Cooleemee, NC
Population 984 · North Carolina
About Cooleemee, NC
Cooleemee is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 984 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,135 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cooleemee features a median home value of $134,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cooleemee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $964, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 490 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (307 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (104 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cooleemee shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cooleemee have an average one-way commute time of 32.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Cooleemee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.3% White, 16.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cooleemee, NC
Compared to national averages, Cooleemee has a median household income of $49,135 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,200, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $964 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Cooleemee's income is 24% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 41% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Cooleemee, NC?
Cooleemee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $964/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,135) that falls below the national average. However, Cooleemee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cooleemee has a population of 984 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Cooleemee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cooleemee
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maysville | 982 | $57,969 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Brunswick | 981 | $28,542 | $83,900 | Compare |
| Patterson Springs | 980 | $55,625 | $116,000 | Compare |
| Castle Hayne | 978 | $69,729 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Barker Ten Mile | 976 | $77,841 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Manns Harbor | 972 | $27,087 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Rowland | 972 | $31,667 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Woodlawn | 996 | $74,712 | $278,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cooleemee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooleemee
What is the population of Cooleemee, NC?
The population of Cooleemee, NC is 984 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Cooleemee?
The median household income in Cooleemee, NC is $49,135 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cooleemee?
The median home value in Cooleemee, NC is $134,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cooleemee?
The median monthly rent in Cooleemee, NC is $964, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cooleemee?
The unemployment rate in Cooleemee, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cooleemee, NC a good place to live?
Cooleemee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 984 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cooleemee, NC?
17.0% of residents in Cooleemee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cooleemee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cooleemee, NC: median home value is $134,200 (45% below national), median rent is $964/month, and median household income is $49,135. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cooleemee?
The poverty rate in Cooleemee, NC is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cooleemee, NC?
Cooleemee's population is 4.3% White, 16.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 10.4% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.