Looking for a peaceful small town with great weather, friendly neighbors, and Southern hospitality? Then you’ll love living in Claremont NC.
Claremont is known for its peaceful small-town feel with quick access to Hickory and Charlotte. Residents living in Claremont NC enjoy a close-knit community, affordable housing, and nearby outdoor recreation, making it an ideal spot for families and retirees alike.
The small city in central Catawba County was initially known as Charlotte Crossing, later as Setzer Depot, and then as Claremont in 1892. They named it after Clare Sigmon, the daughter of one of the area’s early settlers. Its official incorporation came in 1892.
Today, Claremont is a good place to live for anyone seeking a laid-back pace of life with access to nearby amenities. Are you convinced that this is the ideal community for you? Here is everything you should know before moving to Claremont, North Carolina.
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Where Is Claremont NC?
Claremont is in central Catawba County within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s in a very central location with access to several major highways, which is ideal for commuters living in Claremont NC.
US Route 70 passes through the center of Claremont while I-40 passes through north of the town, leading to Hickory in the west and Statesville in the east. Nearby communities include Conover, Newton, Witherspoon Crossroad, Catawba, Sharon, and more.
It’s 45 miles or a 1 hour and 12 minute drive from Claremont, NC to Charlotte, NC.
Claremont Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Claremont population is 1,692. More and more people are coming to understand all the amazing benefits of living in Claremont NC, and the population increased by 25% between 2010 and 2020. Although it still maintains its small-town charm with a spacious, rural character, the population density is only 717 residents per square mile.
It’s primarily families living in Claremont NC. In town, 27% of residents are children under 18, and 30% are between the ages of 40 and 60. Married couples also make up 57% of households.
It isn’t the most diverse community, although it does have a growing Hispanic population that greatly contributes to the local culture.
The racial and ethnic makeup of people living in Claremont NC is 81% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 4% two or more races.
Other Claremont Demographics
- The median household income among those living in Claremont NC is $59,583, which is 20% lower than the rest of North Carolina
- The Claremont NC population is exactly 50% male and 50% female
- The median age is 40.3 years.
- 92.1% of residents living in Claremont NC have graduated high school, and 25.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 1.5%
Is living in Claremont NC safe? One of the major advantages of moving to such a peaceful small town is its low crime rate. The total Claremont crime rate is 811 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 64% lower than the rest of the county and 67% lower than the North Carolina crime rate.
- Property crime in Claremont is 64% lower than the rest of the country
- Violent crime is 65% lower than the national average
- Your chances of experiencing crime are 1 in 124, making it safer than 72% of cities in the US
The Claremont Police Department is responsible for crime prevention, assisted by nine full-time and two part-time employees.
Cost of Living in Claremont NC
Another benefit of living in Claremont NC is the low cost of living. One way to assess the cost of living in an area is to reference the cost of living index. It compares the prices of normal consumer goods to the country overall.
The COLI for Charlotte is 98.9, indicating it’s slightly less expensive than the typical US city. However, the Claremont cost of living is even lower than that, as real estate prices are especially affordable.
The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It shows that a typical family of four, with two adults and two children, would need to earn $91,304 to afford the cost of living in Claremont NC.
Typical expenses of living in Claremont NC:
- Meal for two at a moderately priced restaurant: $70.00
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.33
- Regular cappuccino: $5.62
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.65
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $2.97
- Average Claremont monthly utility bill: $157.00
Claremont real estate is especially affordable. Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Claremont, NC is $271,000. That makes Claremont, NC, real estate 37% less expensive than the rest of the US. The median price per square foot of Claremont homes is $214.
Although most people living in Claremont NC are homeowners, renters will also find a variety of options. Census data shows that 60% of homes are owner-occupied and 40% are rented out.
Rentcafe indicates that you won’t find any large-scale buildings with more than 50 units, but 71% of apartments are small-scale units, and 25% are single-family homes. While exact rent prices for Claremont are not available, rent in the area starts around $1,000 for a 1-bedroom and goes up to $1800 for three or more bedrooms.
Claremont Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Claremont
As a small, predominantly rural community with a modest population, Claremont lacks distinct neighborhoods. The town’s city center is a centrally located area featuring local businesses and modest single-family homes that attract numerous working families.
Regardless of where you choose to settle, living in Claremont NC offers a calm environment and a low cost of living. The most desirable communities tend to be in the northwest, while the most affordable tend to be in the west.
Claremont Weather & Climate
The mild weather is also a major benefit of living in Claremont NC. The Claremont climate is classified as humid subtropical according to the Köppen Classification system, which means hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters.
Temperatures typically range from approximately 31°F to 88°F, although winter temperatures can drop as low as 19°F, and summer temperatures can reach as high as 94°F. The best time to visit anyone living in Claremont NC is usually either May and June or August through October.
Although rare, it does get about 3 inches of snow every year. However, be prepared for rain if you plan on moving to Claremont, North Carolina, as it averages 45 inches annually. That means you’re smart to pack an umbrella and maybe snow boots.
Things to Do in Claremont
Although it’s a relatively small, rural community, you’ll still find plenty of fun things to do in Claremont. The best shopping options for those living in Claremont NC can be found at the Shoppes at Rivercrest, Valley Hills Mall, and Lake Lookout Market. Beyond shopping, here are a few of the top Claremont attractions you can check out today.
Claremont City Park
Claremont City Park, located on East Main Street, is a local community park that features a playground, picnic areas, mature trees, a basketball court, walking paths, and restrooms. It’s one of the best things to do in Claremont, NC for families looking for a weekend outing.
3430 E Main St, Claremont, NC 28610
Murray’s Mill Historic Site
Murray’s Mill Historic Site is a national historic district located near Catawba, featuring more than 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with guided and self-guided tours available for history lovers living in Claremont NC.
1489 Murrays Mill Rd, Catawba, NC 28609 (828) 241-4299
Rock Barn Country Club and Spa
Rock Barn Country Club and Spa is an upscale members-only club featuring an award-winning golf course, a European-style spa, a Fresh chef cafe, and other exclusive amenities for affluent residents living in Claremont NC.
3805 Club House Drive Northeast, Conover, NC 28613 (828) 459-1125
Additional Attractions in Claremont, NC
Searching for more fun things to do in Claremont? The city’s Parks, Recreation, and Events Department maintains a list of community events and public parks where you can go camping, hiking, fishing, or simply spend time in nature.
Claremont Restaurants
Looking to grab a bite to eat after moving to Claremont, North Carolina? You’ll find a variety of delicious restaurants in Claremont, NC, offering everything from breakfast food to burgers. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Claremont, NC, for you to review.
Claremont Cafe
Claremont Cafe is a laid-back eatery and one of the best restaurants in Claremont, offering hand-formed burgers and crispy French fries in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
4879 S Depot St, Claremont, NC 28610 (828) 459-2190
The Hen & Egg
The Hen and Egg is a popular breakfast spot located in the adjacent town of Newton, serving everything from French Toast to chicken and biscuits in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for anyone living in Claremont NC looking for brunch options
204 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658 (828) 994-4159
Waterside Bar and Grille
Situated on the banks of Lake Norman, Waterside Bar and Grille is a laid-back bar popular among locals living Claremont NC with a deck overlooking the water serving wings, tacos, and other classics, plus live music.
7774 Hudson Chapel Rd, Catawba, NC 28609 (828) 229-7790
Jobs in Claremont
Job seekers living in Claremont NC will find stable employment. Its economy is mainly supported by manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. It’s home to a packing facility operated by WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. Westrock recently announced an expansion of its facility, projected to create more than 50 new jobs in Claremont, NC, over the next three years.
CommScope, a major manufacturer of networking infrastructure cables, is also located in Claremont, along with notable firms such as Carpenter Company, Dover Corporation, and HSM Solutions.
The largest employers in Catawba County include:
- Corning Optical Company
- CommScope
- Pierre Foods
- GKN ePowerTrain
- Century Furniture
According to the county’s official website, the average income in Catawba County is $43,920, with an average wage of $16.55 per hour. From dispatch administrators to digital advertisers, you’ll find a wide range of fantastic Claremont jobs available by searching local ads. You can even find fantastic city of Claremont jobs with the local government. Alternatively, tools like Remote.com offer access to remote roles across the US if you’re struggling to find employment locally.
Claremont Schools
Kids living in Claremont NC will get a great education. Catawba County Schools is the Claremont school district, operating 28 schools in total. There are two elementary schools in Claremont: Claremont Elementary, which serves students living in Claremont NC from pre-K through 5th grade, and Oxford Elementary, which serves students from pre-K through 6th grade. Mill Creek Middle School and River Bend Middle School both serve 7th and 8th grades.
Bunker Hill is the only high school in Claremont, NC, which is fairly well respected and ranks within the top 70% of high schools in the state. There are approximately 15 private schools in Claremont, NC. Some of the most notable include Northpoint Christian Academy, Arthur Morgan School, and Charlotte Preparatory School.
The closest institution of higher learning is Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, a public school offering associate’s degrees and workforce training. Residents living in Claremont NC can also visit the local branch of the Catawba County Public Library System to borrow books and other media.
Claremont Statistics & Information
- Claremont County: Catawba County
- Claremont area: 2.85 square miles
- Claremont zip code: 28610
- Claremont area code(s): 828
- Claremont elevation: 961 ft
- Claremont time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and 5)
- Closest airport to Claremont: The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 42.2 miles away.
Claremont NC Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Claremont NC with this map.
Thinking About Moving to Claremont, North Carolina?
Ready to settle down in this peaceful town and find out firsthand what living in Claremont NC is really like? When you’re ready to plan your relocation, you can trust the Charlotte movers at Make a Move for an easy, stress-free moving day. Call (704) 378-8588 today for a free quote.
