Is Locust Safe, Pros and cons of living in Locust
Is it Safe to Live in Locust?
Locust, North Carolina, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Locust is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes also being well below national figures. In a typical year, the crime rate is reported at 23.68 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade).
Locust ranks in the 51st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 51% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade). The chance of being a victim of crime in Locust varies by neighborhood, with the northwest part of the city considered the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Locust ranges from 1 in 36 in the north neighborhoods to 1 in 50 in the northwest (CrimeGrade).
Housing Costs and Living Expenses
The cost of living in Locust is approximately 1% lower than the U.S. national average as of 2026 (Salary.com). This affordability is largely driven by housing costs, which are about 2% lower than the national average (Salary.com).
The median home value in Locust was around $263,700 (Kurby AI), although another source indicates a median listing price of $419.5K (Zumper). The homeownership rate in Locust is high, at 86.9% (Data USA). For renters, the median rent is approximately $2,195 per month, with single-family homes renting for about $2,095 (Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Employment in Locust has seen growth, with a 10.4% increase from 2023 to 2024, bringing the total number of employees to 2,323 (Data USA). The most common sectors for employment are Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Other Services (Data USA).
The median household income in Locust was reported as $76,504 (Data USA), though a different source lists the median income at $52,551 (Kurby AI). The unemployment rate in Locust is approximately 3.0% (Kurby AI).
Demographics and Population
Locust is home to approximately 5,840 residents (Data USA). The population is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), making up a significant majority (Data USA). The median age in Locust is around 36.2 years (Data USA).
The gender distribution shows that 46.3% of residents are male, and 53.7% are female (Data USA). Locust has 2,193 households, with an average of three members per household (Data USA).
Climate and Environment
Locust, North Carolina, experiences a temperate climate. The average summer high temperature is typically in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, with winter lows often dropping into the 30s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts during the summer months.
The region is not particularly prone to extreme weather events, though like much of the southeastern United States, it can experience occasional thunderstorms and a mild hurricane season. Information on specific average temperatures and rainfall amounts for Locust is not readily available from the provided sources.
Education and Schools
Information regarding school ratings specifically for Locust, North Carolina, is not detailed in the provided search results. However, general information about the community suggests it offers a range of housing and great schools, as noted by the City of Locust official website.
For context, Locust Grove, Georgia, has public schools with an average math proficiency score of 22% and a reading proficiency score of 30% (Niche). Locust Fork Elementary School in Alabama is rated as above average, with 68% of students proficient in math and 74% in reading (Niche).
Major Employers
Major employers in Locust, North Carolina, include large retail chains and service providers. Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and CVS Health are among the companies with a presence in the area (Indeed.com).
The United States Postal Service and Food Lion are also listed as significant employers. These companies offer a variety of employment opportunities across different sectors within the community.