Is Goldsboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Goldsboro

Goldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, with a population of approximately 33,657 residents as of the 2020 census. The median age in Goldsboro is around 38.1 years. The city’s demographics show a racial composition of approximately 52.56% Black or African American and 35.48% White, with smaller percentages for other racial groups (as reported by World Population Review).

The cost of living in Goldsboro is approximately 8% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are also below the national average, with the median home price in Goldsboro being $197,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Goldsboro is around $1,344 per month, which is a slight decrease from the previous year (according to RentCafe).

Is it Safe to Live in Goldsboro?

Goldsboro’s crime rate is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. The city has a total crime rate of 6,940.0 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably higher than the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 residents (according to FBI data for 2024). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Goldsboro is approximately 1 in 96, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 18 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent offenses in Goldsboro include rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. The violent crime rate is reported at 1,076.4 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the national average. Goldsboro experiences one of the higher murder rates in the nation when compared with cities of all population sizes.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes in Goldsboro encompass burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The property crime rate is reported at 5,863.5 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average. Notably, Goldsboro has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation.

Climate in Goldsboro

Goldsboro experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is around 91°F, with an average low of 71°F. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 54°F and an average low of 34°F.

Temperature and Rainfall

Annual precipitation in Goldsboro averages about 52.53 inches. Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with a slight increase in the late summer and early fall. Light to moderate snowfall can occur in winter, though amounts vary significantly from year to year. The hottest part of the year is from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 82°F.

Economy and Job Market

The average annual salary in Goldsboro is approximately $46,734, which equates to about $22.47 per hour (as of April 2026). However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean hourly wage of $23.65 for the Goldsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area in May 2024. The unemployment rate in Goldsboro was 4.30% as of the latest report, which is lower than the long-term average (according to YCharts).

Major Employers

Key employment sectors in Goldsboro include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. Major employers in the area include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Wayne UNC Health Care, and Mount Olive Pickle Company. The diversity of these employers offers a range of job opportunities across various industries.

Housing Market

The median home price in Goldsboro was $197,000 in March 2026, showing a 10.2% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Goldsboro typically sell after about 80 days on the market, though this has been a faster process in previous years. The median rent for an apartment in Goldsboro is approximately $1,099 per month for a one-bedroom unit and around $1,141 for a two-bedroom unit (according to Apartments.com).

Home Prices and Trends

Goldsboro’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive. The median sale price per square foot is $119, which has seen a slight decrease year-over-year. While the median listing price is around $267.8K, the median sale price indicates a more moderate entry point for buyers.

Education in Goldsboro

Goldsboro, NC, is part of the Wayne County Public Schools district, which serves a large student population. Public schools in Goldsboro have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools (according to SchoolDigger). The average math proficiency score is 39% and the reading proficiency score is 38%, compared to statewide averages of 51% and 50% respectively (as reported by SchoolDigger).

School Performance

Top-ranked public schools in Goldsboro include Wayne Early/Middle College High School, Wayne School of Engineering, and Grantham Elementary School. However, there are notable disparities in academic performance among schools in the area. Schools with a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch tend to have lower test scores.

Demographics and Diversity

Goldsboro has a population of approximately 33,657 residents. The median age is 38.1 years, with 21.8% of residents under 18 and 19.5% aged 65 or older. The racial composition is primarily Black or African American (52.56%) and White (35.48%).

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Goldsboro is relatively stable, with a slight annual growth rate. The age distribution shows a balanced mix of younger and older residents, with about 18.8% under 15 and 18.6% aged 65 or older. Approximately 94.4% of the population are U.S.-born citizens.

Pros and Cons of Living in Goldsboro

Goldsboro offers a lower cost of living and housing prices compared to the national average, making it an affordable option for many. The city has a diverse economy with employment opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The climate is humid subtropical, providing warm summers and cool winters.

However, Goldsboro faces significant challenges with its high crime rates, which are considerably above national and state averages. The public school system’s performance is also below the state average, indicating areas for improvement in educational outcomes. While housing prices are lower than the national average, the median home price has seen an increase in recent years.