North CarolinaPop. 92,857Smaller cities
Is Greenville a Good Place to Live? Greenville, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Greenville ranks #1026 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #429 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.4, #31 of 524) and low rents ($1,007/mo, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($49,748, #506 of 524) and high poverty (24.6%, #495 of 524).
Greenville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Greenville'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 Greenville?
Greenville's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,007/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $237,040, 29% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Greenville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88.4#145 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $237,040#214 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,428/mo#283 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $233,500#338 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,007/mo#223 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.3%#924 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Greenville 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. Greenville is in the Greenville, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Greenville safe?
Greenville recorded 449 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #782 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #349 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greenville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,368 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Greenville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 449#782 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,368#823 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $49,748, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Greenville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $49,748#1234 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 24.6%#1229 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Greenville?
The median resident of Greenville is 27.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 39.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #486 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 32.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 27.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 39.1%#486 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 32.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Greenville's schools and health?
Greenville's 14 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,355 spent per pupil. 39.1% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Greenville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,355#895 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.1%#1069 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.3%#1089 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.2%#679 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,114 students are enrolled in Greenville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Greenville?
The average commute in Greenville is 18.8 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Greenville scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79°F and winters 45°F, with 53.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Greenville | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.8 min#245 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.9% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.3% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 53.2 | 33 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 56.9 | 34.9 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 64 | 41.1 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 73.5 | 50 | 3.8 |
| May | 80.5 | 58.8 | 4 |
| Jun | 87.4 | 67.2 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 90.4 | 71.3 | 5.9 |
| Aug | 88.4 | 69.7 | 6 |
| Sep | 83.1 | 64.2 | 7.3 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 51.9 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 64.2 | 41.2 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 56.4 | 35.4 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 79°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 45°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 53.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Greenville?
Pitt County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 88% 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 Pitt County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#913 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Pitt County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pitt County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.07% | 88% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 39% 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 Greenville compare with similar-size cities?
Greenville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #429 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,857.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Carson City, CAPop. 92,871 | #860 | 52.3 | $108,703 | $1,956/mo | 436 | 27.5 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #58 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #74 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 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 Greenville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Greenville ranks #17 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 33% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Greenville's score calculated?
Greenville scores 49.6 out of 100, #1026 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 Greenville. Similar-size median 55.5.
38.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Greenville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
61.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Greenville. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Greenville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Greenville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
82.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Greenville. Similar-size median 56.1.
16.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Greenville. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Greenville. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Greenville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
48.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Greenville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Greenville 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 Greenville
Is Greenville, NC a good place to live?
Greenville ranks #1026 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #429 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.4, #31 of 524) and low rents ($1,007/mo, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($49,748, #506 of 524) and high poverty (24.6%, #495 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Greenville?
Greenville's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,007/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $237,040, 29% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Greenville?
Greenville recorded 449 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #782 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #349 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Greenville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,368 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $49,748, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Greenville?
Median rent in Greenville is $1,007/mo (Census), #223 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,428/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Greenville?
The typical home value in Greenville is $237,040, up 1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $233,500.
How are the public schools in Greenville?
Greenville's 14 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,355 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Greenville?
The average commute is 18.8 minutes, #245 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Greenville?
Greenville averages 62.1°F over the year, 79°F in summer and 45°F in winter, with 53.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Greenville walkable?
Greenville scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Greenville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pitt County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Greenville?
Pitt County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Greenville?
Greenville has 92,857 residents. The median resident of Greenville is 27.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 39.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #486 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 32.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Greenville compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Greenville ranks #17 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 33% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Greenville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Greenville's population of 92,857 are O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall), Carson City, CA (#860 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), Kirkland, WA (#58 overall), and Roswell, GA (#74 overall). Greenville is #1026.