North Carolina Homeowners Pay Some of the Lowest Insurance Costs In The Country, But Hike Is In The Works

"North Carolina homeowners pay some of the lowest average insurance premiums in the Southeast, even though the state has significant coastal exposure to hurricanes and flooding. While national costs are rising sharply, new data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Realtor.com® 2025 Climate Risk Report show that North Carolina households remain relatively insulated from the steepest increases. But that has already started to change as local officials have made strides to police increases, but encourage them all the same."

"According to the American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau , North Carolina homeowners with a mortgage typically pay $1,000-$1,499 annually for homeowners insurance, while those without a mortgage average the same $1,000-$1,499. Overall statewide costs also fall into the $1,000-$1,499 range. North Carolina has 3,138,607 insured homeowner households in total-1,870,321 with a mortgage and 1,268,286 without. Among mortgaged owners, 144,552 pay less than $100 annually and 101,777 pay $4,000 or more. Among those without a mortgage, 236,523 pay less than $100 and 54,013 pay $4,000 or more."

"Compared with nearby states, North Carolina is among the more affordable. South Carolina homeowners also average $1,000-$1,499 regardless of mortgage status. Georgia trends slightly higher, with mortgaged households paying $1,500-$1,999. Virginia averages $1,000-$1,499, while Florida homeowners face much higher costs, averaging $2,000-$2,499 with a mortgage. This makes North Carolina one of the more affordable states in the Southeast, despite its Atlantic coastline. Despite today's lower premiums, climate exposure looms large. The 2025 Realtor.com Climate Risk Report shows that North Carolina homes face severe hurricane wind threats, joining markets like Miami, Houston, New York, and Tampa at the top of the national rankings."

Homeowners in North Carolina typically pay $1,000–$1,499 annually for homeowners insurance whether they have a mortgage or not. The state counts 3,138,607 insured homeowner households, including 1,870,321 with a mortgage and 1,268,286 without. A portion of homeowners pay very low premiums (under $100) while others pay $4,000 or more. North Carolina is more affordable than several neighboring states, with Florida notably higher for mortgaged homeowners. Local officials have both policed and encouraged rate increases. North Carolina homes face severe hurricane wind threats and rank among high-risk national markets.

Read at SFGATE