Drexel City Demographics

Drexel, located in Burke County, NC, has a population of approximately 1,790. About 49% are male and 51% are female. The median age is around 43 years. Racially, the town is 83% White, 8% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and about 6% Hispanic or Latino. Less than 2% identify as two or more races or other categories.

Drexel City Housing

Drexel, located in Burke County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with a median home value around $140,000, up 6% year-over-year as of 2024. Rentals are limited, with average rents near $900/month. The housing stock mainly includes single-family homes, with some older brick ranches and newer developments. Notable neighborhoods include central Drexel and nearby outskirts. Property tax rates in Burke County are approximately 0.73% of assessed value, translating to about $1,022 annually on a median-priced home. The area is considered affordable compared to state averages, with steady property appreciation.

Education in Drexel City

Drexel, located in Burke County, NC, is served by Burke County Public Schools, including Drexel Elementary and nearby Heritage Middle and Freedom High School. The area has about 3–4 public schools within close proximity, with average school ratings around 6/10 (GreatSchools). Approximately 80% of adults hold a high school diploma, and about 13% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is generally rated above average, with few reported incidents. Educational programs include STEM and extracurricular activities, supporting both academic and personal growth for students. Adult education opportunities are available at nearby Western Piedmont Community College.

Transportation in Drexel City

Drexel, located in Burke County, NC, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 90% of commuters driving alone and less than 1% utilizing public transit (2022 ACS data). The average one-way commute time is about 22 minutes, slightly below the national average. Transportation infrastructure includes access to US Highway 70 and proximity to I-40, facilitating regional travel. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two cars. Public transit options are limited, and major employment hubs are located in nearby Morganton and Hickory, fostering a largely car-dependent commuting culture.

Drexel City Healthcare

Drexel, a small town in Burke County, NC, relies on healthcare services primarily from nearby Morganton, including UNC Health Blue Ridge—Valdese, located about 5 miles away, and several local clinics and family practices. Burke County's uninsured rate was approximately 13% in 2021. The patient population is predominantly White (78%), with about 8% Black and 8% Hispanic residents. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, with about 32% of adults classified as obese. Primary care physician density is about 67 per 100,000 residents, below the national average. Access to specialty care remains limited.

Other Cities in North Carolina