is ranked in the 69th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Morganton ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Morganton does not score well for the following: amenities (D), crime (F), education (F) and employment (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Morganton, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Morganton has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that Morganton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Morganton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Morganton are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Morganton come in at $268,948, which is 7.1% lower than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Morganton, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 12.2% higher than the North Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Morganton | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.2% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.3% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.9% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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