Beaufort County, North Carolina

Income Data

-5% vs. North Carolina average
$57,997
Median Household Income
$33,912
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,997
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,912
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#56 / 100
by median household income

How Beaufort County Compares

Beaufort County$57,997
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,997
Median Household Income
$33,912
Per Capita Income
$181,200
Median Home Value
32.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Beaufort County, North Carolina

Beaufort's median income lags U.S. by 22%

Beaufort County's median household income of $57,997 trails the national median of $74,755 by $16,758, ranking it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The county's coastal economy depends heavily on agriculture, seafood, and government employment.

Slightly below state average

At $57,997, Beaufort's median household income falls 5.0% short of North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it in the middle-to-lower band statewide. The county's economic structure has shifted from manufacturing to services and agriculture.

Comparable to Avery and Ashe counties

Beaufort's $57,997 median income aligns closely with Avery County ($57,657) and Ashe County ($50,827), suggesting similar rural economic challenges. All three counties lag wealthier, more industrialized peers in the piedmont region.

Healthy housing affordability at 17.8%

Beaufort's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% reflects manageable housing costs, with families spending less than one-fifth of income on rent. The median home value of $181,200 is more accessible than wealthier counties, supporting homeownership opportunities.

Build savings on stable rural foundation

With 17.8% of income available after housing costs, Beaufort households can prioritize consistent savings and modest investment contributions. Automation—setting up regular transfers to savings or investment accounts—makes wealth-building easier even on moderate incomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Beaufort County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Beaufort County, North Carolina is $57,997, 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 Beaufort County?
The per capita income in Beaufort County is $33,912, 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 $57,997.
How does Beaufort County compare to the North Carolina average?
Beaufort County's median household income of $57,997 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $33,912, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Beaufort County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Beaufort County, North Carolina is $33,912, 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 Beaufort County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Beaufort County's median household income of $57,997 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $33,912 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 Beaufort County rank for income in North Carolina?
Beaufort County ranks #56 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,997 and per capita income of $33,912, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Beaufort County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Beaufort County median

County median: $57,997 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-22%

vs. Beaufort County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average5% below
vs. National Median22% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

Your monthly income ($4,833) vs. median rent ($859/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Beaufort County, North Carolina? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in North Carolina

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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