Is Piney Green Safe, Pros and cons of living in Piney Green

Piney Green, North Carolina, offers a blend of suburban and rural characteristics, making it an appealing location for many. Situated in Onslow County, this census-designated place (CDP) is part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area. It presents a community feel with a diverse population and a growing economy, attracting individuals and families alike.

The area boasts a generally mild climate, though summers can be warm and humid. Piney Green provides a lifestyle that balances proximity to urban amenities with access to natural surroundings. Understanding the various facets of life in Piney Green is key for anyone considering a move to this North Carolina community.

Is it Safe to Live in Piney Green?

Piney Green’s overall crime rate is reported to be slightly higher than the national average, with a crime grade of C- (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with fewer incidents reported there compared to the south neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 26 in the south to 1 in 38 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

While the overall crime rate is a consideration, it’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate. Year-over-year, crime in Piney Green has seen a decrease (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $480 annually, which is slightly above the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crimes are reported to be 7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Crime Statistics Overview

The crime rate in Piney Green stands at 31.10 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are noted as common concerns within the community (as reported by DoorProfit). While specific FBI crime report data for Piney Green itself is not always available, broader data for the Jacksonville area indicates a moderate level of crime typical for mid-sized cities (as reported by DoorProfit).

The murder rate in Piney Green is approximately 0.0783 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents tend to view the northeast part of the city as the safest in terms of murder rates (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). It is important to remember that crime maps and statistics are tools to help residents stay informed and vigilant, rather than definitive predictors of personal safety.

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

Within Piney Green, perceptions of safety can vary by neighborhood. The northwest areas are frequently cited as being among the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the southeast parts of Piney Green tend to see a higher number of reported incidents when looking at total crime counts (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

For students in Piney Green, a majority feel safe, with 67% expressing that they generally feel safe despite some concerns (as reported by Niche). A smaller portion, 33%, reports feeling very safe with no safety concerns (as reported by Niche). This indicates a generally positive, though not universally alarm-free, perception of safety among the student population.

Cost of Living and Housing in Piney Green

The cost of living in Piney Green is considered to be relatively affordable, ranking 171st out of 512 places in North Carolina for its low cost of living (as reported by Niche). Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living. The median home value in Piney Green was $227,600 in 2024, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Piney Green are also noted to be below the national average. The median rent across all bedroom counts and property types was $1,300 as of April 2026, which is 33% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This makes renting a more accessible option for many residents compared to the national market.

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Piney Green is described as somewhat competitive. The median sale price of a home in Piney Green was $319,000 in March 2026, marking a 25.0% increase since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Piney Green typically sell after about 73 days on the market, which is longer than the average in the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

The homeownership rate in Piney Green is 66.4%, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a community where a significant portion of residents own their homes. The vacancy rate in the Piney Green North neighborhood is 13.0%, which is above the U.S. average for neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Rental Market Insights

Rental prices in Piney Green have seen some fluctuation. The average rent price was $870 last month, showing a decrease of $146 month-over-month as of March 2024 (as reported by Redfin). This downward trend in rental prices offers potential affordability for renters in the immediate term.

A one-bedroom apartment in Piney Green averages around $950, while a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,075 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Piney Green tend to be more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $1,300 (as reported by Zumper). These figures provide a general idea of rental costs for different living situations.

Job Market and Employment in Piney Green

Piney Green’s economy is influenced by its proximity to military installations and the broader economic landscape of North Carolina. The average salary in Piney Green was approximately $60,635 per year as of April 2026, which translates to about $29.15 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This average salary falls within a range, with most salaries falling between $43,630 and $79,284 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Employment in Piney Green has seen growth, with a rate of 0.78% from 2023 to 2024, increasing the number of employed residents from 5.64k to 5.69k (as reported by Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Industries

The Department of Defense is a significant employer in the Jacksonville area, which includes Piney Green, due to the presence of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (as reported by Livability.com). This military presence drives employment not only for service members but also for government employees and contract workers (as reported by Livability.com). Other key employers in the broader Jacksonville region include the Onslow County Board of Education and Onslow Memorial Hospital (as reported by Livability.com).

In terms of industries, Retail Trade is a major employer in Piney Green, followed by Accommodation & Food Services and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA). The professional landscape also includes roles in Sales & Related Occupations and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Unemployment and Salary Insights

While specific unemployment data for Piney Green is not always detailed separately, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has been reported. As of January 2026, the unemployment rate in North Carolina was 3.7% (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). The average annual salary in Piney Green is around $60,635, with a median wage of $57,000 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The salary range for most positions in Piney Green typically falls between $43,630 and $79,284 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This indicates a varied job market with opportunities across different pay scales and experience levels.

Climate and Weather in Piney Green

Piney Green experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from a low of 33°F to a high of 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of 59 inches, with snowfall being minimal, around 1 inch per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The summer months, from June to September, can feel uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 56°F and lows of 33°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Precipitation Patterns

The average temperature in Piney Green fluctuates throughout the year. The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 81°F (as reported by Weather-Forecast.com). The cool season typically lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F (as reported by Weather-Forecast.com).

Piney Green experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with an average of 59 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). September typically sees the most precipitation, averaging around 8 inches for the month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wetter season lasts from late May to mid-September, with a greater than 36% chance of a wet day (as reported by Weather-Forecast.com).

Seasonal Weather Considerations

The best times of year to visit Piney Green for comfortable weather are generally considered to be from mid-March to May and again from October to November (as reported by myPerfectWeather). These periods offer milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, making outdoor activities more pleasant (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

During the summer, high humidity can make the heat feel more intense. Conversely, winter months are cooler, with January being the coldest month (as reported by Weather-Forecast.com). The area experiences a wet season and a drier season, with November usually having the fewest wet days (as reported by Weather-Forecast.com).

Education and Schooling in Piney Green

Piney Green is served by the Onslow County School District, which generally receives positive reviews. The public schools in Piney Green are considered to be above average (as reported by Niche). This suggests a commitment to providing quality education within the community.

Several schools in and around Piney Green have received notable ratings. Onslow Early College High School, for instance, has earned an A+ rating with a score of 4.78 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Other schools like Swansboro High School and Morton Elementary School also serve the student population, with varying reviews and ratings (as reported by Niche).

Public School Performance

The Onslow County School District, which serves Piney Green, is recognized for its overall performance. The district itself has a Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). This reflects a solid educational system with a large number of schools and students.

Specific elementary schools in the area, such as Morton Elementary School and Queens Creek Elementary School, are part of the district’s offerings (as reported by Niche). These schools are evaluated based on state test scores, student-teacher ratios, and diversity, among other factors (as reported by Niche).

School District Overview

Onslow County Schools operates numerous educational facilities, catering to a large student population. The district encompasses elementary, middle, and high schools, providing a comprehensive educational path for students (as reported by Livability.com). The district’s performance is a key factor for families considering a move to the area.

The commitment to education is evident in the district’s efforts to provide quality schooling. While individual school ratings can vary, the overall system is regarded as above average (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population of Piney Green

Piney Green is a census-designated place (CDP) with a population of approximately 14,078 residents as of recent estimates (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a slight decrease from the 2020 Census figure of 14,386 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Piney Green is around 30.1 years, with a slightly younger median age for males (27.8 years) compared to females (32.3 years) (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Piney Green is diverse. White residents make up a significant portion, though the community has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census (as reported by Piney Green Dots). Hispanic and Black or African American residents also form substantial demographic groups within the CDP.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Recent data indicates that White residents constitute about 48.9% of Piney Green’s population, while Black or African American residents make up approximately 18.9% (as reported by Piney Green Dots). Hispanic residents represent about 18.7% of the population (as reported by Piney Green Dots). The community also includes smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and multiracial individuals.

Piney Green is noted to be more diverse than North Carolina overall (as reported by Piney Green Dots). The multiracial population, in particular, has grown significantly, increasing its share of the total population (as reported by Piney Green Dots). This increasing diversity contributes to the unique character of the community.

Age Distribution and Household Characteristics

The median age in Piney Green is 30.1 years (as reported by World Population Review). A notable portion of the population, 27.4%, is under the age of 18, while 9.8% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This indicates a relatively young population with a substantial number of families.

The average household size is approximately 2.77 people (as reported by Wikipedia). In terms of household composition, a significant percentage of households include children under 18 (38.1%) (as reported by Wikipedia). Married-couple households are the most common, followed by households with a female householder and no husband present (as reported by Wikipedia).