Cullowhee, NC
Population 7,300 · North Carolina
About Cullowhee, NC
Cullowhee is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 7,300 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,076 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.9 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 Cullowhee features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cullowhee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $836, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,267 total housing units, 8% are owner-occupied (152 units) and 92% are renter-occupied (1,811 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cullowhee shows an unemployment rate of 13.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 51.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cullowhee have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.4% of Cullowhee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cullowhee, NC
Compared to national averages, Cullowhee has a median household income of $35,076 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $836 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Cullowhee's income is 46% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 100% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Cullowhee, NC?
Cullowhee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $836/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,076) that falls below the national average. However, Cullowhee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cullowhee has a population of 7,300 with a median age of 20.9 years. Compare Cullowhee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cullowhee
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King | 7,345 | $60,451 | $227,500 | Compare |
| Forest City | 7,368 | $35,897 | $142,100 | Compare |
| Mills River | 7,214 | $88,359 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Porters Neck | 7,102 | $115,417 | $525,100 | Compare |
| Trinity | 7,066 | $80,349 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Marion | 7,594 | $44,472 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Oak Ridge | 7,660 | $140,583 | $523,500 | Compare |
| St. James | 6,901 | $113,670 | $599,300 | 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 Cullowhee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cullowhee
What is the population of Cullowhee, NC?
The population of Cullowhee, NC is 7,300 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Cullowhee?
The median household income in Cullowhee, NC is $35,076 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cullowhee?
The median home value in Cullowhee, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cullowhee?
The median monthly rent in Cullowhee, NC is $836, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cullowhee?
The unemployment rate in Cullowhee, NC is 13.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cullowhee, NC a good place to live?
Cullowhee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,300 and a median age of 20.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cullowhee, NC?
29.4% of residents in Cullowhee 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 Cullowhee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cullowhee, NC: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $836/month, and median household income is $35,076. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cullowhee?
The poverty rate in Cullowhee, NC is 51.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cullowhee, NC?
Cullowhee's population is 7.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.