Carrboro, NC Utility & Living Guide

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Carrboro, NC Utility & Living Guide

Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 21,295 at the 2020 census. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian S. Carr.

Last updated: July 1, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1169/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$457,200
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🌤️ Live Weather — Carrboro
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Carrboro
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA)
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Town of Carrboro Solid Waste Services
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1169/mo
2 Bedrooms$1299/mo
3 Bedrooms$1623/mo
Median Home Price$457,200
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Carrboro’s housing market is competitive, with limited inventory driving prices up. Many residents rent due to the high cost of homeownership.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 4.75% + County 2.25% + City 0.5%</p>

North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in education, healthcare, and local retail.
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, traffic congestion, environmental sustainability
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but limited; buses have stroller ramps, but sidewalks vary in quality.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Carrboro Farmers' Market
  • 🎯
    Wilson Park
  • 🎯
    Kidzu Children's Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Northside and Winmore are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Downtown Carrboro is walkable but pricier.

Household Budget Calculator

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📊 Carrboro — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$76,933
🏠 Homeownership Rate
43.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
56.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
11.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.6%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use spikes electricity costs, while mild winters keep heating expenses low.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate is 1.2%, with no local surtaxes specific to Carrboro.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Sidewalks are decent in downtown areas, parks are accessible, but transit options are limited for families.

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