Is Brevard Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brevard

Brevard, North Carolina, nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. This city is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls and proximity to vast national forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Brevard provides a slower pace of life, attracting those who seek tranquility and a strong sense of community.

The city’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings is evident in its designation as an “Art and Art History” destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Brevard’s cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous art galleries, music venues, and annual festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. The presence of Brevard College contributes to the town’s intellectual and cultural dynamism, offering educational opportunities and enriching the local community.

Is it Safe to Live in Brevard?

Brevard, North Carolina, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Brevard is reported to be 31% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). However, other reports indicate that Brevard is not one of the safest communities in America, with a crime rate higher than 67% of North Carolina’s cities and towns (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime in Brevard has a chance of 1 in 399 for an individual to become a victim, equating to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Brevard is reported at 16 per one thousand population, suggesting an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 55.6%, while property crime has increased by 5.8% (according to AreaVibes).

Housing and Cost of Living

Brevard offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The median home value in Brevard is approximately $310,700 (according to Kurby AI), which is significantly below the national median. This affordability contributes to the town’s appeal for those seeking a high quality of life without a substantial financial burden.

The cost of living in Brevard is 4% less expensive than the national average, and 2% more expensive than the average city in North Carolina (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Brevard are more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). The median rent in Brevard is around $1,850 per month (according to Zumper), with a range of $700 to $3,900 for houses. The median listing price for homes in Brevard is approximately $579,500 (according to realtor.com®).

Job Market and Economy

Brevard’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with major sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction (according to Data USA). The average yearly salary in Brevard is approximately $48,140 (according to ReadySetHire), though the median household income is reported as $54,103 (according to Data USA).

Employment in Brevard has seen a slight decline, with a decrease of 3.53% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Brevard is currently 3.70%, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.18% (according to YCharts). Major employers in the area include Transylvania Regional Hospital, Brevard College, and Gaia Herbs (according to Zippia).

Climate and Environment

Brevard experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The average temperature ranges from a low of 25°F in winter to a high of 83°F in summer (according to myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is light, averaging about 7 inches, while total annual precipitation is high at approximately 70 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Brevard are warm, humid, and wet, with July and August often feeling muggy (according to myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data). Winters are cold and can be snowy, with average temperatures around 38.6°F (according to U.S. Climate Data). The city enjoys a moderate amount of sunshine throughout the year, with clear skies peaking in October.

Education and Schools

Brevard, North Carolina, is served by the Transylvania County Schools district, which includes several public schools. Brevard High School is a notable institution, ranking in the top 30% of North Carolina high schools and demonstrating strong performance on End-of-Course exams (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Public schools in Brevard have an average math proficiency score of 51% and a reading proficiency score of 54%, aligning with the North Carolina public school average (according to Niche). The schools in Brevard have an average ranking of 7/10, placing them in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools (according to Niche).

Demographics

Brevard, North Carolina, has an estimated population of around 7,897 residents (according to Census Dots). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up approximately 80.7% of the population, followed by African Americans at 10.3% (according to Census Dots). The median age in Brevard is 50 years old, with a significant portion of the population aged 65 or older (according to Point2Homes and Data USA).

The gender distribution shows that 42.3% of Brevard’s locals are male, and 57.7% are female (according to Point2Homes). The population is largely comprised of U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage of naturalized citizens and non-citizens (according to Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Brevard

Brevard offers numerous advantages, including its stunning natural environment, with proximity to Pisgah National Forest and numerous waterfalls, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts (according to Connestee Falls Realty). The cost of living is relatively affordable, particularly housing costs, which are lower than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).

The town fosters a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking a peaceful retreat. However, Brevard’s crime rate is a concern, with some sources indicating it is higher than the state average for similar-sized towns (according to NeighborhoodScout). Additionally, while the job market offers opportunities, employment has seen a slight decline in recent times (according to Data USA).