IncomeBy County

Alleghany County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-28% vs. North Carolina average
$44,272
Median Household Income
$33,059
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,272
-28% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,059
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#94 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Alleghany County Compares

Alleghany County$44,272
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,272
Median Household Income
$33,059
Per Capita Income
$199,000
Median Home Value
22.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Alleghany County

Income Verdict

Alleghany County has a median household income of $44,272 and per capita income of $33,059 — a gap of $11,213, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $755/month and a median household income of $44,272, rent consumes approximately 20.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $44,272 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $33,059 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Alleghany County earns approximately 27.5% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Alleghany County, North Carolina

Alleghany's income lags national standard

Alleghany County's median household income of $44,272 falls $30,483 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. This significant gap reflects a struggling rural economy with limited job diversification.

Among North Carolina's lowest-income counties

Alleghany's $44,272 median household income ranks well below the state average of $61,072, trailing by 27.5% and placing it among the state's most economically challenged counties. Population decline and job losses have compounded the pressure on household earnings.

Struggling alongside other rural peers

Alleghany's $44,272 median income closely mirrors Anson County ($44,245) and underperforms wealthier neighbors like Alamance County ($64,445) and Alexander County ($65,268). The deep rural divide across the region is stark and persistent.

Rising rent strain at 20.5%

Alleghany's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% signals growing housing pressure, with typical families dedicating over one-fifth of income to rent alone. The median home value of $199,000 remains unaffordable for many households earning below the county median.

Prioritize emergency funds and job training

With limited financial cushion, Alleghany households should focus on building 3–6 months of emergency savings before investing elsewhere. Investing in job training, trade certifications, and upskilling offers the highest return—potentially unlocking better-paying opportunities within or beyond the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Alleghany County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Alleghany County, North Carolina is $44,272, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Alleghany County?
The per capita income in Alleghany County is $33,059, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $44,272.
How does Alleghany County compare to the North Carolina average?
Alleghany County's median household income of $44,272 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $33,059, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Alleghany County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Alleghany County, North Carolina is $33,059, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Alleghany County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Alleghany County's median household income of $44,272 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $33,059 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Alleghany County rank for income in North Carolina?
Alleghany County ranks #94 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,272 and per capita income of $33,059, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Alleghany County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Alleghany County median

County median: $44,272 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-28%

vs. National Median

-41%

vs. Alleghany County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 28% below
vs. National Median▼ 41% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.9x

Your monthly income ($3,689) vs. median rent ($755/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$44,259
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$44,290
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Anson County
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$44,245
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Marengo County
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$44,205
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Reynolds County
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$44,357
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Lanier County
Georgia
$44,361
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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