North CarolinaPop. 301,198Big cities
Is Greensboro a Good Place to Live? Greensboro, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Greensboro ranks #1019 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 53 big cities and #16 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #10 of 53) and low living costs (92.9, #12 of 53), and trails on low household income ($61,515, #42 of 53).
Greensboro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Greensboro'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 Greensboro?
Greensboro's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,172/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,264, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Greensboro | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $263,264#278 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,392/mo#249 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $244,800#379 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,172/mo#410 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Greensboro 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. Greensboro is in the Greensboro-High Point, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Greensboro safe?
Greensboro recorded 702 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #967 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greensboro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,980 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Greensboro | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 702#967 of 1,085 | 330 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,980#950 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Greensboro?
The median household in Greensboro earns $61,515, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 17% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Greensboro | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $61,515#1013 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 17%#983 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Greensboro?
The median resident of Greensboro is 34.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #443 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Greensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 41%#443 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 50.5% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Greensboro's schools and health?
Greensboro's 67 public schools graduate 89.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,567 spent per pupil. 39.1% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Greensboro | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 89.1%#452 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $12,567#868 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 39.1%#1069 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 36,793 students are enrolled in Greensboro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Greensboro?
The average commute in Greensboro is 21.7 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1.8% of workers take transit and 13.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Greensboro scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.2°F and winters 41.7°F, with 44 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Greensboro | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.2%#602 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 72.1% | 71.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 0.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.2% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 13.8% | 15.4% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 8.3#982 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 49.3 | 30.1 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 53.3 | 32.7 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 61.3 | 39.3 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 71 | 47.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 78 | 57.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 85.2 | 65.4 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 88.5 | 69.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.6 | 68 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 61.5 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 71 | 49.4 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 60.6 | 38.9 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 52 | 33 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greensboro Airport.
| Measure | Greensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 59.6°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 77.2°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 41.7°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 44 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greensboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Greensboro?
Guilford County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% 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 Guilford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Greensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.12%#377 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Guilford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Guilford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0065% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0038% | 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 Greensboro compare with similar-size cities?
Greensboro is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 301,198.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 min |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #239 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 | 24.7 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 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 Greensboro compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Greensboro ranks #16 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 17% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Greensboro's score calculated?
Greensboro scores 49.7 out of 100, #1019 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Greensboro. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Greensboro's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
40.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Greensboro. Similar-size median 54.8.
44.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Greensboro's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Greensboro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
77.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Greensboro. Similar-size median 47.2.
35.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Greensboro. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Greensboro. Similar-size median 53.7.
52.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Greensboro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
66.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Greensboro's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Greensboro 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 Greensboro
Is Greensboro, NC a good place to live?
Greensboro ranks #1019 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 53 big cities and #16 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #10 of 53) and low living costs (92.9, #12 of 53), and trails on low household income ($61,515, #42 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Greensboro?
Greensboro's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,172/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,264, 21% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Greensboro?
Greensboro recorded 702 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #967 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greensboro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,980 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Greensboro?
The median household in Greensboro earns $61,515, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 17% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Greensboro?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,172/mo (Census), #410 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,392/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Greensboro?
The typical home value in Greensboro is $263,264, up 0% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $244,800.
How are the public schools in Greensboro?
Greensboro's 67 public schools graduate 89.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,567 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Greensboro?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 5.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Greensboro?
Greensboro averages 59.6°F over the year, 77.2°F in summer and 41.7°F in winter, with 44 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Greensboro walkable?
Greensboro scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Greensboro at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Guilford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Greensboro?
Guilford County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Greensboro?
Greensboro has 301,198 residents. The median resident of Greensboro is 34.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #443 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Greensboro compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Greensboro ranks #16 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 17% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Greensboro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Greensboro's population of 301,198 are Irvine, CA (#239 overall), Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall), St. Paul, MN (#508 overall), Pittsburgh, PA (#364 overall), and Lincoln, NE (#390 overall). Greensboro is #1019.