Is Lumberton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lumberton
Lumberton, North Carolina, offers a blend of Southern charm and developing urban amenities. Situated on the Lumber River, the city has a history rooted in its strategic importance as a shipping point for lumber used by the Navy. Today, it serves as a county seat and a growing community within the state’s Inner Banks region.
The city’s development has seen significant growth, particularly in the post-World War II era. While its past is tied to the natural resources of the Lumber River, its present and future are shaped by a diverse economy and a community focused on progress. Lumberton provides a unique living experience for those seeking a balance between a slower pace of life and access to essential services and opportunities.
Is it Safe to Live in Lumberton?
Lumberton faces challenges regarding its crime rates, which are significantly higher than the national average. The city experiences an overall crime rate that is 448.34% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1677 per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that residents have a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Lumberton.
Property crime rates are also concerning, with 9944 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is 465% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, motor vehicle theft rates are notably high compared to communities of all sizes nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While these statistics paint a stark picture, it’s important to note that crime levels can vary by neighborhood, and some areas may be safer than others.
Cost of Living and Housing in Lumberton
Housing Costs
Lumberton presents a more affordable housing market compared to many other areas in North Carolina and the nation. The average home value in Lumberton was approximately $149,733 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a slight decrease of 0.1% over the past year, indicating a stable or slightly declining market.
The median list price for homes in Lumberton was $231,667 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). However, other sources indicate a lower median home price, with one report stating the median home price in Lumberton was $143,884 (as reported by Zillow). This discrepancy might be due to different data collection periods or methodologies. The median rental price in Lumberton is approximately $975 per month (as reported by Zillow and Zumper), which is significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow).
Overall Cost of Living
Lumberton is recognized for its affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking to maximize their budget. The cost of living in Lumberton is comfortably below the national average (as reported by an article discussing affordable towns in North Carolina). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, contributing to a lower overall expense for residents.
The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) provides cost of living indices that measure regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services. While specific Lumberton data from C2ER is not readily available in the provided snippets, the general consensus points to a cost of living that is favorable for residents, especially when compared to more expensive urban centers.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Lumberton’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to its job market. Key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Major employers in the area include Southeastern Health, which operates as a significant healthcare system, providing a wide array of medical services (as reported by Zippia). Other notable companies that contribute to employment include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Lowe’s, representing the retail and distribution sectors (as reported by Indeed.com and Lensa).
Manufacturing also plays a vital role, with companies like International Paper, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, and Elkay Southern Corporation being significant employers in the region (as reported by Indeed.com and Robeson County Economic Development). These diverse employers offer a range of job opportunities across various skill levels and industries.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Lumberton has shown fluctuations. As of the most recent data, the unemployment rate was 5.70%, which is lower than the long-term average of 8.29% (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a somewhat stable job market, though it has seen an increase from the previous month and year.
The average annual salary in Lumberton is approximately $45,807, which translates to about $22.02 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Lumberton generally range between $29,000 and $58,150 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level. Some of the higher-paying roles include Gs 9, Crna, and Software Engineer.
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Lumberton experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The average summer high temperature typically reaches the low 90s°F, with July being the hottest month, often seeing highs around 90°F and lows around 72°F (as reported by Lumberton Regional Airport climate data). The cool season lasts for about three months, from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 61°F.
January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 35°F and highs around 54°F (as reported by Lumberton Regional Airport climate data). Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of around 50.83 inches (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020). July tends to be the wettest month, with an average of about 15.7 days experiencing precipitation.
Environmental Factors
The city is situated on the Lumber River, a blackwater river that flows through downtown and is incorporated into the Lumber River State Park. This natural feature offers recreational opportunities and contributes to the region’s natural beauty. The area is also located within the Coastal Plains region of North Carolina.
Lumberton experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. The temperature typically ranges from 35°F to 90°F throughout the year and is rarely below 22°F or above 96°F (as reported by Lumberton Regional Airport climate data).
Education in Lumberton
School Ratings
The public school system in Lumberton is primarily managed by the Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC). Lumberton Senior High School, serving grades 9-12, has an overall Niche grade of C, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that approximately 40% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading.
Other schools in the district, such as Magnolia Elementary School, have received lower ratings. However, the PSRC district as a whole is noted for its diversity, ranking among the top school districts in North Carolina for diversity (as reported by Niche). Alternative educational options like PSRC Early College at RCC and Bladen Early College also serve the community, with Bladen Early College receiving a high Niche rating of 4.67 out of 5.
Educational Opportunities
For higher education, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Robeson Community College are located in the Lumberton area, offering a range of degree programs and vocational training. These institutions contribute to the educational landscape and provide opportunities for residents to pursue advanced studies or career development.
The Public Schools of Robeson County district serves a large student population, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While proficiency rates in math and reading are areas for potential improvement, the district is recognized for its diversity.
Demographics of Lumberton
Population and Diversity
Lumberton has a population of approximately 19,025 residents as of the 2020 Census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant population of African Americans, White residents, and a notable presence of Native American and Hispanic communities. As of the 2020 Census, the racial composition was approximately 39.0% White, 36.7% Black, 12.7% Native American, and smaller percentages of Asian and other races (as reported by Wikipedia).
More recent estimates suggest a population of around 18,859, with the racial breakdown being approximately 40.0% Black, 30.2% White, 12.6% Hispanic, and 12.6% Native American/Other (as reported by Census Dots). This indicates a slight decrease in population since 2020 but a continuing trend of racial diversity, which is considered more diverse than North Carolina overall (as reported by Census Dots).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Lumberton is approximately 35 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The population distribution shows about 23.9% of residents are under the age of 18, and 18.7% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of younger families and a significant senior population.
Lumberton has about 6,901 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 60.2% of these households are families, while the remaining 39.8% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives.