Is Raeford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Raeford

Raeford, North Carolina, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban accessibility, situated in Hoke County. It serves as the county seat and provides a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city’s name itself hints at its heritage, combining syllables from its founders, John McRae and A.A. Williford.

With a population of approximately 4,559 residents as of the 2020 census, Raeford is a community that values its roots while embracing a diverse future. The town is located about 22 miles west of Fayetteville, offering residents convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities, including proximity to Fort Liberty. This strategic location provides a balance between a peaceful residential environment and the conveniences of a larger nearby city.

Is it Safe to Live in Raeford?

Raeford presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. The overall crime rate in Raeford is reported to be higher than the national average, though not among the highest in the country (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While some analyses suggest Raeford’s crime rate is lower than the national average, others indicate it is higher than 61% of North Carolina’s cities and towns (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Raeford is approximately 1 in 65 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime rates in Raeford are considered around the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being about one in 916 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, however, is noted as being above the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at one in 70 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally perceive the eastern part of the city as the safest, with chances of victimization varying by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Raeford offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median property value in Raeford was approximately $201,800 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This is significantly lower than the national median property value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Raeford is around 57.1% (as reported by Data USA).

For those looking to rent, the median rent in Raeford is approximately $1,401 per month (as reported by RentCafe). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $1,895 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper), with a price range from $750 to $3,000. Housing expenses in Raeford are notably lower than the national average, with costs reported to be 39% lower (as reported by PayScale) or even 42.6% lower (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Costs

Raeford’s housing market is characterized by a median listing price of $338,000 (as reported by Home.com), though recent sale data shows a median sale price of $225,000 in March 2026, down 29.1% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value is also reported as $283,115 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This fluctuation in pricing indicates a dynamic market, with some sources suggesting a seller’s market in March 2026 (as reported by Home.com).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Raeford is generally considered to be lower than the national average. PayScale reports Raeford’s cost of living to be 14% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Salary.com also indicates that living in Raeford is less expensive than the national average, with monthly expenses estimated at $1,897 for a single person and $4,349 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

The employment landscape in Raeford is diverse, with key sectors including retail trade, educational services, and accommodation and food services. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Raeford saw a growth rate of 5.47%, increasing the number of employed residents (as reported by Data USA). The most common job categories for Raeford residents include sales and related occupations, education and instruction, and office and administrative support (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary for a full-time position in Raeford was approximately $30,026 as of April 30, 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $14.44 per hour. The median wage in Raeford is reported to be $38,000 per year, with a range that can extend up to $52,600 for the top 75th percentile (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Major Employers

Several companies are significant employers in the Raeford area, contributing to the local economy. These include major retail and service providers such as Costco Wholesale, Walmart, FedEx, and UPS (as listed on Indeed.com). Manufacturing also plays a role, with companies like House of Raeford Farms Inc. being among the larger employers in North Carolina (as noted by NC Commerce).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in North Carolina was 3.7% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This figure represents a slight decrease from the previous month. While specific unemployment data for Raeford is not readily available, the statewide rate provides a general indication of the job market’s health. Historically, unemployment rates can vary by county within North Carolina, with some counties experiencing higher rates than others (as reported by NC Commerce).

Climate and Environment

Raeford experiences a climate typical of the southeastern United States, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and muggy, while winters are short and relatively mild. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of around 30°F in January to a high of about 90°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 48 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 2 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from June to August can be particularly humid, making the air feel uncomfortable (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The most comfortable weather for outdoor activities typically occurs in the spring and fall months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Raeford

Raeford is served by the Hoke County Schools district, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district faces some challenges, with an overall 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Raeford show average math and reading proficiency scores below the North Carolina state averages (as reported by Niche).

However, some schools within Raeford have received higher rankings and positive reviews. Sandhoke Early College High School is frequently highlighted as a top-performing institution within the district and the state (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Despite district-wide challenges, specific schools demonstrate commitment to student success.

Demographics

Raeford’s population is diverse, with a significant presence of both White and African American residents. As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest ethnic group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA). Hispanics or Latinos make up a smaller portion of the population.

The city’s population was recorded at 4,559 at the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Raeford is approximately 37 years, with a relatively balanced distribution across age groups. A notable percentage of residents are 65 years of age or older, indicating a presence of a senior population alongside younger demographics (as reported by Point2Homes).