Independent Living in North Carolina

North Carolina Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, independent living communities are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina is considered to be slightly more affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 94
• Groceries: 97
• Housing: 83
• Utilities: 98
• Transportation: 93

Demographics

About 15% of North Carolina’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, North Carolina leaned slightly conservative. However, many of its counties with college towns and larger cities, like Raleigh and Greensboro, tend to be more progressive.

2016 Presidential Election

• 46% voted Democratic
• 50% voted Republican
• 4% voted third party or abstained

Population

• Median age: 39
• Over the age of 55: 29%
• 2018 population: 10,383,620
• 2020 population: 10,612,991
• Estimated 2025 population: 11,208,833

Miscellaneous

• 39% regularly attend a religious service
• 27% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 15,737 congregations
• There are 635 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

North Carolina’s climate is mainly divided into two sections, with most of the state classified as humid subtropical, and the far western area with higher elevations classified as the subtropical highland variety of oceanic climate. This means the state has four distinct seasons including warm summers and cold winters, although temperatures tend to be mild throughout the year and less extreme compared to most of the country. Humidity is usually higher along the state’s eastern border with the Atlantic Ocean, whereas the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains in the western part of state bring slightly cooler temperatures and drier weather.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 71%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 9” (July)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 36 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 45 in April (Good)

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 59F
• Average summer temperature: 76°F
• Typical summer high: 92°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 53°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 41°F
• Typical winter high: 62°F (December)
• Typical winter low: 19°F (January)