IncomeBy County

Avery County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-6% vs. North Carolina average
$57,657
Median Household Income
$33,899
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,657
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,899
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#57 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Avery County Compares

Avery County$57,657
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,657
Median Household Income
$33,899
Per Capita Income
$233,200
Median Home Value
24.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Avery County

Income Verdict

Avery County has a median household income of $57,657 and per capita income of $33,899 — a gap of $23,758, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $791/month and a median household income of $57,657, rent consumes approximately 16.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $57,657, residents of Avery County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $33,899 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Avery County earns approximately 5.6% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Avery County, North Carolina

Avery earns less than national average

Avery County's median household income of $57,657 trails the national median of $74,755 by $17,098, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. Still, the county performs better than roughly 35% of American counties.

Slightly below North Carolina average

Avery's $57,657 median household income falls 5.6% below the state average of $61,072, ranking it in the middle-to-lower range among North Carolina counties. The county benefits from pockets of tourism and small-business activity.

Among region's stronger earners

Avery's $57,657 median income exceeds Ashe County ($50,827), Alleghany County ($44,272), and Anson County ($44,245), though it lags Alamance ($64,445) and Alexander ($65,268). The county's mountain setting and outdoor economy support more stability than its poorest rural neighbors.

Balanced housing costs at 16.5%

Avery's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% signals healthy housing affordability, with families dedicating only one-sixth of income to rent. However, the median home value of $233,200 exceeds the county median income, reflecting property value pressures from tourism and retiree migration.

Stable foundation for long-term investing

Avery's favorable rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% frees up money for retirement and investment accounts. Households should consider opening or maximizing contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs to build generational wealth and combat the county's below-average income position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Avery County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Avery County, North Carolina is $57,657, 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 Avery County?
The per capita income in Avery County is $33,899, 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 $57,657.
How does Avery County compare to the North Carolina average?
Avery County's median household income of $57,657 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $33,899, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Avery County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Avery County, North Carolina is $33,899, 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 Avery County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Avery County's median household income of $57,657 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $33,899 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 Avery County rank for income in North Carolina?
Avery County ranks #57 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,657 and per capita income of $33,899, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Avery County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Avery County median

County median: $57,657 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-23%

vs. Avery County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average▼ 6% below
vs. National Median▼ 23% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($4,805) vs. median rent ($791/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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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