North CarolinaPop. 210,815Mid-size cities
Is Fayetteville a Good Place to Live? Fayetteville, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fayetteville ranks #1144 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($188,000, #27 of 256) and short commutes (19.1 min, #34 of 256), and trails on low household income ($58,407, #216 of 256) and high violent crime (614 per 100,000, #187 of 235).
Fayetteville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fayetteville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's cost of living index is 92, 8% below the US level of 100 and #322 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,250/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,044, 33% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Fayetteville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92#322 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $224,044#186 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,367/mo#226 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $188,000#193 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,250/mo#483 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fayetteville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fayetteville is in the Fayetteville, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Fayetteville safe?
Fayetteville recorded 614 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 86% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #920 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #187 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fayetteville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,828 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fayetteville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 614#920 of 1,085 | 330 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,828#921 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fayetteville?
The median household in Fayetteville earns $58,407, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fayetteville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $58,407#1079 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 17.7%#1025 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fayetteville?
The median resident of Fayetteville is 30.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 30.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29%#834 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fayetteville's schools and health?
Fayetteville's 55 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,007 spent per pupil. 40.4% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fayetteville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,007#960 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.4%#1140 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 31,719 students are enrolled in Fayetteville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fayetteville?
The average commute in Fayetteville is 19.1 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 7.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fayetteville scores 7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.9°F and winters 45.8°F, with 44.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fayetteville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.1% | 71.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6.7% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.7% | 15.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7#1236 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54 | 34 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 36.2 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 65.3 | 42.3 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 50.8 | 3.2 |
| May | 82.1 | 59.7 | 3.1 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 68.2 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 71.9 | 5 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 70.2 | 5.4 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 64.6 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 74.8 | 52.9 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 64.9 | 42.3 | 3 |
| Dec | 56.8 | 36.3 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fayetteville Rgnl Airport Grannis F.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 63°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fayetteville Rgnl Airport Grannis F.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fayetteville?
Cumberland County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cumberland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.13%#476 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cumberland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cumberland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.029% | 83% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0017% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0048% | 65% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 42% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0062% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 33% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fayetteville compare with similar-size cities?
Fayetteville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #213 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 210,815.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #1043 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 | 35.5 min |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #170 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #262 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #917 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 | 20.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fayetteville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Fayetteville ranks #21 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.8 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 21% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 86% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Fayetteville's score calculated?
Fayetteville scores 46.8 out of 100, #1144 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fayetteville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
47.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fayetteville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
52.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fayetteville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
79.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 51.2.
33.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fayetteville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
31.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
58.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fayetteville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fayetteville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fayetteville
Is Fayetteville, NC a good place to live?
Fayetteville ranks #1144 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($188,000, #27 of 256) and short commutes (19.1 min, #34 of 256), and trails on low household income ($58,407, #216 of 256) and high violent crime (614 per 100,000, #187 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's cost of living index is 92, 8% below the US level of 100 and #322 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,250/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,044, 33% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville recorded 614 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 86% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #920 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #187 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fayetteville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,828 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fayetteville?
The median household in Fayetteville earns $58,407, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fayetteville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,250/mo (Census), #483 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,367/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fayetteville?
The typical home value in Fayetteville is $224,044, up 0.3% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $188,000.
How are the public schools in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's 55 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,007 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fayetteville?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville averages 63°F over the year, 79.9°F in summer and 45.8°F in winter, with 44.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fayetteville walkable?
Fayetteville scores 7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fayetteville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cumberland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fayetteville?
Cumberland County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville has 210,815 residents. The median resident of Fayetteville is 30.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fayetteville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Fayetteville ranks #21 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 46.8 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 21% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 86% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Fayetteville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fayetteville's population of 210,815 are Cape Coral, FL (#967 overall), Des Moines, IA (#879 overall), Moreno Valley, CA (#1043 overall), McKinney, TX (#170 overall), and Yonkers, NY (#262 overall). Fayetteville is #1144.