Cullowhee, North Carolina

Geography Cullowhee is located at 35°18'35" North, 83°11'1" West (35.309704, -83.183726)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 9.4 km² (3.6 mi²). 9.4 km² (3.6 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 3,579 people, 716 households, and 272 families residing in the community. The population density is 379.6/km² (983.1/mi²). There are 823 housing units at an average density of 87.3/km² (226.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the community is 88.91% White, 7.24% African American, 0.95% Native American, 1.34% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 716 households out of which 17.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.1% are married couples living together, 7.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 61.9% are non-families. 35.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.01 and the average family size is 2.72.

In the town the population is spread out with 5.9% under the age of 18, 72.8% from 18 to 24, 11.0% from 25 to 44, 7.0% from 45 to 64, and 3.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 21 years. For every 100 females there are 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.4 males.

The median income for a household in the community is $19,688, and the median income for a family is $36,538. Males have a median income of $26,161 versus $16,607 for females. The per capita income for the town is $10,017. 41.5% of the population and 25.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 37.3% are under the age of 18 and 9.6% are 65 or older.

Climate Located in a thermal valley, Cullowhee enjoys typically a rather mild winter season. In the summer, temperatures can reach up into the mid 90s on average.

Colleges and Universities

• Western Carolina University (WCU)