Is Havelock Safe, Pros and cons of living in Havelock
Havelock, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and military presence, creating a distinct living experience. Situated near the Atlantic coast and surrounded by natural beauty, the city provides a peaceful setting for its residents. Its close proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point significantly shapes the local economy and community culture, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and providing numerous employment opportunities.
The city’s location also provides access to outdoor recreational activities, with the Croatan National Forest and the Neuse River nearby. This natural environment contributes to a relaxed lifestyle, appealing to those who enjoy nature and a slower pace of life. Havelock is part of the New Bern Metropolitan Statistical Area, offering residents access to a broader range of amenities and services while maintaining its own community identity.
Is it Safe to Live in Havelock?
Crime Rates
Havelock’s overall crime rate is reported to be 16% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, crime statistics can vary significantly by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Havelock ranges from 1 in 19 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 60 in the east part of the city (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Havelock occurs at a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants, which is higher than in most communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 512, while the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 67 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, another report indicates that Havelock has a crime rate that is 28% below the national average, with a violent crime risk of 1 in 294 and a property crime risk of 1 in 31 (according to DoorProfit).
Safety Perceptions
Residents generally consider the east part of Havelock to be the safest area within the city (according to NeighborhoodScout). In contrast, the southeast parts of Havelock experience the most crime incidents, with about 138 per year (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The overall crime rate in Havelock is 32.24 per 1,000 residents annually (according to NeighborhoodScout). The city receives a D+ grade for safety, indicating that its crime rate is higher than the average U.S. city (according to NeighborhoodScout). Havelock ranks in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 29% of cities but less safe than 71% (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living in Havelock
Overall Expenses
The cost of living in Havelock is generally considered more affordable than the national average. One source indicates Havelock is 14% less expensive than the national average and 8% less expensive than the average city in North Carolina (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Another assessment states the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average and 2% lower than the North Carolina average (according to AreaVibes).
However, some data suggests Havelock is one of America’s most expensive cities, with a cost of living 6% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This discrepancy may arise from different calculation methods or the specific categories included in the cost of living index.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Havelock are reported to be more affordable than the average in the United States (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home price in Havelock was $239,000 in March 2026, which is 23.2% lower than the national average (according to Redfin and AreaVibes). Monthly rent prices are reported to be 9.4% higher than the usual rates (according to AreaVibes).
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Havelock, NC, is $480 for a one-bedroom and $916 for a two-bedroom (according to Apartments.com). However, other sources state the average rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Havelock is $1,642 as of May 2026 (according to Zillow and Trulia). Houses for rent in Havelock have an average monthly cost of $1,900 (according to Trulia).
Daily Expenses
Food costs in Havelock are more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs are also more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Healthcare costs in Havelock are comparable to the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
The median household income in Havelock is around $58,408 (according to World Population Review). For households led by residents aged 25 to 44, the median income is $69,817, while those with someone aged 45 to 64 in charge earn $57,298 overall (according to Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The local economy is significantly influenced by the presence of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and Fleet Readiness Center East, which are the largest economic forces in Eastern North Carolina (according to the Havelock Chamber of Commerce). These entities have a substantial economic impact, contributing significantly to employment in the region.
Other notable employers in the area include CarolinaEast Health System, BSH Home Appliances, and Moen, Incorporated (according to Craven County). Retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Food Lion also have a significant presence, providing numerous job opportunities in the service sector.
Employment and Salaries
The most common employment sectors for Havelock residents are Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, and Public Administration (according to Data USA). The most common job groups include Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Management Occupations.
The average annual salary in Havelock is approximately $40,358 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources report the average salary for jobs in Havelock to be $62,135 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert). Salaries can vary widely, with top-paying roles including Pilot, Registered Nurse, and Pharmacist (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Havelock stands at 4.9% (according to Point2Homes). In North Carolina, the unemployment rate was 3.8% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts). This rate represents the percentage of the workforce actively seeking employment but currently without a job.
The labor force participation rate in Havelock is 79.7% for residents aged 16 and older (according to World Population Review). Of the non-military labor force, 28.6% are employed by local, state, and federal government entities (according to World Population Review).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Havelock experiences distinct seasons, with summers that are hot and muggy, and winters that are short, cold, and windy (according to WeatherWorld.com). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 36°F to 90°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 81°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 87°F and lows of 73°F (according to myPerfectWeather and Country Studies). The cool season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 61°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 55°F (according to myPerfectWeather and Country Studies).
Precipitation and Humidity
Annual precipitation in Havelock averages around 59 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Rain falls throughout the year, with August being the wettest month, averaging 6.0 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather and WeatherWorld.com). November is typically the driest month, with about 3.2 inches of rainfall (according to WeatherWorld.com).
The air in Havelock can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from June to September (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives minimal snowfall, with about 1 inch annually (according to myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Population
Population Overview
Havelock has a population of approximately 17,700 residents (according to Data USA). The population has seen a slight decrease, with a decline of -4.26% since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 17,916 (according to World Population Review).
The median age in Havelock is 24.7 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females. For every 100 females, there are approximately 133.6 males (according to World Population Review). The largest age group is between 15 and 24 years old, making up 28.9% of the population (according to Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Havelock includes a majority of White residents, accounting for 60.6% of the population. Black or African American residents make up 16.1%, followed by Asian residents at 4.1% (according to Point2Homes and World Population Review). Other racial groups, including Native American and Pacific Islander populations, are present in smaller percentages.
Hispanic or Latino residents constitute 15.95% of the population (according to World Population Review). Approximately 98.2% of Havelock residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).
Household and Family Structure
Havelock has around 6,000 households, with an average of 2 members per household (according to Point2Homes). Approximately 72.8% of these households are families, while the remaining 27.2% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes).
The median household income in Havelock is $58,408 (according to World Population Review). A significant portion of households, 26.12%, earn more than the national average annually (according to ZoomProspector).
Education and Schools
Havelock High School
Havelock High School is a public school serving grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (according to Niche). The school has an overall Niche grade of B and is ranked #246 out of 470 high schools in North Carolina (according to Carolina School Hub and Niche).
State test scores indicate that 44% of students are proficient in math and 61% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). Parents and students often praise the teachers for being supportive and invested in student success, although some note inconsistencies in teacher engagement (according to Niche).
Elementary and Middle Schools
Havelock Elementary School serves students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (according to Niche). It has an overall Niche grade of B, with 38% of students proficient in math and 46% in reading (according to Niche).
Havelock Middle School, also a public school, serves students in grades 6-8. It has an overall Niche grade of B- and a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (according to Niche).
School District Performance
Havelock is part of the Craven County School District. The district’s schools generally receive mixed reviews, with some schools earning higher ratings than others. For instance, Craven Early College High School has a higher rating than Havelock High School on Niche (according to Niche).
The quality of education in Havelock is a significant factor for families considering a move to the area. While Havelock High School is ranked in the 48th percentile for North Carolina high schools, other schools in the surrounding district may offer different educational experiences (according to Carolina School Hub).