IncomeBy County

Ashe County, North Carolina

Income Data

-17% vs. North Carolina average
$50,827
Median Household Income
$31,486
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,827
-17% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,486
-20% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#78 / 100
by median household income

How Ashe County Compares

Ashe County$50,827
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,827
Median Household Income
$31,486
Per Capita Income
$221,900
Median Home Value
22.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Ashe County, North Carolina

Ashe's income lags national median by 32%

Ashe County's median household income of $50,827 trails the national median of $74,755 by $23,928, ranking the county in the bottom 30% nationwide. The gap reflects limited economic opportunities in this rural mountain region.

Below-average but not among the worst

At $50,827, Ashe's median household income falls 16.8% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it in the lower third statewide. The county's scenic mountains attract tourism and retirement migrants, but job quality remains uneven.

Outearning poorest peers but lagging wealthier ones

Ashe's $50,827 median income surpasses Alleghany County ($44,272) and Anson County ($44,245) but trails nearby Avery County ($57,657). The variation suggests economic vitality depends heavily on local employer presence and workforce composition.

Housing affordability holds at 18.3%

Ashe's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% remains below the 30% threshold, though it's rising compared to wealthier peers. The median home value of $221,900 actually exceeds the county median income, creating challenges for first-time buyers.

Leverage low housing ratios for wealth growth

With only 18.3% of income going to rent, Ashe households have breathing room to build savings and invest in assets. Starting a modest automatic savings plan—even $50–100 monthly—can provide a financial cushion and lay the groundwork for homeownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ashe County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Ashe County, North Carolina is $50,827, 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 Ashe County?
The per capita income in Ashe County is $31,486, 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 $50,827.
How does Ashe County compare to the North Carolina average?
Ashe County's median household income of $50,827 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $31,486, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Ashe County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Ashe County, North Carolina is $31,486, 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 Ashe County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Ashe County's median household income of $50,827 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $31,486 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 Ashe County rank for income in North Carolina?
Ashe County ranks #78 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,827 and per capita income of $31,486, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Ashe County

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Your income is above the Ashe County median

County median: $50,827 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-17%

vs. National Median

-32%

vs. Ashe County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 17% below
vs. National Median▼ 32% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($4,236) vs. median rent ($774/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Laclede County
Missouri
$50,825
+0%
Lincoln County
Kentucky
$50,862
+0%
Fentress County
Tennessee
$50,865
+0%
DeSoto County
Florida
$50,868
+0%
Cherokee County
Alabama
$50,769
+0%
Covington County
Alabama
$50,886
+0%
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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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